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I'm siding with the naysayers on this one. Shanghai Cafe used to be my default spot when I just wanted some fast, cheap xiao long bao (dressed in neon glow). Never deviated much from the XLB, as everyone else mentioned. I stopped going as often when their xiao long bao became inconsistent. Compared to Joe's Shanghai, which I frankly think is a fine bet compared to others in the area, Shanghai Cafe's XLB skins are way too thick now.

Also, has anyone else noticed their "secret" Chinese-only part of the menu?

Miette might be one of the cutest bakeries I've ever been to (and trust me, I've made my rounds). Locally, it might have to be Two Little Red Hens. Such a neighborhood feel. Or maybe it's that rich cheesecake swaying my opinion. Either way...

I bought heart shaped rice molds just for bento-making. I plan to have a lot of fun with that.

And maybe I'll add in some nutritious things like veggies too.

Definitely my favorite neighborhood spot, but I can never get there before they close at 2pm. Good thing Gorilla coffee down the street carries their baked goods until they run out for the day. Worth going out of your way for their Pumpkin Apple Muffin with that impeccable crispy and lightly sugared top.

Nice running into you there, Joe! Didn't you mention something about the Dragon Pullman Toast with Master Fat? According to the staff, it's healthier than it sounds.

Nice catch! I never get tired of worldwide cupcake-ification, especially when combined with a shout-out to NY. "Chocolate-Chocolate Chelsea" is probably alliteration, and Vanilla Soho because, I dunno, it's the safest crowd-pleaser? Otherwise it might've been "Vanilla West Village" as a tribute to Magnolia.

I'm more amused and disheartened by the fact that McDonald's now carries cupcakes. Then again, Taco Bell was more of a surprise ( http://bit.ly/dbm9nJ ).

Actually, SE:NY's current The Vegetarian Option featured restaurant, Dirt Candy, can make pretty much their entire menu vegan. They are only open for dinner though. Still, worth keeping in mind if you're up for a nice dinner option.

For lunch, I've been frequenting Atlas Cafe (not Little Atlas) for years, before I even knew much about veganism. I also noticed most of these places are clustered around the same area. Is location a concern for you?

I recently ate there on Valentine's Day (though I ordered a la carte), so it was after Marco Canora left, I believe. We got the spinach lasagna, pumpkin tortelli, and a lamb roulade that was on the dry side. Sadly, none of the dessert descriptions interested my sugar-obsessed self that day.

Overall, it was a fine meal, though it doesn't make me want to run back to midtown for a repeat visit. Even though he left, I don't think that fact alone makes a restaurant slip down the drain. Whether or not it's "better or worse", I don't have a basis of comparison. Hope my two cents helped anyways.

Tiramisu. That baby takes too much care to make all the time.

I plan to go with my parents to Chinatown in the morning or on Christmas even, get a bunch of ingredients, and cook at home on Christmas day. :)

Wafels & Dinges! Sweet guys, sweet treats. Although the late Dessert Truck would've been my top vote.

I'm hoping for a lovely evening with my family all together in the same place. And maybe some Christmas cupcakes. :)