This person needs no introduction. As the face of Food & Wine Magazine (where she’s special projects director) and through her role on Top Chef, Gail has become one of the most recognizable and well respected people in food media. With another season of Top Chef kicking off this week (our money is on Kenny, obviously), what better time to check in with our favorite member of judges table. We always knew Gail had good taste, but we didn’t realize she consistently hangs out at all our favorite spots.
P.S. – Top Chef producers, if you see this, we’ve got an excellent challenge conceptualized for you. It stars two food bloggers, Kid Rock, and a hot plate. Let us know when you want to set up a meeting.
Gail’s “Perfect For” Picks
Buffalo Wing Fix
Wogies (39 Greenwich Ave.) – “Décor is as bare bones as a dive bar can be, but wings are super spicy and the beer is cold. Plus they are open late. “
Chronic Brunch
August (359 Bleecker St.) – “I love the brunch menu, especially their baked eggs and German pancakes. But the best part is their back enclosed garden, which is open all year long. It is so sunny and bright that on particularly rough weekend mornings it is almost acceptable to wear your sunglasses inside.”
Hipsters
The Smile (26 Bond St.) – “The food here is simple and tasty, and the crowd is consistently cooler than me. It’s fun to linger over lunch or dinner and admire the incredible array of flannel shirts and facial hair formations.”
OR
Prime Meats (465 Court St.) – “The favorite spot to curb my carnivorous cravings in Brooklyn. The German-inflected menu is fun and satisfying. The scene is rowdy. I like my barmen in wool vests and suspenders.”
Quality Fish
Marea (240 Central Park S.) – “There is just nothing like it in New York. The fish selection is unsurpassable, the menu is inspiring and absolutely delicious. I dream about many of Chef Michael White’s dishes on a regular basis…is that weird? “
Quick Eats
Num Pang (21 E 12th St.) – “Perfect Vietnamese-inspired bahn mi on the go. Try the catfish or shrimp option and a large watermelon juice.”
Gail’s Twitter People
@damonlindelof – What can I say, I am a proud sci-fi geek still grieving over the end of Lost.
@fandw – Food & Wine magazine page, daily recipes and news that inspires me to cook.
@ruthbourdain – A hilarious mashup of food ramblings, imagined by the love child of Ruth Reichl and Anthony Bourdain. I know…sorta scary, but fascinating.
@nytimesdining – My Wednesdays have never been more efficient.
@chefjoseandres – Awesome chef, random enthusiastic bursts of insight.
