FindEatDrink: Where A Chef Shops

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Edition: 13 April, 2011

"New York City has to be the best place to be a cook, in that no matter how exotic a cuisine or ingredient, there's a solid chance you'll find it here."

~ Pastry Chef Michael Laiskonis (Le Bernadin Restaurant)

In the sweet world of pastry, Michael Laiskonis is at the top of his game. He's the award-winning executive pastry chef of what is considered one of the best restaurants in the United States, the three Michelin-starred Le Bernardin in New York.

World-class chef Laiskonis shares 5 of his favorite shopping resources, from which you can also shop online.

JB PRINCE

For: Chefs' Tools & Equipment

Michael Says: "It's the ultimate toy store, stocking everything from tiny sauce spoons to high-tech immersion circulators."

Where: 36 East 31st Street, NYC, T: 212.683.3553, shop online

KITCHEN ARTS & LETTERS

For: Cookbooks

Michael Says: "Whether in or out-of-print, if it's about food they have it or know where to get it."

Where: 1435 Lexington Avenue, NYC, T: 212.876.5550, shop online

FRANCOIS PAYARD BAKERY

For: Bakery Items

Michael Says: "Hands-down, Francois Payard Bakery. Francois was a huge inspiration to me."

Where: 116 West Houston Street, NYC, T: 212.995.0888, shop online

KALUSTYAN'S

For: Spices

Michael Says: "It's a great store for exploration and inspiration. It seems no matter how often I visit, there's always something new that I never noticed before."

Where: 123 Lexington Avenue, NYC, T: 212.685.3451, shop online

BANGKOK CENTER GROCERY

For: Exotic Ingredients

Michael Says: "I love seeking out tiny specialists like this place, tucked away on the edge of Chinatown."

Where: 104 Mosco Street, NYC, T: 212.349.1979, shop online

RECIPES...

Michael's recipe for Cocoa Paris-Brest is one where he rediscovered one of the enduring pastry classics, but added cocoa and chocolate into the mix.

Advice & Tips...

See what advice and tips Michael provides to the home pastry chef.

RECOMMENDATIONS...

See details of Michael Laiskonis' recommendations, his favorite food blogs, plus which pastry chef's watering hole he goes to for drinks and where he likes to eat in New York, Chicago, DC and Michigan.