When a pizza craving hits, you can't do much better than Paulie Gee's. This Greenpoint, Brooklyn institution makes wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies, served with both classic and unique toppings. Owner Paul Giannone uses locally sourced ingredients when possible, plus fior di latte and Italian tomatoes, of course, creating some of the most mouth-watering pizzas around. Bing cherries, prosciuitto di Parma, baby arugula, orange blossom honey, beef brisket, and kale pesto are all possibilities you'll find on the menu, and Paulie Gee's offers several vegan pies as well. I love the atmosphere here- you enter through big barn doors, and the interior feels like a rustic cabin. Although the restaurant doesn't take reservations (so get there early), they are in the process of opening a slice joint nearby for all your quick, on-the-go pizza needs, which is super exciting news! Definitely stop by next time you're in Brooklyn!
levain bakery
In my opinion, the BEST cookie in NYC (or the world?) comes from Levain Bakery. It's huge, weighing in at 6 ounces, and has the perfect mix of textures. The outside is crisp and chewy, while the center is basically warm, almost-raw cookie dough. Their cult classic is a chocolate chip walnut cookie, but you cannot go wrong with any of their offerings. I’d happily eat any (all?) of them any day of the week, but my favorites are the dark chocolate peanut butter chip and the oatmeal raisin cookies! I only wish they were located closer to me, but it's probably for the best that they aren't! Of course, Levain, if you want to open in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I wouldn't say no... YUM! I love these so much that I created a Levain Bakery Wannabe Cookie recipe, which I definitely recommend checking out to get your fix in the comfort of your own kitchen. You can also order them online if that sounds more up your alley! Either way, I hope you enjoy :)