Ep. 23: Bagels, Bagels, and Bagels — The Story Behind Tompkins Square Bagels

Ep. 27: Exclusive Interview with Gnocchi on 9th

This week on Fork This City, we're joined by Mike Salzano and Ariel Strizower, the founders and owners of Gnocchi on 9th [https://gnocchinyc.com/], one of New York City's most talked-about fast-casual Italian concepts. What started as a tiny East Village storefront with a bold idea—serving only gnocchi—has quickly grown into a neighborhood phenomenon. Mike and Ariel take us behind the scenes of Gnocchi on 9th's rapid rise, sharing how the concept came to life, the risks they took to get it off the ground, and the lessons they learned from their previous experiences in the food industry. We also dive into the process behind making their signature fresh gnocchi, discuss the philosophy that drives the brand, and explore what it takes to turn a simple idea into a growing business. Plus, we wrap things up with a fun rapid-fire segment to get to know the founders beyond the kitchen. Whether you're a food lover, aspiring restaurateur, or just curious about the story behind those famous boxes of gnocchi, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Ep. 26: Dim Sum & A Controversial Pet Peeve - Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Josh and Gabby head to Chinatown to visit Nom Wah Tea Parlor, NYC’s oldest dim sum restaurant and a century-old institution tucked away on the historic Doyers Street. Along the way, they debate whether Nom Wah’s food lives up to its legendary reputation or if its biggest draw is the story behind it. The episode wraps with another food pet peeve that proves far more divisive than expected.

Ep. 25: Greek Food, Tourist Traps & NYC Pet Peeves - Anassa Taverna & Hani's Bakery

Josh and Gabby kick things off with a deeper dive into NYC’s most debated food category — tourist trap restaurants. What actually makes a spot a “trap,” and is it about price, quality, location, or just perception? Then they head to the Upper East Side to fork into Anassa Taverna, a bustling Greek restaurant across from Bloomingdale’s that feels like the neighborhood’s unofficial post-shopping dinner hub.  The episode wraps with a no-holds-barred round of dining pet peeves — from lemon-in-water debates to wobbly tables and the small things that quietly ruin a meal.

Ep. 24: Old-School Italian & Fancy Froyo Energy - John’s of 12th & Mimi’s Frozen Yogurt

Josh and Gabby kick things off in the East Village at John’s of 12th Street, one of NYC’s most iconic old-school Italian spots where massive chicken parms, bow-tied servers, candlelit chaos, and a surprise vegan menu all coexist under one roof. Then they head to Mimi’s Frozen Yogurt, a minimalist, Apple Store-style dessert shop where tweens line up for surprisingly good froyo, overpriced toppings, and the occasional $22 reality check. The episode wraps with a ranking of NYC’s best “slop bowl” spots—big, chaotic, no-rules meals that define the city’s food scene.

Ep. 23: Bagels, Bagels, and Bagels — The Story Behind Tompkins Square Bagels

Josh and Gabby kick off the episode with Gabby’s long-awaited return to The Corner Store to see whether a second visit changes her opinion of one of NYC’s toughest reservations. Then, the two face off in a chaotic chain restaurant guessing game that proves maybe they don’t know America’s finest dining establishments as well as they thought. After that, the episode turns into the ultimate bagel conversation as Josh and Gabby sit down with Chris, founder of Tompkins Square Bagels — one of the most iconic bagel spots in New York City. From building the brand and surviving the NYC food scene to what actually makes a great bagel, Chris shares the story behind the neighborhood staple that became a citywide phenomenon.