Big Apple Sweets: Tra La La Juice Bar

Inside the Essex St. Market is one of my favorite places ever, hands down. Tra La La Juice Bar. This little juice stand and bakery is so much more... and, while googling around for links, I discovered that the owners, Ron and Ira, also run the adjacent Rainbo's Fish. I really wish I had known that before I moved from the neighborhood! I have not been there in a while, sadly, but I remember they also serve fish sandwiches, yum! (now it makes sense. I wondered why they had fish sandwiches, but that's because they own the fresh fish stand!) Either Ira or Ron (don't remember now) once told me that they have been there for over 20 years... don't quote me, but it was a long time... I think 26 years. Or 16. Well anyway, they have been around a long time!

A little bit about this special slice of heaven: not only do they make the BEST muffins on the planet (and yes I really mean that), they also sell desserts and other baked goods, fabulous specialty custom cakes, along with coffee, savory snacks, and fresh squeezed juices. So delish, and also, very inexpensive. And, very importantly, Ron and Ira are sooooo nice. Just really sweet and friendly, and they are always right there, mixing up a fresh batch of muffins right behind the counter. If you are lucky, you can get a muffin hot out of the oven. Just heavenly.

corny corn muffins, originally uploaded by jm3.

Now, let me just say that I am not really a "muffin person." Never really was into them, I much prefer cookies or cupcakes over muffins. Except for these. They taste more like quick bread than muffins--you know, banana bread, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, etc. These muffins are so dense, delicious, flavorful and moist. And they come in so many different combinations, wow. I recommend trying several... so you can find your favorite! My favorite is the banana chocolate chip, laden with tons of chocolate chips and chunks of fresh banana. Holy cow, I mean, there is no skimping here, not on ingredients, freshness, quality... in fact, I don't think they are charging enough! I would happily pay double! These muffins are also huge, by the way.

Tra La La Juice Bar
Inside the Essex Market
120 Essex St., between Rivington and Delancey
New York City!

Tra La La is located right off the entrance closest to Rivington. Directions to the market here.

While I do browse online reviews when looking for a new place to eat, I also want to mention that I am not one to read Time Out NY or other local magazines in search of the "best" place to eat or newest hot spot. I tend to discover things either through recommendations from people I trust or just by stumbling upon things. I discovered Tra La La when my ex-boyfriend's Mom recommended the muffins to me, or maybe I tried one of hers... To us they are simply the "Muffin Guys." I like sharing these things because I think there are people like me who simply don't have the time or inclination to browse publications in search of yumminess. So I hope whenever you find yourself in nyc you will check out some of these places!

PS... I think they are closed on Sundays. Check the Essex Market website for hours. You can also find pics there of Tra La La and Ron and Ira, by clicking on numbers 34 and 7&8 in the merchant directory.