In a "twist of fate" Eleni turned her side baking business into a million-dollar New York success. Her hand-iced cookies have been called "conversation cookies" for their level of detail, whimsical shape and pop-culture decals. Not a cookie fan? Her towering cupcakes are just as sweet.

With Michelin-star in hand and the love of NYC food enthusiasts alike, Dovetail easily made its way onto Michael Psilaki's list for The Best Thing I Ever Ate. The "unbelievable" chicken a la plancha with its delicate crayfish foam is just one standout from Chef John Fraser's exquisite seasonal menu.

Order a bowl of Devi's Mirchi Ka Salan and Ted Allen says you'll have cannons going off in your mouth. The earthy flavors in this pepper stew celebrate India's melding of flavors as the soup is spicy, salty and sour all at once. For something sweet, try Shahi Tukra, a crispy saffron bread pudding.

With a name meaning "naked" in Spanish, Desnuda has been known for its refined take on fish and ceviche, including the King Crab ceviche paired with mission figs. But for a truly unique culinary experience, Claire Robinson knows to order the famed raw oysters, smoked from lapsang souchong tea.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Ted Allen patiently waits for his Canard a la Presse. This dish requires master of French cuisine Daniel Boulud to wheel out a duck press to extract the remaining duck sauce. Other menu favorites at this elegant Manhattan mainstay include foie gras terrine.

For a real crunchy dish, Ted Allen skips the chips and opts for the crispy black bass at Le Bernardin. He suggests eating this dish at least once in your life, as Chef Eric Ripert is world-renowned for his mastery of seafood. From the caviar to the cobia, "the fish is the star of the plate" here.

The Mille Cake at Lady M. Confections took the cake world by storm when it was first introduced. Made by layering 20 crepes in between thick layers of creamy vanilla filling, these cakes come in lemon, coconut and even green tea. But for Ted Allen, a slice of the original is "simple and sinful."

It's hard to believe Levain Bakery's most popular cookie at all locations can be simultaneously fully cooked and melting on the inside with layers of chocolate chips. Rocco DiSpirito loves — no adores — the cookie, calling it "the most important chocolate experience you’ll ever have in your life."

Indulge in the Venison Tartare at the historic Hotel Griffou in New York, NY, a former 1870's boarding house, whose guests included writers such as Mark Twain.

Although Hill Country Chicken practices Texas-style cooking, they call NYC home. Lucky for Scott Conant, who can't get enough of their secret fried-chicken recipe so much so he calls it one of the best things he's ever eaten. For a more culinary adventure, try the fried pimento cheese sandwich.

Claire Robinson is sweet for the handmade confections at Kee's Chocolates on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Stop by the SoHo shop and sample her favorite, the Creme Brulee Chocolate: "It's a masterpiece," she says. "You have to pop the thing in one whole bite."

To native New Yorkers, Katz's Deli needs no introduction. Opened in 1888, Katz's is known for its massive pastrami sandwiches and for being the deli in When Harry Met Sally. But Michael Psilakis skips the pastrami for the knoblewurst. This "big ol' sausage" full of garlic is a garlic lover's dream.

Faced with soggy Belgian waffles in New York, Belgian-born Thomas DeGeest decked out a food truck and began serving true Belgian "wafels" in NYC. His waffles won approval from Sunny and Bobby alike, with "dinges" like gingerbread "spekuloos" spread and fresh fruits.

Originally, Veselka was a small candy store and newsstand, but now it is a full-fledged Ukrainian-American restaurant. Ted Allen loves the borscht for its meaty, sweet and tangy flavors. Served warm, the hearty beet soup has an assortment of vegetables bringing depth and body to the dish.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Ann adores Daddy-O's Herbaceous Mojito made with cilantro vodka and roasted jalapeno simple syrup. But diners have become enamored with "The Plate" made with beef hot sauce, upstate NY Zweigle's burgers (or hotdogs) all on a bed of home fries and macaroni salad.