Chef Spotlight: Becky Rosenthal of BECKYS BITES in the East Village of NYC

Becky Rosenthal, the creative behind Becky's Bites, is a self-taught culinary professional and former personal chef with a degree in business management. Growing up in a creative and entrepreneurial household, Becky knew she wanted to explore her love of food in a unique way. After coming up with the concept for Becky's Bites, one hungry evening in her kitchen, Becky realized that cream cheese didn't have to be so ordinary. Along with Richard, her husband and business partner, they launched their first brick and mortar shop in the East Village of Manhattan with a mission to make New York City known for its cream cheese in the same way it's famous for its bagels and cheesecake!

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Becky for our "Chef Spotlight" about her career and Becky's Bites.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

The earliest interest in cooking that I can remember was baking in the kitchen with my Dad. He showed me how to measure, crack eggs, cut fruits & veggies and the fun that you can have putting it all together. I loved the time we spent together trying out different recipes.

Who were some of your career mentors?

My dad was my first culinary mentor. He took cooking classes and then would come home and teach me everything he learned. As I got older, I started following Ina Garten, the "Barefoot Contessa", and really loved and responded to her approach to cooking. To this day she is my go-to for a recipe I know will be a crowd pleaser.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

I grew up in a Jewish household where cooking was integral to our daily life and especially holidays. Preparing, hearty, inviting, family style meals is where my love of cooking is

rooted and will always be my greatest joy for my own family.

What do you consider the most distinguishing features of your work as a chef?

Our whole business is based on flavored cream cheese dishes and our different use and perception of this ingredient. We saw something that was being used in everything from breakfast and dinner to dessert and was such a staple in every day cooking but never highlighted on its own. Our dessert dips, such as our modern take on the 90's classic childhood snack, "Dunkaroos", has really distinguished us as a fun and playful brand helping adults to relive that carefree spirit of their childhood.

What is your favorite meal or meals?

I love all types of food, picking one cuisine or meal is almost impossible for me - but I would say I am always in the mood for savory food. That's what I love about cream cheese at the base of our dishes, it can really go either way. Anything with cheese, gourmet grilled cheese or Ina Garten's mac and cheese perhaps?!

Tell me a little bit about your venue for our readers.

We like to call our shop in the east village our "bite-sized" storefront. It is a fun little place that reflects our modern spin on a reinvented classic ingredient. A mint green painted storefront, with white LED globe balls that light the interior, along with "bite-me" photo booth props and culturally relevant signage, i.e "Becky with the good bites", reflect our playful personality and that what we are doing is meant to bring FUN and happiness to our customers.

Becky's Bites is located at 122 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009. Call them at 212.420.9200, visit https://www.beckysbitesnyc.com/ and e-mail them at info@beckysbites.com. They have gift options for New York City and catering services.

Photo: Courtesy of Becky Rosenthal