What’s better than a Bobby Flay seal of approval? If Bobby’s issuing a throwdown challenge then the food has to be pretty good. At least that was my assumption as I made my way around Manhattan restaurants tasting his throwdown competitors, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Besides great eats, Bobby’s list is as diverse as NYC, which is even more exciting for the tastebuds. Try one of these great masters in their field and enjoy!
Signature Dish: Blueberry Pancakes
Clinton Street Baking Company is famous for their blueberry pancakes and with one visit you’ll understand why—TONS of blueberries. New York Magazine has voted them the best in the city twice. The pancakes are fluffy and airy and every bite is packed with blueberries. Their topping is an additional secret weapon; maple syrup infused with butter, very rich and decadent. Their fame keeps driving in the crowds so expect a wait. Lower East Side, 4 Clinton Street
Taim
Signature Dish: Falafel Sandwich
Taim has definitely mastered the falafel. Their sandwiches are a taste sensation, from the creamy, perfectly spiced and cooked chic pea falafels, to the amazing sauce, toppings and warmed pita. And you can choose from three falafel flavors: green (traditional), red (roasted red peppers – YUM!) and Harissa (a little kick with tunisian spices). Calling it a sandwich doesn’t do it justice since they’re as big and satisfying as any meal. Their fries are also to die for so don’t skip those! West Village, 222 Waverly Place
Signature Dish: Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts
As a chocolate chip cookie lover, I can say these are the best I’ve ever had, anywhere, hands down!! They’re always baking up fresh ones so you can enjoy one right out of the oven in all of its warm and gooey yumminess. They’re the size of a cupcake which makes it even more amazing that every morsel is soft and gooey (and at a similar price so a perfect alternative to that other overtrendy treat). The tri-athlete owners have created cookie perfection. They make three other flavors: Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip — all are amazing! Upper West Side, 167 W. 74th
Signature Dish: Sloppy Joes
The sloppy joe is an old time comfort food favorite and one you don’t see much anymore. But at Schnippers cafeteria style restaurant in midtown Manhattan, they’re dishing up tons of the creamy concoction and the taste surpasses even your best childhood memories. Fun options are the Sloppy Fries (sinful goodness ), Sloppy & Mac (crazy: half sloppy and half mac and cheese). They also have lots of other comfort food like dogs, burgers and mac choices. Midtown, 620 8th Avenue
Wafels and Dinges (The Yellow Waffle Truck Travels around, I caught them in Midtown on Thursday, 46th and 6th)
Signature Dish: Liege (Belgian waffle)
Waffle heaven! Order the liege, the secret Belgian waffle, it’s rounder, sweeter and chewier than the traditional waffle from the sugar they bake into the dough. Then start loading on the toppings, called dinges. You can choose from bananas, strawberries, whipped cream, nutella, Belgian chocolate, ice cream or spekuloos spread, which is made from Belgian spekuloos cookies and have a yummy grahm cracker taste (awesome combined with Belgian chocolate).
Check out their site to see when the waffle truck will be near you and try one for five bucks (first dinges is free, $1 for each additional dinges) or super size to the WMD — Wafel of Massive Deliciousness –which is unlimited dinges for $2.
Hi Laurie! Thank you so much for this site and it couldn’t happen at a better time! I have never been to NYC and feel so overwhelmed by what to do, I am so looking forward to reading your suggestions and making my plans!