NYC Bites: Chelsea Market

I remember about 10 years ago when the Chelsea Market was opening up.

It was in a lonely neighborhood of big factory warehouses and auto repair shops on 9th Avenue near 15th Street. Who is going to come down here?

I couldn't imagine why people would want to flock here to buy food.

Well, I was wrong, and I guess that's why I am not an innovator or product developer.

This is the hottest neighborhood on the planet, underneath the Highline and a block away from the trendy Meat Packing District in NYC.

The Chelsea Market is housed in the old National Biscuit Company Factory (Nabisco), which was a wasteland of nothing for years.

Food pioneers Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich opened up their upscale DelPosto in 2006, as part of the 10th Ave. row of restaurants, and the Food Network offices are upstairs and many of their shows are filmed here.

The building is filled with high quality vendors. Sort of an upscale urban food court.
Artisan cheese mongers; florists; coffee roasters; and a great wine shop. All under one roof.

You can sit down in any number of places and have lunch or an early dinner, as most of the places close at 8 p.m.

I try and get to Chelsea Market at least once a month to buy my meats at Dickson's Farmstand (which I posted about here before) for the best (but pricey) organic and local meats you will ever taste this side of Texas.

Their burgers are ridiculous (pricey at $6. a patty, but so worth it) with bacon already in the mix.
Fry them in a pan and toast a Thomas' English Muffin. No cheese needed.
Deliciousness.

Amy's Bread was one of the first vendors to occupy this building, originally set up as their wholesale bakery and then started selling their delicious breads to retail customers.

Where do I buy all my wholesale commercial baking sheets and wooden spoons?
Bowery Kitchen Supply.
They've been supplying restaurants and chefs w/ pots and pans on the Lower East Side long before Chelsea became hip.

You say you need a whisk?

Get in line for Hale & Hearty Soups at lunchtime, because this place serves the most delicious soup in the city.

There is a fabulous discount Italian specialty grocery called Buon Italia, which I have been going to long before Eataly opened.

From salumi to truffles, to handmade pastas to the best anchovies from Italy, and for every single type of balsamic vinegar from Modena. Here you will find every Italian product imaginable, and for a good price too.

To end the day, don't forget to stop in Jacques Torres Chocolatier, where you will find his famous chocolate chip cookies, which I ate in the car on the way home and a cup of the best hot chocolate.

Chelsea Market is a must stop if you are visiting NYC.

Chelsea Market
9th Ave. (between 15th & 16th St.)
New York, NY 10011

Share|