From babka to the Old Fashioned, twists on the traditional

- Scenes from "Seinfeld"

For those new to following lohud, you may be surprised to know Jerry Seinfeld bought chocolate babka at Martine's Fine Bake Shoppe in Scarsdale back in November 2018. Of course we were there to report on that, just as we're now reporting on the unique variations of babka created by Yonkers resident De’Asia Collins, CEO and owner of Bitchin' Babkas.

Collins, who has Jamaican roots, had never tasted babka until a few years ago. In fact, her two-year-old business stems from the simple question "What's babka?" (And yes, she's since watched the Seinfeld episode). I love that she's mixing old traditions with flavors like Birthday Cake, Hot Cocoa and Sugar Cookie, though — naturally! —  she also does the classics of cinnamon and chocolate. (For the record, I'm team chocolate.)

Another traditional item getting a modern twist is the The Old Fashioned. In Westchester and Rockland you can find it made with port, kahlúa, an orange ice cube and lots of smoke. I had fun sampling (and sipping!) my way through various bars and restaurants.  I'm hoping my story will help stir conversation (sorry: I couldn't resist the pun!).

I'm on vacation next week but please be on the lookout for my stories (and inside info) on what's recently opened in Westchester and Rockland and what's coming soon. The answer is A LOT including two tea shops, a modern American tavern, a craft beer bar, a rainbow-themed bakery, a French brassiere, a Spanish tapas restaurant and a taqueria. Again, check with lohud.

And always follow our Instagram page (I'll have a guest blogger next week).

Notable Bites

(Things I ate - and loved - this week)

• Chicken parm at Rosie's Bistro Italiano in Bronxville. This is hands-down one of my favorite chicken parmesan dishes. It's so big I literally take half home. Aside from enjoying having leftovers, I love that it comes on a bed of spinach though you can certainly get it with pasta..

• Sole almondine at Brasserie Le Steak in Larchmont. I should have gotten the steak frites, their signature dish, but I was a bit steaked out so I opted for the sole. It was light and fresh (I also love almonds on anything) but I'm going to have to go back for the steak. I like the quiet vibe here (you can hear your friend talk!), plus the service was impeccable. If you get Richard, who was our waiter, tell him Jeanne says hi.

• Triple chocolate babka from Bitchin Babkas. Perfect with my afternoon cuppa or as an after dinner dessert, slightly warmed with a scoop of ice cream.

• Good 'Ol Smokey from Archie Grand in White Plains. This Old Fashioned is as much fun to drink as it is to watch being made. Get your cameras out folks: The smoke show is pure fun.

• Lobster at KEE Oyster House in White Plains. The lobster here is cooked to perfection and cut up just so so your hands never get dirty. I also spied a seafood tower that also looked awesome. Again, that's a next time meal.

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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Birthday cake babka and smokin' cocktails: It was a good week