I’m going to come right out and say this. I think that New York food is overrated.

Well, let’s take a step back and start from the beginning. I made Kaiser Rolls, the sixteenth bread in the Bread Baker’s Apprentice Challenge, recently. They were a nice change from my usual whole grain sandwich bread, but what I enjoyed most about eating them was realizing that the big, crusty, sesame-seed encrusted rolls seemed so New York.

I might have bittersweet feelings towards my city, but I suppose that New York food is not all overrated. The Big Apple, is, after all, home to some of the best restaurants in the world. The problem is, most of those great restaurants are tucked away in Soho, hiding in the West Village, so that out-of-towners often miss them in lieu of places like bustling pizza and pasta joints like Carmine’s or the famous that is the Second Avenue Deli.

It’s not that any of these places are bad, but when
I’m in a new city, I like to
wander off the beaten path and look for hidden gems that I haven’t read
about in the guidebooks. Places that the locals know and love.

Kaiser rolls, like many other foods, are inherently New York.  New York has a deep food culture, yet, if you’re new to the city, you might be missing out on the best of what New York has to offer: coffee shops, unique tacquerias and wine bars after wine bar.

So, for those of you who might find yourself in New York City soon
or in the future, don’t forget to refer back to some of my favorite New
York eats:

Greenmarket: Fresh, local produce, artisan breads, handcrafted baked goods and even picked vegetables – the Union Square Greenmarket is New York City’ flagship farmer’s market. With cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and book signings, the Greenmarket is a New York must-see, whether you’re in town for a day, a weekend or if you’re a native New Yorker who’s never had the chance to visit.

Levain Bakery: Everything you’ve heard is absolutely true. The cookies from Levain Bakery really are the best in Manhattan. I mean…the best that I’ve tried, and I’m a reliable source when it comes to cookies.

Otto Pizzeria: I know I said that New York City pizza can be overrated, but there are times when it does deliver – and maybe even defy expectations. Otto, a Maria Batali/Joe Bastianach joint, serves gourmet pizzas, pastas and Italian-inspired Prosecco cocktails. It’s large bar is great for catching up with friends over a bottle of Pinot Blanco and an intimate dining room is perfect for date night.

Mae Mae Cafe: Off the beaten path in Tribeca, this small, mostly-organic, mostly-local menu features fresh sandwiches and salads and the walls of the cafe lined with vintage book cases. Bottles of wine and gourmet condiments line the shelves, lending a rustic, country ambiance to the cafe.

Friend of a Farmer: If you want to eat in New York City but pretend you’re not in New York city, this warm and comfortable country cafe has a seasonal menu and a bar with specialty cocktails. You can sit outside when the weather cooperates and overlook some of the beautiful brownstowns on Irving Place in the Gramercy neighborhood.

Cacio e Pepe: Italian restaurants in New York City might be a dime a dozen, but this rustic joint with a backyard garden is worth the trek to the East Village for the signature fettuccine with “cacio e pepe” or cheese and pepper.

Shake Shack: Did you really think I’d write about NYC eats and not include Danny Meyer’s legendary burger and shake joint in Madison Square Park? I’m not a burger and fries gal (well…I wouldn’t refuse them, but I don’t seek them either). You don’t have to be a hardcore carnivore to enjoy the luscious vanilla or chocolate custard from the Shake Shack. They’ll even make you what they call a “Concrete” – custard with the ice cream toppings of your choice mixed in. When I worked in the area, I had a concrete for lunch on more than one occasion.

Penelope Cafe: Charming and cozy, Penelope cafe has a unique variety of local wines and microbrews to complement a menu that boasts creative salads, soups and sandwiches. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, their chicken meatballs over arugula and their classic hummus plate are both must-trys.

When you’re in New York – or if you live here – what are your favorite restaurants, cafes or coffee shops? And if you live here, what are the must-visit places that you’d recommend to someone from out of town?