Oatmeal raisin cookie
$$, Bakery, Harlem
"These are the best cookies in the world. I love the oatmeal raisin, as they have sweet plump raisins and a buttery, golden brown, wonderful texture. I love to crumble them with soft vanilla ice cream."
ChefSam Hazen
New York
About Sam Hazen
Sam Hazen has known he wanted to be a chef since he was in the third grade. He grew up in the restaurant business, working in his father's restaurant, and in a number of prominent kitchens, before launching the famed Tao restaurants. He's now the culinary director of B.R. Guest, where he oversees five seafood locations, including Atlantic Grill, Blue Fin and Blue Water Grill.
Accolades
- One StarMichelin Guide
- Three StarsThe New York Times
- 100 Best RestaurantsNew York magazine
- ChefsFeed WinnerOne of the Best Things to Eat in NYC
Where I Go Out
Peking Duck
$$, Chinese, Reservations, Peking Duck, Chinatown
"This is the best Peking Duck in New York: crispy skin, housemade pancakes, fresh scallions, and cucumbers with a great quality hoisin sauce. Remember to ask for the carcass at the end."
Meatballs
Italian, Residential, East Harlem
"Dino Gatto, the chef, is a dear friend. You have to try the meatballs. They're soft like butter and are made with roasted peppers and raisins. The char on the peppers with the sweet raisins are a match made in heaven. They're only open Monday through Friday, so don't plan to go on the weekend."
Jumbo BBQ chicken wings
$$, Bbq, American, Upper Manhattan
"Dinosaur's jumbo barbecue chicken wings with Maytag blue cheese and honey barbecue sauce are the best. What makes them so special? They are spiced-rubbed, pit-smoked, and then charred on the grill. You have to try them."
Crudo Tasting
$$$$, Italian, Seafood, Midtown
"The key is David Pasternack. When I bump into David on 20th Street where Mario Batali's office is, he always smells like a fresh fish fillet. When I want crudo with a great glass of wine, it's a win-win at Esca. If I were you, I'd try the tasting."
Bavette cacio & pepe
$$$, Full Bar, Italian, Greenwich Village
"For me, Lupa is the best Roman-style restaurant in New York City, from its antipasti verdura (I love the sweetness of the beets with pistachio) and the carne (the best prosciutto di parma; salty and sweet) to the pesce (sardines and golden raisins) and my favorite, the cacio and pepe, which has the perfect amount of pepper."