On the Road Eats: NYC's Meatpacking District and Chelsea

Find favorites from The Best Thing I Ever Ate as well as restaurants owned by Food Network chefs like Alex Guarnaschelli, Masaharu Morimoto and Scott Conant.
Scott Conant

Chopped Champions with judge Scott Conant, as seen on Food Network’s Chopped, Season 14.

Photo by: Janet Rhodes ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Janet Rhodes, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Chopped Champions with judge Scott Conant, as seen on Food Network’s Chopped, Season 14.

1. Scarpetta
The spaghetti at Scarpetta, Scott Conant's seasonally-inspired Italian restaurant in New York, NY, is impossible for Ted Allen to resist on The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

2. Barbuto
Jonathan Waxman's reputation as "the Eric Clapton of chefs" explains why Tyler Florence described his Pollo al Forno "perfect, absolutely perfect." At Barbuto, all the rustic Italian dishes have a hint of sheer perfection. If it's in season, try the Crispy Potato Gnocchi With Squash and Parmesan.

3. Suenos
On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Aarón Sánchez was dreaming about the smoky Chilli Mecco Relleno at Suenos. Luckily, Chef Sue Torres makes dreams come true with her take on Mexican cuisine. The juicy Mole Poblano Pork Carnitas will awaken your senses, as will the Guava & Cream Empanadas.

4. Billy's Bakery
If the decor doesn't evoke memories of yesteryear, maybe the signature Icebox Cake with whipped cream and chocolate wafer cookies will. Or, like Bobby on Boy Meets Grill, snag a vanilla cupcake after buying a pecan pie. Who could blame you? Billy's has become one of New York's sweetest sensations.

5. The Lobster Place
Bobby loves picking up lobster from this Chelsea Market spot. In addition to lobster, it also sells 650 varieties of live, fresh and frozen seafood throughout the year. For a quick and delicious seafood-filled meal, try their lobster rolls, oysters on the half-shell, or some of the handmade sushi.

6. The Darby
This modern-day supper club takes a cue from the glitzy jazz lounges of the 1950s. Take a seat, swing to live jazz music and revel in the New American menu created by our own Alex Guarnaschelli. From crab cake appetizers to velvety desserts, Alex captures one thing: pure decadence.

7. Morimoto
Like the sleek lines of Iron Chef Morimoto's iconic specs, the Morimoto menu has been crafted with precision and style. The result is utter sushi heaven. Unfamiliar with tuna tartare and sashimi? Venture out with the "Chef's Choice" tasting menu. Good for starters and better for groups.

8. A Salt & Battery
When Bobby heard about A Salt & Battery's award-winning fish and chips, he immediately called for a throwdown. But chef Mat Arnfield had his British roots to guide him. Today they're using a sustainable Pollock with their classic light batter. Ultimately, these chips were the best catch of the day.

9. Tia Pol
At Spanish-style tapas restaurant Tia Pol, "they're serving the real deal," says Bobby on Boy Meets Grill. Try the Lamb Skewers, covered in a Moorish spice blend and cooked on the flat iron, and the Patatas Bravas, flash-fried rough-cut potatoes with spicy aioli and smoked paprika.

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