Q&A: What's New With Momofuku Milk Bar's Christina Tosi?
We spoke with Christina Tosi, the 2014 James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of the ever-popular Momofuku Milk Bar, about her latest ventures and the run-up to her participation in the New Taste of the Upper West Side neighborhood culinary event on May 31st.
What will you be preparing for this year's Comfort Food Classics event at the New Taste of the Upper West Side event this summer?
Some new twists on our classic and comforting cake truffles. Little deconstructed bites of our favorite layer cakes: birthday, strawberry-lemon, and German chocolate (don't snooze there's gooey crack pie filling in this one!)!
Do you think you have a chance at winning the Best Comfort Food Dish award this year again like you did last year?
The Upper West Side packs some serious talent! It will be a fierce battlefield, for sure. I think it will come down to whether the crowd is feeling savory or sweet!
What are some things we can look forward to during this year's New Taste event, and why do you enjoy participating in the event?
The Upper West Side is such a vibrant and comforting place to be in this crazy, bustling city. The mood of the event is always so familiar even in a crowd of strangers. I love perusing the latest talent in the hood, checking out their newest dishes, and getting merry on food and drink with my team!
Are you working on any new treats for the Milk Bar?
We're always in recipe testing mode! The egg & cheddar bread is new to the Milk Bar menu as of last week, as are some new fun, seasonal soft serve flavors like cranberry limeade, huckleberry cheesecake, yuzu verbena, mandarin creamsicle, and fruit cocktail!
What are your thoughts on your James Beard Award nomination this year?
It's such an overwhelming honor to be nominated. I wear the badge with pride and motivation for myself, my team, and every new dish!
Can we get a sneak-peak of any upcoming projects you may be working on?
Cookbook number two is due out in spring 2015 with Clarkson Potter! Milk Bar Life will celebrate the hilarious, resourceful, fun-loving culture of Milk Bar through sweet and savory recipes and good old fashioned story telling!
Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @JoannaFantozzi