If the most recent polls are to be believed, the next representative candidate for New York’s 12th Congressional district could be John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg. The 33-year-old grandson of JFK, Harvard Law grad, and social media star is polling at 22-23% in a field of 12 candidates (the next closest is Alex Bores, with 19%). While more than two thirds of the primary voters are undecided, the lead is notable for a candidate who—while no slouch in the looks or lineage departments—has vowed not to accept money from super PACs. Instead of relying on Future Forward to buy air time, Schlossberg is counting on large amounts of small donations and what the political class calls “earned media,” aka articles like these.
Schlossberg talked to Edible Manhattan editor in chief John Ortved about his old haunts, new vision, and the most controversial topic for a New York politician: the city’s best pizza.
Growing up in Manhattan, where did you like to eat?
I went to Collegiate on the Upper West Side for K through 12. Across the street was a place called New Pizza Town. They closed when I was maybe a senior in high school, but it was the best pizza in the entire world. It was the perfect combination of good and greasy. There was another restaurant called First Wok that doesn’t exist any more. The places I visited as a kid—a lot of them have closed.
How about today?
More recently, my favorite pizza place has been Don Giovanni in Chelsea. We had a campaign event there in March. I’m a big diner guy. I’ve got two that I go to all the time: Astro Diner on 55th St., and Chelsea Square Diner.
What’s your order?
It’s usually one plate of bacon, but sometimes I get eggs and bacon. Special occasions, at least for me, our family celebrates with Barney Greengrass.
What’s your Barney Greengrass order?
I’m going there for a bagel with Nova, but sometimes I get there and I want the lox, eggs, and onions. It’s called the Leo.
Are you a cook?
I would say yes. But a more accurate description is that I prepare food. I eat sardines out of the can.
Gross.
And then I’ll eat an avocado. Or brie cheese with honey on it. Is that cooking? I don’t know, but I did make the food myself.
Do you have a favorite grocery spot or a stand at a market?
I get my food at Gristedes—not because I like it—because it’s near my building. When I’m at my parents’ house, which is all the time, I steal their food. I love pastries and they get stuff from Orwashers. And sometimes my sister orders from Murray’s Cheese Shop.
When it comes to food, why should New Yorkers trust you over the other candidates?
People should trust me on food because I have a recipe for success. If you’re struggling to afford your rent, we’ve got more policies than anybody to help you, like deducting your rent from your taxes. Our “Ricochet Rule” is going to keep illegal guns off the street in New York. I’m the only person with a plan to make Trump pay for the permanent perimeter around Trump Tower and invest the $300 million in savings back into our city. The list goes on.
Anything you want to add?
Just that you are what you eat. And a vote for me is a full plate. It’s a three-course meal. It’s a Michelin star, but it’s also a city hot dog. It’s a perfect combination.
Unlike what a lot of women seem to think, you’re not just a snack.
Not just a snack. Not just a tall glass of water. A full course meal.
