When former New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni craves a burger -- a chargrilled lamb burger, to be specific -- he heads to The Breslin, a British gastropub helmed by chef April Bloomfield. Located in the Ace Hotel, the popular spot boasts decadent comfort food and a fashionable clientele.

Although Olives serves fine plates of hanger steak and tuna tartare, it is also a master of broccoli. When Cat Cora stays at the W Hotel, she always orders room service for the spicy roasted broccoli salad, made of an aromatic mixture of caramelized broccoli with fresh garlic and peppers.

Not one but two Food Network chefs claimed the best meal between bread comes from Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches. Aarón Sánchez and Anne Burrell may have different favorites (Aarón loves the classic; Anne adores the pork chop) but they both agree -- these sandwiches are so good.

At Norma's, Alex likes to order the Chocolate Decadence French Toast. This is not your average French toast; it's made with three layers of chocolate cake covered in strawberries, pistachios and valrhona chocolate sauce. Whipped cream and an orange chip complete this brunch dish.

Take it from Emeril -- the classic Veal Parmigiana at Il Vagabondo is "to die for." This New York City restaurant specializes in classic Italian, and also houses a full indoor bocce ball court. Dining on veal Parmigiana that's "like butter" and playing bocce ball? That's more like living it up!

Scott Conant calls 'Ino's Truffled Egg Toast, made with Amish egg yolks, organic truffle oil, Fontina cheese, asparagus and Pullman bread, his "favorite egg dish of all time." The small, no-fuss wine bar also features an assortment of antipasti, bruschetta and Panini that change seasonally.

Step inside I Trulli and you'll be greeted by Dora Marzovilla. Dora's not a hostess, but instead the famed orecchiette pasta maker who works at the front of the house. Michael Psilakis adores Dora and adores the orecchiette rabbit ragu, a longtime favorite from the Puglia region of Italy.

Frank Bruni's love affair with Szechuan Gourmet began when he first tried the Crispy Lamb Filets with Cumin. Diners give equal praise to the Spicy Sesame Noodles and Chef's Ma Paul Tofu, but the seasoning of Szechuan peppers and cumin makes Bruni want to face plant into the lamb dish.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Frank Bruni says no self-respecting maple lover could ever dislike Locanda Verde's Maple Budino pudding. When paired with the apple butternut sorbet, it's like walking through a Vermont forest. Cheese lovers, however, should try the Sheep's Milk Ricotta Crostini.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Alex hears a calling for Five Points' delectable Yukon Gold Potato Pizza. Come time for the weekend, it's all about brunch. Wake up with the Angry Skillet, a frittata of summer squash. Or stay sweet with tangy Brioche French Toast or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

The lobster tail and sfogliatella at this bakery bring Alex back to her childhood days. The lobster tail is filled to the max with a Bavarian cream, while the sfogliatella is filled with a lemon and ricotta cheese mix. Alex likes to order both and enjoy them with a cup of coffee.

The power elite of NYC may dine at this swanky sit-down, but Gail Simmons, special projects director at Food and Wine, knows to come here for her favorite childhood treat: cotton candy. The fluffy pink ball studded with candied violets and with an ice cream center causes everyone to be a kid again.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Roger Mooking savors The Fatty Crab's unique watermelon pickle and crispy pork dish combo -- it is both savory and sweet and funky Malaysian all in one bite. But for a bigger bite, try the Big Chili bowl that steeps big Dungeness crab legs in a bowl of red chili sauce.

The Mediterranean, Greek and Italian influences at Extra Virgin can be seen from the pistachio-crusted goat cheese salad to Anne Burrell's favorite Sunday-only dinner: spaghetti and meatballs. Extra Virgin makes just 28 each Sunday but they're large and spicy and definitely worth the wait.

Bouchon's Bakery fills its displays with Thomas Keller's famous sweet confections of macarons and croissants. But on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Donatella Arpaia heads straight to the savory Quiche Lorraine. Each bite of the buttery crust, eggs and bacon is a lesson in delicious guilt.