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I remember being a little kid and going to a birthday party and being served ice cream and cake and smooshing them together into a mouthwatering mélange; it might have been my first exposure to synergy – when the combined value of two components is greater than the sum of their individual parts.

What could be better? Glad you asked.

Think of Vara Juice’s Milk Cakes like tres leches cake by way of Türkiye; each piece lounges in a pool of milk but the creative toppings are what set them apart. They offer six over-the-top varieties boasting fanciful names like Bunduqino, Mango Qashtouta, Sharqi Crunch, Mawzella, and Magic Carnival. Pictured here is Dubai Chocolate with its crunchy pistachio topping. And they taste even better than they look, if that’s possible.

A view from the inside:

Needless to say, this is just one of the treats we’ll savor on my “Flavors of Little Levant in Bay Ridge” ethnojunket. To sign up for this or any of my food tours, please visit my ethnojunkets page.

I’m looking forward to introducing you to my favorite neighborhoods!
 
 
Stay safe, be well, and eat whatever it takes! ❤