When Anne Burrell's in the mood for meat, she orders the big, spicy Tuscan spareribs from Salumeria Rosi Parmacotta, called Costina. But Salumeria is better known for its small-plate assaggi "tastings," including a salumi assaggio, a soups and salads assaggio and a cheese assaggio.

Located on the Upper East Side, this intimate pub is a place where locals gather for food and a good laugh. After cooking all day, there is nothing Bobby wants more than one of the signature cheeseburgers. Bobby orders his burger with double American cheese, making every bite even richer.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten's mastery of French cuisine knows no bounds, as you can find his restaurants from Chicago to Los Cabos, Mexico. But Aarón Sánchez stays in NYC to revel in the four-course chocolate tasting menu that includes Jean-Georges' the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake.

In the world of sweets, Jacques Torres is synonymous with chocolate. Giada finds that for the best wake-up call, he makes one "wicked good" hot chocolate. The consistency is like liquid pudding and the chipotle spice adds an extra kick. And to top it off? A dollop of housemade whipped cream.

Located in the former home of Craftsteak, Colicchio & Sons offers top-of-the-line American cuisine served in a lovely contemporary space. If you want to go all in, the tasting menu is top-notch. For a more relaxed meal, try dining in the Tap Room at the front of house.

As the name suggests, Craft has become synonymous with well-crafted, simple ingredients that speak volumes. So says Aaron on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, who considers the quail -- drizzled with aged balsamic and topped with a sprig of rosemary -- beautiful. Most diners opt for "utterly delicious."

On Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Claire Robinson picks up her chopsticks for the carefully crafted Akamaru Modern Ramen at Ippudo, a Japanese ramen experience, in New York, NY.

During the holidays, Aaron Sanchez often can be found in the kitchen. But when it's his turn to eat, he feasts on Casa Adela's pernil. Adela begins by marinating a pork shoulder overnight in spices and vinegar. When it finishes roasting, the inside is moist and the skin has the perfect crunch.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate: On a Stick, Tyler Florence names a NYC favorite: Grilled Corn. Although Cafe Habana's known for a mean Cuban sandwich, it's just as famous for the Mexican-Style Grilled Corn smothered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime and the perfect dusting of chili powder.

Aaron Sanchez, of Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate, recommends the Creamy Rice Casserole and other regional Mexican dishes at Zarela in New York, NY.

The head-to-tail movement comes full circle at Xi'An Famous Foods as Marcy Murphy savors the spicy, tingly lamb face salad on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Lamb face aside, Xi'An is famous for its fresh, made-to-order, hand-ripped noodles used in everything from stewed oxtail to spicy cumin lamb.

If there's one thing Union Square Cafe knows how to do, it's making plain old nuts taste "so, so good." Giada’s love affair with Union Square Cafe's free bar nuts begins at 4:45pm -- that's when they come out of the oven all warm and toasty. Later on, it's all about the Banana Pretzel Tart.

For a dish that will inoculate you against vampires, Tyler Florence endorses his favorite garlic shrimp from Schiller's Liquor Bar. Schiller's sizzling skillet of shrimp (say that three times fast) is not to be outdone by its steak frites or the finger-licking-good dessert of Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Open since 1914, this historical Lower East Side deli has helped shape NYC's culinary landscape. Michael Psilakis can't get enough of the Gaspe Nova Smoked Salmon at this deli. The thinly sliced cold-smoked salmon goes well with an everything bagel and double whipped cream cheese.

As a native New Yorker, Rocco DiSpirito requires his bagels to be twice-toasted and purchased from Tal Bagels. Tal bagels are boiled and baked each day, ensuring a great chewy interior and crispy shell. Rocco's choice? Everything bagel with everything on it, from salmon to scallion cream cheese.