629128 Thu Jun 18 12:20:14 -0700 2009 2 18 Manhattan 0 4785064 My husband and I had lunch at Parlor Steakhouse recently and, while everything we had was very good, as usual, my dessert warrants special mention. It was rice pudding, but with a big twist. It was served in a good-sized bowl, and topped with a sprinkling of crisped rice, then treated like a creme brulee, and a scoop of creme fraiche ice cream. The first spoonful was such a happy experience - the cold ice cream, the crunch and sweet and just-torched hot surface, and the cool and creamy, not-overly-sweet rice pudding. Next dip of the spoon, to the bottom of the bowl, was even better because the rice pudding was covering a base of rhubarb compote. I don't know if this is a seasonal dish - cause it's rhubarb season - or if it was always on the menu and I'd just never noticed it before. All I can say is this: run, don't walk, to Parlor and, whatever else you have, save room for that dessert! Thu Jun 18 12:20:14 -0700 2009 10787 Deenso 1 4785068 My husband and I went once soon after they opened, I remember the dessert was the best course we had - peach beignets, if I recall correctly. Thu Jun 18 12:21:56 -0700 2009 4785064 10985 MMRuth 2 4817150 I had some great rice pudding in Rice to Riches, 37 Spring St New York, NY 10012 Ph: +1 212.274.0008 A funky, quirky place, sort of like a gelateria selling rice puddings. They've taken the dowdy rice pudding and given it a sensational makeover with flavours like Take me to Tiramisu" and " Man-made Mascarpone" and toppings ranging from Nudge ( chilled espresso with cocoa) and Mischief ( Buttery Graham Crackers) to Remedy ( caramel vanilla sauce) and Heartthrob ( raspberry jelly). http://goodfood65.blogspot.com/2009/05/rice-to-riches-in-nolita-new-york-city.html Tue Jun 30 01:01:16 -0700 2009 4785068 187295 happyhours