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Classic Recipes

Even New Yorkers may be surprised to learn that it was the legendary "Oscar of the Waldorf" who was responsible for popularizing Eggs Benedict during his long career as maitre d' at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on Park Avenue.

Along with Eggs Benedict, Oscar was also responsible for influencing his kitchen in introducing the world to Waldorf Salad, Veal Oscar and "Thousand Island" salad dressing, and would eventually emerge as a major force in putting New York on the map as a culinary capital in the early 20th century.

Just ahead, check out a good mix of other familiar New York classics — and try to spot the dish that most New Yorkers swear couldn't have been created within city limits. If you said Vichyssoise you, too, would be forgiven for thinking it was a purely French creation. In fact, it was created on Fifth Avenue by transplanted New Yorker, chef Louis Diat, of the Ritz Carlton.

also see -> Classic New York Cocktails