Johnny Iuzzini

Top Chef is back. Well, kind of. While Season 9 is busy taping and getting their cowboy on down in Texas, Just Desserts kicks off its second season on Bravo next week (Weds, 8/24). With sugar on the brain, we decided to check in with bad ass dough boy himself and lead Desserts judge Johnny Iuzzini (glad that’s not either of our last names). By the way, Top Chef producers – there should be a chocolate chip cookie quickfire and we should be guest judges. Just saying. We know a thing or two about cookie greatness.

Although you can’t tell from this corporate (and very purple) photo, Johnny Iuzzini is a man of many tattoos. We wouldn’t be surprised if he had some work done by last week’s Friday Fives guest, Ami James. He looks more like a guitar player than a professional sweet maker. Apparently he’s pretty good though. Since we can’t afford to eat at Daniel or Restaurant Jean Georges, we’ve never actually had the opportunity to taste his Beard Award winning confections. We trust they’re ridiculous though.

To keep up with Iuzzini, make sure you’re following him on Twitter and Like him on Facebook. Restaurant picks below.

Johnny’s “Perfect For” Picks

Dining Solo

Aldea (31 West 17 St.) – “If I am eating alone, which happens quite often, I like to be able to watch the chefs in action. One of my favorite spots is Aldea. Chef George Mendes kills it when preparing his take on modern Mediterranean cuisine. I’m always blown away.”

Drunk Hook Ups

Daddy O’s (44 Bedford St.) – “You can get a great whiskey or scotch or a big ole beer and a fried catfish sandwich and tater tots all while meeting some of New York’s most interesting and beautiful people – all at 3am.”

Eats with a View

Jean Georges (1 Central Park West) – “Jean Georges of course! It is the best dining room in NYC. Great light and views of Central Park by day and subdued city ambiance by night. Perfect for business but better for pleasure.”

Oysters

Maison Premiere (298 Bedford Ave.) – “This spot not only has one of the largest selection of fresh delicious oysters, but they have a stellar cocktail and absinthe menu to match. You are transported to New Orleans. Snag a spot in the courtyard.”

Specialty Cocktails

Dutch Kills (27-24 Jackson Ave. / Queens) – “The Long Island City cocktail saloon mixes up amazing drinks from the past as well as innovative and delicious modern libations. I tend to go on weekdays and enjoy the live music, especially the Monday piano player.”

Bonus: My favorite Italian restaurant in NYC

Peasant (194 Elizabeth St.) – “Frank DeCarlo’s food truly humbles me in every way.”

Double Bonus: Late Night Eats

Crif Dogs (113 Saint Marks Place) – “Sometimes you just crave a bacon wrapped hot dog with melted cheese and a fried egg on your way home from a late night.”
Stop by Criff Dogs and grab a good morning dog.

Johnny’s Twitter People

@Dalai Lama

@Dolly_Parton

@charliesheen

@NickyHayden69

@funnyoneliners