This was published 9 years ago
Where to eat in Williamsburg, New York: Chef Dan Pepperell
Top chef: Dan Pepperell fell in love with New York while working at David Chang's Momofuku Ssam Bar.
as well as in New York working at David Chang's Momofuku Ssam BSee 10williamst.com.au.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN WILLIAMSBURG?
Mexico 2000, it's out the back of a little grocery store, past the fresh nopales and the cans of la morena. There is only one white plastic table and four chairs. The mum-and-pa operation serves up some of the best and authentic Mexican food in Brooklyn. Try the al pastor tacos and the chorizo tostadas or the mole special of the day. Muy bueno. (No website; 367 Broadway, Brooklyn)
Modern Italian with a twist: 10 William Street's scallop tartare.
FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
In my kitchen, San Marzano tomatoes. The legend goes that the first seed of the San Marzano tomato came to Campania around 1770, as a gift from the Viceroyalty of Peru to the Kingdom of Naples, and that it was planted in the area that corresponds to the present commune of San Marzano sul Sarno. They come from a small town of the same name near Naples, Italy and were first grown in the volcanic soil in the shadow of mount Vesuvius. The tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than most other canned tomatoes. Cool story, tasty tomatoes.
WHAT IS WILLIAMSBURG'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
Frank Pinello and his 100-year-old wood-fired oven bakes the most amazing pies at Best Pizza. My favourite is the grandma pie, it has a super crunchy base that's soaked in olive oil, garlicky fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella. They also have Bill, the best delivery guy in the biz. See best.piz.za.com.
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
Bedford Cheese Shop has an intensive selection of cheeses from around the world. Pick whatever you fancy along with a baguette and a crispy apple then head over to East River Park for incredible views of Manhattan while you snack on some stinky washed rinds. See bedfordcheeseshop.com.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN WILLIAMSBURG?
Rib steak and a side of the extra thick slice of sizzling bacon at Peter Luger Steak House. Established in 1887, it's the best steakhouse in the world. Or hang out at The Commodore, drink some pina coladas and order the fried chicken with honey biscuits – it's also the best fried chicken in the world. See peterluger.com;
The Commodore, 366 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN WILLIAMSBURG?
Weak, bland, dirty water-tasting percolated coffee sold in most bodegas. If you are in dire need of some premium caffeine, I like Blue Bottle Coffee. See bluebottlecoffee.com.
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