Profile

In a city of insipid—if not downright dangerous—salad bars, City Bakery's is a thing apart: gorgeously eclectic, culinarily inspired, effortlessly seasonal. When Mother Nature gives us juicy heirloom tomatoes, savory chef Ilene Rosen gives us delicious tomato sandwiches. She also gives us caramelized French toast and a mildly spiced Mexican tortilla soup, among too many other delectable things to mention. And once you've had your tofu-skin-and-edamame salad, you can reward yourself with a cup of Maury Rubin's signature chocolate, hot or cold. Like its pretzel croissant, the City Bakery is a true original. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Brunch

Sat.—Sun., all day

Related Stories

Best of New York Awards

• Best All-American Snack (2004)
• Best Brownie (2003)
• Best Brunch (2002)
• Best Veggies (2002)
• Best Do-it-Yourself Dessert (2002)

Featured In

• Places to Eat Prime Pretzels (4/14/08)
• Taste Test: The Best Hot Chocolate (2/5/07)
• Cheap Eats Guide 2006 (8/7/06)
• Buffalo Wings (2/2/04)

Recipes at The City Bakery

• Pickled Jerusalem Artichokes (2006)
• Maple Butter Baked Seckel Pears (2004)
• Strawberry Lemonade (2003)