Markets of Manhattan, Part I: Chelsea

Sunday, January 27. 2008

Since we knew we'd have Sunday free in NY, I emailed Dave "Pepperhead" about meeting up with us for a "foodie day" in Manhattan, one of the foodie capitals of the world. Since there was only so much food we could actually eat, we spent a good portion of the day visiting the famous gourmet markets of NY.

After a brunch in the West Village, we headed up to the Chelsea Market. This indoor multi-vendor marketplace inhabits the old Nabisco Factory in the Meatpacking District. While upstairs is offices for dot-coms and music labels, the whole first floor is various high-end bakeries, markets, cafe's and other foodie attractions.

Right by the entrance to the market you can get your carbo loading fix, with Eleni cupcakes and Fat Witch brownies side-by-side. Kris is trying to decide where to buy her empty calories.

Chelsea has an excellent Italian market, of course, with olive oils, cheeses, pastas and lots of high-quality legumes.

We also found a really good tea house, and stopped there for cups of tea.

Of course, Chelsea market also has at least three different bakeries, as well as a produce market, and several flower shops.

Twenty years ago Balducci's was a hole-in-the wall Italian market with 180 different things in barrels and an every-changing selection of imported cheese. Today, it's a fantasy temple of food. This means huge selection -- including Asian ingredients -- but also takes away some of the charm of the old place, according to Dave.

The Fairway Market is well-known for its huge selection of produce ... and its incredibly cramped aisles.

This guy thought about removing the bottom apple from this huge stack of apples. Sadly, he thought better of it and took one from the top.

The Fairway Market also has lots of other stuff. Including really, really huge sandwiches. Those are each about four feet long.

Surprisingly, Citerella manages to thrive right next to the Fairway Market. You'd think one would compete the other away, but no. Citrella focuses on seafood, cheese and prepared foods, so maybe it's more complimentary than not. Dave bought mustard here.