Market Savvy in New York
After weeks of San Lorenzo and San Ambrogio markets in Florence, we delved into a New York City market last week. Remeber Kim’s adventures at San Lorenzo? Here she is again, with her take on the Chelsea market in downtown New York!
Without skipping a beat since our departure, the intensity and energy level inside the Beard House strongly reflects the lively hustle and bustle of New York City. With the days narrowing down on Friday’s kickoff event, there is a decent size list of last minute things to do and accomplish. First stop, the Chelsea Market. After the eye opening adventure through Florence’s San Lorenzo Market, I was curious to learn what this well-known market of NYC would bring. Being a New Yorker, I asked myself what unique characteristics does this so-called “market” hold?
Filling two entire blocks, the building stretches from 9th to 11th Avenue and 15th and 16th Street. Upon entering, I was immediately aware of the vast contract between the historic shopping center in Florence to this modern, industrial-themed shopping complex in Manhattan. Greeted by heavy glass doors and television screens, it was apparent that the main focus wasn’t so much on the food and products itself, but also the shared connection with each businesses as a whole; including the presence of the media companies, such as the Food Network and NY1, that are housed within the upper part of the building.
Enclosed by brick walls, each shop was divided into it’s own specialty store with the only common ground being the shared cement floor of the market’s foundation. A beautiful sight to say the least, but it seemed to be missing the rich historical connection that makes San Lorenzo so monumental.
The Chelsea Market still holds it’s own and I would highly recommend making the visit. From your everyday fruits and vegetables, to Italian cheeses and various meats and fish, the Chelsea Market has just about everything. Stop in for lunch, window shop or stroll through to find that missing ingredient you can’t seem to find anywhere else. And although you won’t find that same “farm to table” feel that you would in Florence, you’ll still be sure to experience a shopping adventure in true New York fashion; unique, modern and unlike anyplace else. High quality products such as Amy’s Bread and fresh produce from the Manhattan Fruit Exchange run abundant here, our TuttoToscana chefs opted for giant conchiglie pasta shells and sheep’s milk ricotta cheese from Italian purveyor Buon Italia and delicate edible flowers from the Exchange.
– Kimberly Gilroy, Special Event Management Team
Photos, ©Pilee Blue Mansfield 2010, All Rights Reserved
