During my trip to the United States in the past month, I was most looking forward to visiting NYC – a foodie’s haven. Since I was going to be there only for a couple of days, I did all my research and put together a list of things that I needed to accomplish. Sure, I bought a Frommer’s NYC Guide and a Zagat Guide, but what I really followed was what foodie friends recommended. Emily, my pen pan from Seattle e-mailed me a list places I must visit. Kelly at Eat Make Read was very kind to dedicate an entire blog post to it. And then friends on Twitter had their own set of recommendations! They made sure I was all set to explore the city and have a great time.
Just as I stepped out of Penn Station on the first day, I knew I was going to love it. It felt like home. For once I could do things independently without having to wait for someone to drive me around (that’s why I wasn’t huge fan of Atlanta and Miami). I walked around a bit to get a feel of the place as well as to make it look like I know where I’m going until I could sit down with my map! That was till I found a quaint little café – Le Pain Quotidien. The window display of breakfast foods lured me in, where I was happy to find a common table running through the middle of the café (those who know me know how much I dislike eating alone). With a chirpy crowd and a friendly wait staff, this was the perfect place. I had an apple cinnamon muffin and Belgian hot chocolate.
Next stop, Chelsea Market. I had to go to Amy’s Bread after hearing so much about it. And my oh my, it so lives up to every bit of praise it has received! The Semolina Fennel and Raisin Bread is something out of the ordinary. I love bread, but this one took my respect for bread to a whole new level. What I couldn’t stop appreciating was how wonderfully moist and plump the golden raisins were without making the bread around it feel wet and stodgy. I had 6 slices of this bread for dinner. Just the bread!
I kept hopping in and out of the food shops at Chelsea Market. The other store that I really, really liked was Buon Italia; Chelsea market’s source for all things Italian. Since I had the rest of the day ahead of me and I’d be sightseeing the place on foot and train, I picked up only a handful of things – Spaghetti seasoning, olives, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Union Square Greenmarket turned out to be my favourite place. I just love how vibrant it is! With farmers telling stories of their animals are raised and how fresh the mushrooms are (they’d been picked just the previous evening), I was all ears. I saw a variety of mushrooms – a few of which I haven’t even heard of – Mataki, anyone? I sampled some fresh goat’s cheese. I bought some pink Himalayan salt (so much for living in India!). I had hot apple cider for the first time and loved it – perfect in the numbing cold. I struck up a conversation with the herb farmer from whom I bought a lavender plant (I so wish I had bough some more herbs!). I also bought some gorgeous dried lavender.
Other foodie places that I went to:
Dean and Deluca – beautiful and pricey. Good to look at, not so much to shop at. I learnt what truffle salt tastes like here. And guess what I found? PURPLE Potatoes!
Magnolia Bakery – the bakery that shot to fame with Sex and the City. I simply loved their vanilla cupcake and red velvet cupcake.
Murray’s cheese – these guys know their cheese so well that you’ve got to wait in line if you need help selecting what you like. I bought Brie with pesto, Wisconsin cheddar and Smoked Cheddar.
Pinkberry – If there are people lining up for their frozen yoghurt, there has got to be a good reason why. I had the Original tart frozen yoghurt with strawberries and it felt so right, even in the freezing cold.
Zabar’s – I had heard so much about this place that I just couldn’t leave without paying this famed Deli a visit. I tried their famous Blintz and Knish, a huge, gorgeous chocolate cupcake and a serving of pomegranate frozen yoghurt. After this I was all set for shopping next door for more cheese, silicone ware and tart pans.
Can you tell how much I love this city? I’ve just seen a fraction of it and already want to go back! What are your favourite places in NYC?
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
oh my gosh – i SO want to go to NYC.
i have a quick question: when you said vanilla yogurt at pinkberry.. did you mean the plain tart one? cause i had no clue that pinkberry offered vanilla yogurt.
I’ve been to NY twice and on both occasions – work related but the little I experienced was exceptional and I’ve promised myself to return for a proper holiday and exploration.
Pearl: Sorry, my bad! I meant the Original tart flavour. Thanks for pointing it out.
Cynthia: It’s a promise well worth keeping!
oh i love love love nyc too. the best food is always just around the corner. can’t wait to go back.
My favorite is Union Square Market. And I totally get lost in the labyrinths of Zabar’s. And in the aisles of Whole Foods in Union Square. And I love anywhere they sell bagels.
I think you can tell I love the food scene in NY. Can’t wait to get back.
wow!! so Lucky! :D
Arundathi: You are SO right about the best food being just around the corner. Speaking of which, I really regret missing the Gyros at Times Square. It’s so god that people wait for 2 hours to have it.
Simran: We are so like minded!
Plutosangel: I really wish I went to Baked after hearing so much about them from you. Too bad they are in Brooklyn and I only went to Manhattan.
Sniff! This makes me miss NYC so much. Zabar's and Dean & Deluca were my regulars for weekend food, and I loved Chelsea Market. We have Le Pain Quotidien here in London too, it's a Belgian chain. Glad to hear you had an amazing time!
I've been to NYC over 20 years ago…& I feel like going now. It's been a wonderful visit with you, & I WANT TO GO AGAIN!!! Yes, on my own, without having to be driven around!! Wonderful…now will you post those pretzels SOON please…xoxoxo deeba
Woooooooooooooooooooooow
Looks like such a great trip to NYC! I so wish we had of been able to meet up when you were in Miami! Next time right?
Helen: Thanks so much for coming over. I was waitng to hear what you had to say about NYC. I love London as well. The street market at Covent Garden was one place i remember enjoying.
Deeba/PAB: Will post the pretzels tonight :) ANd before you go to NYC, you have to come to Bombay! hehe
Kitchen Flavours: :)
Judy: Next it’s your turn to come to India! :D
You should have told me you were coming into the city! I would have met up with you for some cider in Union Square! Or chocolate at Jaques Torres! If you do come in again before you leave Long Island, let me know!
Glad you had a great time and you hit some great spots! You did miss a NYC staple though! Where is the pizza?! ;-)
Sounds like a great trip! I love New York as well, there is so much to do! The Union Square market is one of our favorites as well. We were there in July and the tomatoes were amazing! Next time you come this way, I will have to meet you out there and get you to the Little Owl!
Anon NY: I thought you’d be busy with work,etc because I was there mostly on weekdays. Silly me, I should have at least asked! I know I missed a lot of things :( But this gives me a reason to come back. :D I’m back in Bombay now.
Chez Us: Hehehe I will always,always, associate Little Owl with you. :D
i loved this post of yours. i used to live in nyc for 2 years before i moved to bombay and in august, i’m going to visit and do exactly what you did: eat! your post made me so happy- captured the vibrant, lovely spirit of NYC.
Traderjanki: I miss NYC every time I hear some one talk about it or go through my photos. If there is any other place besides Bombay I’d like it live it, it’d have to be NYC. Enjoy your visit in August. I will love to read what you did!
I live in NYC on the upper east side, would have taken you to places not mentioned. I am Indian from South America, love going to Queens, to the Indian markets, spanish, and Veitmanese markets. Also downtown NYC, the Village, Soho. So many places for foodies. Let me know when you plan to visit again, I will plan to meet up with you and tour the city.
Deborah, I’m touched my your message. I loved NYC, but it’d be a lot better with some company! I hope to return there soon and will let you know when that happens. :) I’m sure there is something new to discover in NYC everyday.
Shaheen,
Email me before you come, and I will calendar you in, since I am a Mom with two young sons. Yes, I do have caregivers and they help greatly. My last jaunt was Chelsea Market, a must see. And right above the marketplace lies The famous Food Network Studios. On my visit there I ate Gelatos of many flavors, and shopped until I was exhausted. But Soho has some great finds, like French Thai, Neuvo Japanese, and Korean fast food that is out of this world. Brooklyn, famous for it’s Caribbean foods and Middle Eastern fare….. I could go on and on. So be sure to email me, most of my Mom friends don’t even cook, though I’ve showed them.
Deborah, that is really nice of you. I don’t have any current plans of coming over, but will surely e-mail you when I do plan to. :) I too had a lot of fun at Chelsea market. I loved the Italian place there, but had to make a quick exit after I dropped a bad of sunflower seeds that tore open. Didn’t want to ask them for photos after that. Hehe I didn’t go to Brooklyn. Since I was alone, relatives suggested I stick to Manhattan alone. I know I’ve still to see so much more!
Thank you for posting this – love the pics. Hoping to head to Chelsea Market next week or so if all goes well – and I'm making my list of things to bring back here to Philly :)
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