I'm Moving to NYC...suggestions?!?

[Buechner]

I have quit my job in research and am moving in a few weeks to NYC to attend culinary school. I will be living on the south end of Madison Square Park. I would appreciate hearing any suggestions on great finds in my area, especially grocery stores, restaurants, etc!

Thanks,
Jenny

[Angelina]

Hmm...I think Kaluystan (or however it's spelled) is in the neighborhood. Welcome to NYC!!! You are going to love it here!

Angela

[bobmark226]

Good for you, Jenny! How exciting and good luck with the culinary school!

Yes, Kalustyan's is just up Lexington, a block over from Madison Park. You might check their website http://kalustyans.com/ to see the incredible variety they stock. That's actually called Curry Hill, loaded with Indian places from cheap cab driver dives to some very good places. There are also a couple excellent Indian markets, which I always enjoy.

But to add the obvious, you'll be a quick walk down Irving Place to TJs or down Bway to WF, Garden of Eden, and the Union Square Farmer's Market. Both Union Square and Madison Park are prime restaurant areas, but my favorite, right at 24th, is Tabla and its more casual Bread Bar.

General purpose supermarkets in your area...a Gristedes on Third....not so great, but down on 14th St., the Food Emporium is very good, if slightly pricey and very upscale.

You also won't be lacking for home stores in that area, what with Fish's Eddy and Restoration Hardware, Bombay Co, etc.

Bob

[Buechner]

Thanks Bob. I have already gone to the Union Square Market and it will be wonderful to have since I am coming from Madison, WI, home of one of the best markets in the country! I have heard wonderful things about Tabla, so I will have to check it out. It is amazing to finally feel excited about my future and all the possibilities that the school will offer during and after my time there.

Jenny

[kimmer99]

Tabla's great; haven't been in a while though. I love that area of Manhattan - used to work there BC. In addition to the others already mentioned (and I love the Union Square market), you could check out the Chelsea Market (http://www.chelseamarket.com/) it's a bit of a walk a cross-town but worth it for some Italian specialties, brownies, dairy, etc.

Which culinary school will you be attending?

Good luck - I think that's such an exciting change!

[kimmer99]

Oh, just thought of this, but another store that's a bit of a walk (about a mile but you could also take the lex avenue lines), is Bridge Kitchenware (http://www.bridgekitchenware.com/home.cfm) - great fun to poke around in there.

[Buechner]

Kimmer99, thanks for the recommendations. I have not had a chance to get to Chelsea Market yet but have been meaning to, so it is good to hear that it is worth checking out. The kitchenware store sounds great too as I have been known to spend several hours in speciality stores:D

I will be attending The Natural Gourmet Institute.

Jenny