Max Brenner(s)

This is coming to you almost a few years (yes, YEARS!) late, but Max Brenner's is definitely worth the mention. Since I've exhausted my trips there by going 4+ times in the same year with the same people, it might be a while before this place is recycled and re-posted. So, ENJOY! the Max Brenner Story.

Dark Chocolate Cocoa in Hug Mug, Singapore

It all started in the summer of 2006, on a day where no cloud could be found in the sky. The breeze. The Thai food. The surrounding architecture. All was perfection. What better way to end an afternoon of perfection than with... a perfect dessert? Four years ago (Wow! Has it really been that long?), I was first introduced to Max Brenner (the fictitious Bald Man), tucked into the corner of The Esplanade in Singapore. Never will I forget this first experience of fluffy insides and crunchy outsides, an excess of bananas and milk chocolate drizzle, dark hot chocolate, hug mugs, and, of course, the COCONUT ICE CREAM (with that hint of almond). I dream of this ice cream. I hear "Singapore" and my third thought is, "COCONUT ICE CREEAAAM".

Banana Split Waffle w/ Coconut Ice Cream, Singapore

So, it was with great pleasure that my friends and I heard, Max Brenner would be coming to NYC! When it first opened near Union Square, we went to MB. On the first day of summer, we went to MB in the East Village. Two weeks later, we went to MB. When our Hawaiian came in the winter, we went to MB. Yet, after having had the COCONUT ICE CREAM in Singapore, MB in NYC is just... Vanilla (pun intended). Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing experience centered around great chocolate, particularly in Union Square. (It's a huge tourist trap, but you just want to eat up the lobby and get seated for your meal.) Also there aren't many places where it is completely normal to choose dessert items in place of dinner... As you may see, MB can dazzle at first, but in the next few visits, our enthusiasm for the place coincided with the diminishing plate portions and the proliferating prices. Plus, I still daydream about that COCONUT ICE CREAM in Singapore. Hopefully, when I go back, it won't disappoint. Fingers crossed! Check it out, and judge for yourself. Unless, you already have. In that case, what are your thoughts?

Chocolate Mess, NYC

PS. Forgive the strange white glob above, but it is dark in MB. The Chocolate Mess. It is (really "was", since it shrunk the next time we ordered it) a full size 9" chocolate cake, with chocolate cereal crunchies and caramel sauce sidekicks, and topped with frosting, whipped cream, sprinkles, and fudge sauce. Complete with a spatula to assist gluttony.

PPS. It's been so long since I went here, that the (quieter) location of choice in the East Village (where the Chocolate Mess picture was taken) is now closed. Plus, the menu seems to have changed, and the Chocolate Mess cannot be found. So really, what it all comes down to is that: the image is moot. Boooo but maybe Yay. We'll have to check out the new dishes in the [far] future.


Max Brenner
841 Broadway
(between 13th and 14th Streets)

8 Raffles Avenue, #01-06/08
Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802