Out on the town: Top Chef Eric Wolitzky’s New York

Name: Eric Wolitzky, interviewed by GayCities New York Editor, JJ Keyes
Home: Manhattan
Hails From: Rochester, NY
Relationship Status: Single
Favorite City: NYC
Best New York ‘Hood: Lower East Side
Spotted on a typical New York Friday night: Dinner at Northern Spy or having drinks at Boxers or sleeping if I was up at 5am that morning.

We love watching you on Top Chef Just Desserts. Did you always know you wanted to be a pastry chef?
I started baking when I was young. I grew up surrounded by bakers in my family and started working at bakeries in my teens. But it wasn’t until I finished my masters degree at NYU that I made the decision to bake full time.

Where were you when you found out you were going to be on the show?
I was sitting at home alone on my couch. I remember it was such a shock that I was speechless and the casting director said, “You can try to be excited, Eric!”

Favorite challenge:
The Bake Sale, of course. The energy that day from the our team and the pep squad was incredible. We were all very proud of what we had accomplished. And I won.

Anything you wish you would have known before you started the show?
I was unsure if the chefs would be allowed to use recipes on the show. Turned out we couldn’t. I wish I had spent more time memorizing them.

Signature dessert?
My signature pastry is probably some kind of update on an American classic. My Mississippi Mud Cake featured in the new Baked Explorations cookbook is a perfect example.

Role model chef?
I would have to say Chef Erika Davis, who is also on Top Chef Just Desserts. She is such an inspiring and versatile chef as well a great humanitarian. And she knows how to have a good time.

When did you move to New York?
I moved to NY in 1990 as a freshman at NYU. Back then I was roomies with an old friend who worked as a cigarette girl at all of the old clubs like Limelight and Roxy. I was such a shy, studious kid and she really opened me up to a whole other world.

Love it. Hey, what’s your favorite restaurant?
I’m loving Northern Spy right now in the East Village. Balthazar and Schillers will always be favorites. Also like Prime Meats in Brooklyn.

I have a crazy sweet tooth. What are a few of your favorite dessert spots?
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, Milk Bar, Balthazar Bakery, or most likely – my apartment.  There is always some leftover treat in the fridge.

You must be an East Village boy. What bars do you like?
If I’m in the hood I’ll go to the standards: PhoenixUrge. But lately, I like Boxers.

Most romantic spot in the city?
Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Photo Credits: Bravo

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