SAM TALBOT

WHO: SHOPS:andfor me—greatNorth Chef“12th Mccarrenand selectionsStreet, owner Brooklyn,Parkof of Pretty apples, Green 212-341-3717;Southerneggs, Market mushrooms,in (Saturdays, Greenpoint. grownyc.org)and Unionthe TOPis besta Avenuemust seasonal Brooklyn, vegetables. 718-389-2302; Frankel’s frankelsdelicatessen.com)Delicatessen (631 Manhattanfor appetizing Ave., smoked fish and Jewish foodie finds. Bedford Cheese Shop (265 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, 718-599-7588; bedfordcheeseshop.com) has a killer goat cheese that makes my grits become luscious. I love The Meat Hook (397 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, 718- 609-9300; the-meathook.com) for when I feel like I need to challenge John Candy for the Old ’96er. The place has the best red meat and pork around. Great tools, artisanal finds, and knives as well—they should carry my cookbooks!” Pretty Southern is located at 14 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, 718-349-2967; prettysouthernbk.com.