est. 1979 in London; opened in NY in 2017; locations worldwide; modern take on classic Italian fare, w/ wood fired pizzas, handmade pastas & fresh seafood
#39 (101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown); Food War: Grimaldi's vs. John's Pizzeria... Grimaldi's won (2-votes-to-1); opened in 1990; long lines; no reservations; no credit cards; no slices; use San Marzano tomatoes imported from Naples, Italy
Turkey Leg Sandwich dark leg-meat of turkey slow-braised in organic milk & herbs, topped w/ crispy fried onions, on grilled country bread; served w/ pickles & fries
Cheesecake New York style cheesecake; sponge cake crust (rather than graham cracker); "I literally never tasted a cheesecake quite as good as Junior's"-Rocco Dispirito
Smoked Meat Sandwich 3 weeks of prep & over 18 hours of cooking; cured, smoked brisket on seeded rye bread w/ deli mustard; looks good
Smoked Meat Poutine french fries topped w/ chicken gravy, smoked brisket & cheese curds; "just makes you eat & eat!...bold youth on a deli platter!" -Alex Guarnaschelli
Baked Alaska hot-and-cold dessert; made of crispy cookie bottom, layered w/ coffee-vanilla parfait & topped w/ Italian meringue & caramel sauce; served in individual sizes
[CLOSED]; Throwdown: Bobby Flay lost; opened in 1999; "utilizing artisanal and seasonal ingredients to create fine food served in a casual and comfortable atmosphere" (from its website); received Michelin star every year since 2005; moved from original location at 140 Smith St
Beef Short Ribs top seller; "brontosaurus" sized (think The Flintstones); ribs flown in from CO; smoked in hickory wood; "out-of-bounds killer...that's one of the best barbecue things I've ever had"-Guy Fieri; looks good
[CLOSED]; Throwdown: Bobby Flay lost [recipe]; opened in 2010; "Caribbean's answer to the wild Buffalo Wings craze" (from its website); voted the "Best Wings in Brooklyn" 1st Place winner 2010 and 1st Place People's Choice 2011
