Chef Carlos Baez is the executive chef at The Spread. Carlos is an award-winning chef known for his innovation. His ambition and passion for the industry has lead him to become a co-owner and executive chef of The Spread Restaurant Group (they are preparing to open their 4th location). Over the years, he received numerous culinary awards for The Spread. Carlos took time off his busy schedule to chat with Suburbs 101. Here are his recommendations for the best restaurants in Westchester, Fairfield County and New York City.
Eat Where the Chefs Eat is a column where local Chefs and food industry insiders share their favorite restaurants in the New York metro area. Learn where your favorite chefs go when they aren’t in their own kitchens!
Best Restaurants in Westchester County and Fairfield County
Where can you get the Best Pizza in Westchester and Fairfield County?
I live in New Rochelle but when I’m craving for pizza, I go to Port Chester. I like Colony Grill in Port Chester. I always order the Hot Oil pizza or Salad Pizza with Hot Oil.
Colony Grill at 35 Abendroth Avenue, Port Chester, NY (914) 934-2428 (multiple locations in Fairfield and Westchester Counties)
What is the Best Restaurant for Date Night in Westchester?
For date night, I recommend Modern in New Rochelle. It is a high-end Italian restaurant. I always order the Chicken Scarpariello and Cannolis.
Modern Restaurant and Lounge at 310 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle, NY (914) 633-9479
What is your go-to Asian Restaurant?
I love Mecha Noodle Bar. It’s near Spread Norwalk, this is my go-to restaurant for Asian cuisine. I always get the roasted mushroom dumplings and pork belly baos.
Mecha Noodle Bar at 116 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT (203) 295-8718 (multiple locations in Fairfield and Westchester Counties)
Where do the staff sneak off to after work?
The other chefs and I like to go to Blind Rhino in Norwalk, a sports bar down the street from The Spread. I usually get a draft beer with buffalo wings.
Blind Rhino at 15 N. Main Street, Norwalk, CT (203) 956-7243
What are the Best Restaurants in New York City?
I was born and raised in Mexico City and my family owned taquerias in Mexico so when I go to New York City and I’m craving Mexican food, I go to Tacombi. It’s a Mexican street joint. I like the Corn Esquites (corn on the cob), you can’t go wrong with their quesadillas and I usually get ice-cold beer for the table.
Tacombi at 255 Bleecker Street, New York, NY (646) 964-5984 (multiple locations in NYC and Montauk)
I like Vandal in Little Italy. It’s an Italian fusion restaurant on Bowery Street. I like their Octopus Tostada and Brussels Sprout.
Vandal at 199 Bowery Street, New York, NY (212) 400-0199
Tell Me More About The Spread
I’ve worked as a chef/owner at The Spread for 7 years. Prior to The Spread, I’ve worked at various restaurants ranging from Mexican to Japanese to French, so the menu at The Spread is ever-evolving and is influenced by my background with different cuisines.
My favorite dish is the Brick Chicken. The Brick Chicken is a french cut chicken, cooked skin down with a brick on top. The chicken is moist while the skin stays nice and crispy. I also recommend our burger, it is a wagyu-beef burger served on a sesame bun with spicy aioli, shaved lettuce and homemade pickles.
The Spread Norwalk at 70 North Main Street, Norwalk, CT (203) 939-1111
The Spread Greenwich at 18 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT (203) 900-1887
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Suburbs 101 is an online lifestyle guide for the New York Suburbs of Westchester County, Long Island, Fairfield County and Northern New Jersey. Get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to live in the New York suburbs through our interviews with local suburbanites and features on Food, Fashion, Home, Travel, and Local Events. Be sure to Follow Us on Instagram, Like Us on Facebook and subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter.