The best days to do this walk is either a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or a Saturday morning. By doing the walk on these days you will be able to take in the Union Square Green Market . It is a shame to miss this market as it is an unique experience to see over 140 stalls all selling locally source produce.
We have often done this walk and we always start the walk with a good strong cup of coffee from Amy’s Bread in Chelsea Market. If you are early enough you can grab a stool in the window, and eat a pastry from the shop whilst staring out of the window at passerby’s walking through the market. Amy’s Bread prides itself on making from scratch pastries and breads. I always find it difficult to choose one thing to eat, as everything looks so delicious. Trying to be healthy I decided this time around to go for some oatmeal. The combination of the cinnamon and freshly grated apple, worked so well, I didn’t feel deprived that I didn’t go for the almond croissant that Dave had instead.
Take your time wandering through Chelsea Market, there are always new shops and restaurants to explore. I should do a whole blog on it one day, but for now just take it from me you would really want to hang out there for a LONG time! Whatever you do, do make time to check out the bookstore Posman Books, who ever does the staff picks on the table at the front, is always spot on, as we have always picked up some really good books there. I could spend hours there ….
But tearing ourselves away, walk across town along 14th Street towards Union Square. Take in the Green Market.
Depending on the time of year, there will be lots of different types of seasonal produce on sale. When we visited just after New Year, it felt like almost every stall was selling hot apple cider. Very welcome on the chilly day we visited.
From here it is a short walk to Eataly, up Broadway towards Madison Square Park. It is only about a 5 minute walk. At Eataly it is fun to wonder around the store and just look at all the amazing Italian produce you can buy, and if you are lucky to find room have an espresso at the front of the store. I have never been there when it hasn’t been busy, and you have to admire the people behind the store to have thought up the concept and to run it so well. There is a good selection of cook books (predominately Italian) at the back (and incidentally near the toilets).
From there, hop on the subway at 23rd and 7th Ave take line 1 to 79th Street and go to THE best kitchen store in New York – Zabars. On the ground floor is a busy deli/grocery store stocking every kind of cheese, meat, spice etc that you can think of and upstairs it is full of kitchen supplies. I always come out of the shop, swearing that I can’t buy another thing but end up with another kitchen implement that then becomes invaluable over the years.
This is a great walk and a great way to see various different areas of New York. Don’t get put off about hoping onto the subway. It is really easy to navigate and it gives you a welcome chance to sit down before bracing yourself for the Zabars experience!
The Urban Garden Cook 