To Market: Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market isn’t your typical food market. Part food market, part food hall it is an iconic food destination. Located in the Chelsea neighborhood in New York City the market has developed over the years into a favorite for locals and tourists.

Built in the 1890’s the massive building was originally part of a complex for the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) that consisted of nineteen buildings and covered nearly the whole neighborhood. This is where the Oreo cookie was invented and originally produced. After Nabisco relocated out of the city the building was used for a variety of businesses and spent chunks of time empty.

In the 1990s the building was redeveloped to create the retail level that we know today. Thankfully the developers kept much of the historic charm and even preserved the marks of the building’s past. As you wander the market be sure to keep your eyes peeled for memorabilia and signs of the market’s past – the display case of old advertisements and tins from Nabisco, black and white photos of life in the factory and the railroad that was constructed to service the building (now the High Line park), and even some of the original murals that decorated the walls of the factory.

The market has evolved over the years and acted as home to a variety of food retailers and dining establishments. Today’s market houses well-known bakeries, top-notch eateries, importers, and kitchen suppliers. A few must-stops when you visit:

This two-level shop is packed with specialty products from across the globe offering something for everyone. There is a wall of artisan chocolate bars, a full selection of small batch honey, cookies from all over Europe, cookbooks, and so much more. The staff can help you put together the perfect gift basket for that someone special (or for yourself).

These are hands down the BEST brownies I’ve ever had. The wonderful smell of this bakery is sure to lift your mood. And don’t just stick to the basic brownie. One of my favorites is the blonde witch which is like a giant soft chocolate chip cookie bar. Also the coffee witch, a dense brownie infused with coffee and studded with mini dark chocolate chips. And if you feel like sharing the goodies pick up a box of witch babies.

Amy’s Bread is perfect for a quick lunch, a bite of dessert, and bread for later. If the curried cauliflower and sweet potato salad is available I highly recommend it with any roll of your choice – you really can’t go wrong with their freshly baked bread. That is probably why they are nationally known and have been churning out delicious baked items since 1992.

Forget all the other mozzarella sticks you’ve had in your life because these will top all the others. Using fresh ingredients these sticks aren’t like the sad ones you find in the freezer section. Crispy crust, fresh garlic, and packed with mozzarella. And if you get the chance to sign up be sure to take one of their fresh mozzarella classes and learn how to make your own mozzarella at home.

Los Tacos has been serving up street tacos for many years out of their Chelsea Market location, but you can still expect to wait in line come lunch time. The consistent crowd is a sure sign they are doing something right and one bite of their fresh eats will have you agreeing. There isn’t really a bad choice on the menu, but I recommend the adobada (marinated pork) or nopal (grilled cactus) tacos for round one.

This corner spot isn’t about the food, but the unique items that round out your home. These handcrafted items are gorgeous and you will probably want to walk out with one of each. The poufs, lanterns, and textiles transport you to a Moroccan market without leaving NYC.

If you have had a hard time finding a spice blend look no further than Spices and Tease. The heady smell of the fresh spices and teas will draw you to their stand and the knowledgeable staff will have you sticking around. All the spices are available in bulk so you can get as little or as much as you like – no more being stuck with a huge container of a spice blend you will only use once – and they have wonderful themed sets and gift items for giving the adventurous cook in your life. They also have a large selection of loose leaf teas including unique and flavorful blends such as dark chocolate orange black tea and apricot peach hibiscus.

This large shop is like walking into a shop in Rome or Florence. It is packed with everything you would ever need in an Italian kitchen. Pastas, high-quality oils, specialty flours, and many items you can’t find anywhere else. Also, they now have a pasta bar where you can get fresh made to order pasta dishes.

Really you can’t go wrong with any of the shops. If you’re looking for other activities to do in NYC check out our foodie weekend recommendations! And if you head to Chelsea Market I’d love to hear what your favorites are.

 If you are interested in this fascinating history, you should check out Food City by Joy Santlofer.