Saturday, April 28, 2007

Junior's Cheesecake

Almost everyone who has tasted Junior's cheesecake says it is the best cheesecake in world. The company, started by Harry Rosen, began as a humble diner in downtown Brooklyn in 1929. The name of the diner was changed to Junior's in 1950 after Harry's children, Walter and Marvin, took over the business. Today, Junior's is a successful mail order business selling cheesecakes and other pastries, in addition to its original diner in Brooklyn and two new restaurants in Times Square and Grand Central Station.

When I used to work in downtown Brooklyn, I would occasionally stop by the original Junior's diner to get some cheesecakes and coffee. The diner, in my opinion, has lost much of its appeal due to poor customer service and mediocre food, but the cheesecake is still king. I have not been to the other two Junior's restaurants in Times Square or Grand Central Station but I hear the food and service are better there.

During holiday seasons, it is not uncommon to see a line of people at the diner and restaurants. especially at the take-out bakery section. It seems like everyone is there to buy a cheesecake (or two) for their families or friends.
So do you have a favorite dessert?

20 comments:

Unknown said...

I have not tasted the cheesecake before. Ooo. you make it sound so tasty.

It reminds me of the donut queue that is forming in Singapore, it's not Krispy Kreme, but a local version which people says it is much better than KKreme because it is not so sweet.

I don't really like queueing, so am waiting till the fad dies down a bit before trying. haha...

Anonymous said...

We only have Cheesecake Factory in San Francisco. I like the good ol' New York Cheesecake.

Janet said...

I really enjoy all your NYC food photos. Obviously, anything and everything can be found to eat up there. I interviewed a local restaurant owner here once, and when he had a special event, the company that hired him to cater it might just fly him to NYC so he could purchase the preferred foods and ingredients!

Kate said...

Cheesecake is wonderful, but ice cream is King, oh, I mean Queen!!

Oya said...

I love cheesecake as well. There is a pattiserie here in Istanbul, called Inci. They have a specialty "profiterol". People lines up at the door as well. You go to the counter take your desert, pay it, share The table with other 4 or 5 people, enjoy it...It's been years long, they even do not consider to grow their business, look for a bigger place...They just keep going:)...

thwany said...

yeah, i remember going here years ago and being sorely disappointed. my mom sometimes buys the cheesecake, but honestly it's nothing special

Anonymous said...

I don't know about Junior's but I love cheescake.

I posted information about codes that might interest you.

Abraham Lincoln
Brookville Daily Photo

Dsole said...

Miiiiiing!
What a great photo!! I haven't taste it but wow, it seems to be really amazing!! yummmmmmmmmyyy
Can you send me one by mail? ^^

www.DeltaMovies.com said...

Oh my...I see it...I think it is...? DOF! Very nice pic.

I liked the Carnegie Deli cheescake too. Haven't had these, but rest assured on my next visit to NYC (fyi..hopely Aug10...) this will be one of my coffee/deserts stops! Oh my this looks scrumptous...You can almost taste this pic.

Thanks again for keeping me informed about the really unique places in New York City...the places slightly off the beaten path, but ones that reveal the humanity of the city on a daily basis.

Koodoos!!!

Bri
www.DeltaMovies.com
La.

teahouse said...

I LOVE Junior's cheesecake!

I also love apple pie, pumpkin pie, and key lime pie.

Peter said...

A first time visitor to your blog. Really nice! I live in Paris and love it, but like anybody having visited NYC, you must admit that it is a great place and your way of describing it contributes clearly to increase the attraction.

(I'm modestly trying to do the same thing for Paris. I have not yet made anything about the food. I guess I should.)

Annie said...

Cheesecake is good but for me it's tiramisu any time.

Bel said...

Those cheesecakes look delectable, and I'm not even a big cheesecake fan...although I do love Baked Ricotta Cheesecake.

But my all time favourite would have to be Chocoloate Mud Cake or Pear/Peach/Berry and Almond Tart or maybe Fruit Flan or Carrot Cake....geeee....and I always thought I was a savoury girl!

Thanks for making my mouth water ;o)

alice said...

You can find a very good and simple recipe (from Rosen, owners' Junior) in USA Cookbook by Sheila Lukins. I use this recipe and must say i 'm always welcome when I make it for my family...

Kate said...

Num!!

Anonymous said...

I love those good ol' classic cheesecakes too! No oreos, no coffee,...just cheesecake pls. And coffee, black.

Melting Wok said...

oh my god oh my god :PP I've to get my cheesecake fix soon, oh yeah, cheesecake factory is what we have here *sob sob* :P

Anonymous said...

Oh my god !!!!! I love cheesecake

TCho said...

I love cheesecake, but ever since I made one, I can't eat too much. It's a TON of cream cheese. lol.

I also love Nigella's desserts. like her pavlova and her her Quadruple Chocolate Loaf Cake.

Todd HellsKitchen said...

Lately, Cherry pie ala mode..