Aw Puddin'

Puddin' is reserved as a term of endearment, which is why I think it is the perfect name for this small dessert shop in the East Village.  Puddin' serves up their own special concoctions, like the lemon drop, coconut cruise, and caramel macchiato.  Or if you'd like to create your own parfait, mix-and-match style, choose from the available fresh-made puddings and toppings (which include sauces, cakes, and fruit).

Lindsay and I had been talking about trying Puddin' for months and finally made good on our word.  I tried the coconut cruise (coconut pudding, graham cracker crumbs, pineapple, lime soaked coconut cake, and whipped cream) and found it as refreshing as a pina colada.  I'm not a major fan of whipped cream, but I didn't find it particularly offensive here.  I also tasted a bite of Lindsay's chocolate with marshmallow cream.  The chocolate was rich and the marshmallow creme was glue-your-mouth-shut thick.

We each ordered the $4 minis, which are large enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, but small enough to keep you from feeling like you're completely ruining your diet (bikini season is alarmingly not too far off).  These cute desserts are a great alternative to a coffee date with a girlfriend...though they serve Stumptown so we had coffee too.  There are only five stools in the whole place, so you'll probably need to have your pudding and coffee to-go, but it's a fun and easy treat to eat while meandering the East Village.