When I go to a street fair or food festival I try not to have a preconceived notion of what I am going to eat. I like to walk around, survey the scene and if something looks tasty I’ll give it a whirl.
I certainly didn’t foresee that I’d be eating a “Kronie” when I ventured down to Little Italy for the San Gennaro Festival a couple years ago. I’ve been going to the traditional Fall Italian celebration since the 1990s and though it has become increasingly overcrowded with slow walking tourists, there is still plenty of delicious street food to be discovered.
My favorite discovery in recent years has been Jolie’s Sweet Creations. In the middle of the expected vendors selling sausage and peppers heroes, Sicilian rice balls, and canolis I spotted a stand with rows of colorfully frosted doughnuts that seemed to have the flakey crust of a croissant.
French pastry chef Dominique Ansel has received a great deal of attention and accord for his “Cronut” desert, but if you don’t want to brave the 7:00 am lines at his Soho bakery, Jolie’s Sweet Creations version, the “Kronie” is an excellent alternative.
Created by Joe Floriano of Enrico’s Pastry shop and named for his sweet four-year-old daughter Jolie, the “Kronie” has great doughy texture similar to a really well made French Cruller with an exterior that is light and flakey like a croissant.
The “Kronies” are filled with a variety of delicious icings, jellies, and custard fillings. Every flavor of “Kronie” that I’ve tried has been terrific, but two that really stand out for me are the Raspberry and Salted Caramel.
I’ve been lucky enough to spot a Jolie’s Sweet Creations stand at two different Manhattan street fairs this summer. If I lived closer to either of the Enrico’s Pastry Shops in the Bronx or Hartsdale I would likely have a serious “Kronie” addiction.
I will definitely be feasting on Jolie’s “Kronies” soon at this year's Feast of San Gennaro, which kicks off today. You can also try one by visiting one of their storefronts or ordering from their website.
Chris Sandstrom - Is a graduate of Columbia University and the author of the debut novel, "Reality TV and Hookers" a satire on the reality TV industry. You can keep up with Chris on Twitter at @ChrisSandstrom8.
Finding Food in NYC Is a series highlighting how Chris discovered some of his favorite food spots in New York City.