Q & A with Chef Christina Tosi

Q. For visitors to New York, tell us about Momofuku Milk Bar:

A. Milk Bar is a quirky American Bakery run by a team of hardbodies, some of whom were trained in fine dining restaurants and culinary schools, some who just have a down home passion for food, hard work and eccentricities. 

Q. We know it’s like picking your favorite child, but what are some of your signature not-to-be-missed items?

A. Cereal milk soft serve with Cornflake crunch! Compost cookies! Crack pie! Pretzel shake!

Q. You’re known for your Cereal Milk, which cereals mix the best with it?

A. Milk Bar's Cereal Milk is made from Cornflakes, but at home, I'm a fan of Lucky Charms, Golden Graham or Cap'n Crunch cereal milk. Fruity Pebble Cereal milk is also a serious contender.

Q. What new treat is on the horizon?

A. We have a hilarious Pineapple Upside Down cake coming out and some great new soft serve flavors hitting stores on August 1st: raspberry-rye, green apple-cheddar, coco-cocoa, blueberry pancake, kaffir lime-caramel.

Chef’s Recs | New York City

Find | Stores

Where I Feel Like A Kid In A Candy Shop

Economy Candy

There's a great old world vibe at this dive of a candy shop in the Lower East Side, but you can find nearly every candy you've ever worried was gone forever from average grocery store shelves.

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Brooklyn Kitchen

For a little bit of everything-- kitchen supplies, fresh produce from nearby farms, cookbooks, The Meat Hook (butcher's counter) and fresh, crusty bread from nearby bakers.

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Eat | Restaurants

Where I Would Take A Visiting Pastry Chef

Del Posto

For the tasting menu or dessert tasting menu. Mark Ladner and Brooks Headley might possibly be two of the most unsung heroes of NYC dining.

WD~50

For the ‘from the vault’ menu. All of the WD~50 classics are served on the ‘from the vault’ menu. Run, don't walk. 

Mission Chinese

Free keg beer while you wait for one of the most fun, most poignant, modern day takes on American-Chinese food -- Beef Brisket & Broccoli, Kung Pao Pastrami and a white wine spritzer. Why not?!

No. 7 Subs

Great take on sandwiches, I adore the Zucchini Parm, any sandwich with barbecue potato chips smooshed in is all right by me!

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St. Anselm

For a butcher’s steak with garlic butter and a glass of Brooklyn brusco. My favorite way to spend a quiet evening with friends.

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Drink | Cocktails

PDT (Please Don’t Tell)

The menu changes frequently, and every cocktail is clever and delicious. Don't forget to order a Chang Dog or a Wylie Dog and a side of tots.

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Drink | Beer

Spuyten Duyvil

For a beer in the backyard-- perfect for a quiet spring, summer or fall night. In the winter, they serve glögg in the cozy interior of their bar.

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Drink | Coffee

Stumptown

I usually grab coffee from Milk Bar (we serve Stumptown) or trek up to Stumptown's storefront, part of the ACE hotel on 29th and Broadway, for a cappuccino.

Blue Bottle & La Colombe

Fortunately, good strong coffee is easy to come by in NYC: gimme! They have several stores throughout the city and all live up to their name!

Abraço

For a real treat, I go to Abraço for an iced coffee and an olive shortbread (my favorite day/morning/afternoon off treat).

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Details

Details of Christina Tosi’s recommendations for where to eat, drink and shop in New York City.

Recipes

- Cereal Milk

City Guides

- NYC | Manhattan: Download

- NYC | Brooklyn: Download