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Weekend Market Picks + Draugsvold Jewelry!

Fabulous Statement Necklace Made with Vintage Elements by Melissa Draugsvold at SUPER!market

I am thrilled to feature an amazing jewelry designer, Melissa Draugsvold this weekend. I first heard the buzz about her designs at SUPER!market in January. You know you’re onto something when the other designers are wearing her jewelry themselves!

Melissa’s one-of-a-kind designs are intriguing statement pieces made from romantic, evocative, and nostalgic pieces of vintage jewelry. You might recognize an element in one of her necklaces as something your favorite fabulous auntie wore. Or maybe you saw something like it in a glamorous Old Hollywood movie. She has a spectacular necklace made from vintage crystal brooches from the collection of Rufus Wainwright. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Nylon, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Lucky Magazine and more. Beyonce and Kim Kardashian have been seen sporting their own original Draugsvold designs. And you can meet her in person and try on her wonderful designs in person this weekend at SUPER!market!

And now, here are the Market Picks for this coming balmy weekend!

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 17 – 19, 2012

Independent Designers Pop Shop at Chelsea Market, open every day through February 29th

The Market NYC on 14th Street between 8th & 9th in the Meatpacking District

Saturday Only, February 18, 2012

Inwood Flea Market at 108 Cooper Street, CUNY in the Heights Building, Manhattan *NEW!*

SUPER!market at 268 Mulberry Street in Nolita, Manhattan

Saturday and Sunday, February 18 -19, 2012

Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasbrewery (Sunday only), One Hanson Place, Brooklyn

Hell’s Kitchen Flea, West 39th St. between 9th & 10th Avenues, Manhattan

Sunday Only, February 19, 2012

Jackson Heights Greenmarket, 34th Avenue @ 77th Street, Queens (Composting and textile recycling every Sunday!)

It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, so get out there and enjoy it! And bring a totebag for all your new treasures!

Saving A Home One Delicious Cake At A Time

I was in Park Slope, Brooklyn on Saturday last weekend and visited the farmers market sponsored by Community Markets on 5th Avenue and 4th Street. The Community Markets organization provides access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and locally produced food products to communities within the city and also in Rockland and Westchester Counties. They manage 18 markets, and the one in Park Slope runs year-round.

I was delighted to see Mortgage Apple Cakes at the market. I’ll be honest and say that I haven’t actually tried the original apple cake because I keep getting seduced by the glazed wonder known as Apple Rum Upside Down Cake. Back to that in a minute.

Mortgage Apple Cakes is a baked goods company with an inspiring story. Several years ago, founder and owner Angela Logan had been unable to find work, and her house went into foreclosure. Rather than sit idly by and let her home and investment disappear, she took back control of the situation and did a few calculations. If she could sell 100 of her luscious apple cakes in 10 days, she could earn enough money to save her house.

And that’s what she did. Almost.

What actually happened is that her story made the national news. Friends and supporters from all over the country bought cakes, and she saved her house. And she had a brand over night. That was several years ago. Now she has a commercial venture, selling her apple cakes and cupcakes, apple pound cake, caramel apple cake, and apple rum upside down cake online and in the markets. She has plans to establish a storefront with a community focus. She plans to host a good old fashioned bake sale each month to help someone else in need.

Now back to that apple rum upside down cake. It is everything you want in a cake. It is sweet, beautiful, rich, and has a wonderful texture. And then there is the marriage of yellow cake and apple, and ample sugary glaze. I can confidently say that it is truly one of the best cakes I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a lot of cakes.

So last weekend, I was so glad to see Angela and her cakes doing so well at the Park Slope market. I meant to try the apple cake. But I ended up with two big pieces of the apple rum upside down cake again. While I look forward to actually trying the original, I do not regret my purchase. When I got home, I made a pot of tea for my husband and myself, and we ate the cake in big bites, savoring every one.

I also want to share this great interview of Angela so that you can see for yourself the dynamic spirit behind the wonderful Mortgage Apple Cakes.

Reflections on the Chocolate Show in Time for Valentine’s Day

Yes, I’m a bit late with this posting of the Chocolate Show that took place in New York last November. But since it’s almost Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d post about it now and give you some wonderful chocolate inspiration.

Honestly, I had the impression that the Chocolate Shows were for tourists. Even the one in Paris, with its gigantic subway ads and enticing images. But then I looked into it a bit more, and I thought maybe I should give it a chance. So this year, I went. And I’m here, as a massive chocoholic, to tell you that it was an incredible experience.

I arrived at a peak hour on Saturday, and the crowd was pretty big. But that just made me focus and scout out the chocolate companies I really wanted to see. I was pleased and thrilled to see some of the finest chocolatiers in the world all under one roof.

Through my friend and chocolate maker Matt, I met the incredibly talented French chocolate maker from Roanne, François Pralus. I’ve tried is wonderful Pyramide des Tropiques collection of dark chocolates from around the world at Murray’s Cheese. The packaging is so lovely that you hardly want to break into the chocolate, but definitely do! I took home two hefty bars of dark and milk chocolate filled with hazelnuts and praline that were out completely of this world.

Lyonnais chocolatier Bernachon was there too with their perfectly shiny and wonderful bars, as well as their signature gold-flecked bonbons. Lucy Vanel, an American living in Lyon and author behind the wonderful blog, Lucy’s Kitchen Notebook, graciously introduced us to Bernachon while we were visiting Lyon a few years ago. Again, the chocolates are almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.

It was also wonderful to see New York market based companies at the chocolate show, including Roni-Sue’s Chocolates. Chocolatier Rhonda Kave of the Essex Street Market was happily providing samples of her famous BeerCrunch and even more famous Pig Candy. Spices & Tease, from their new home in the Grand Central Market, featured a chocolate-related tea collection and other spices that go with sweet and savory chocolate dishes.

The tiny golden-bellied chocolate Buddha pictured came to us from Indiana, handmade by Chocolate for the Spirit in Shelbyville. Des Lis Chocolat creates gorgeous and unique bonbons flavored with poppy flower petals. Their poppy flower petal jelly also caught my eye at the Chocolate Show. Rounding out my experience were the rich and exotic almond paste-filled Babouche au Chocolat from La Gazelle D’Or in Paris and Casablanca. And finally, I washed it all down with my old friends, the huge, decadent, scrumptious chocolate chip cookies from Jacques Torres.

These are just a few of the 65+ exhibitors at the Chocolate Show in New York. Is it for tourists? Sure! Is it for New Yorkers with a passion for rich, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and lots of it? Definitely! I was impressed, I was happy, and I spent a lot of extra time at the gym afterwards.

Will I go back next time? Absolutely!

Four Beautiful Words: Crispy Purple Potato Chips

I’ve had a bad cold for the last three weeks, drifting in and out of mild misery. But I’m feeling better every day now, thanks for asking.

Saturday I was feeling particularly low energy as I was walking through Union Square. The Greenmarkets always make me feel better, and so I was strolling along amongst the tents, despite the brisk cold, on my way to the 6 train. And then something bright purple caught my eye. (It has happened before – purple food makes me happy.)

The bright purple this time turned out to be a sample bowl of beautiful and delicious potato chips from Mountain Sweet Berry Farm. The Andean Mix includes the true purple chips made from purple Peruvian potato, mixed with rich yellow chips made from ruby crescent potatoes. This farm has three other flavors of chips made from other potatoes. The Crunchy Indian chips are made from Ozette Indian potatoes. The other two varieties are Brown Butter and Pure Pleasure.

UPDATE: The chips are fried in rice bran oil, which has a mild taste and is good for high heat frying. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, MD., it has additional health benefits as well.

Potato chips are one of my very favorite foods in the whole world. But I’m a purist. No ranch, no BBQ, no salt and vinegar. I like simple potatoes and salt. Each chip from Mountain Sweet Berry Farm has a pure potato taste and yet a wonderfully distinct flavor. The purple ones were my favorite because a) they’re purple, b) they taste rich and wonderful, and c) my mom is from the Andes mountains, and so I feel a personal connection to them. That said, they are all mouthwateringly delicious.

Mountain Sweet Berry Farm comes to the Union Square Greenmarket Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Go try them for yourself and let me know which one you like best! And check out this wonderful video featuring Rick Bishop of Mountain Sweet Berry Farm on Serious Eats.

Video: Handmade in the Holiday Markets of NYC

Since I’ve been shopping for gifts in the artisanal holiday markets around the city, everyone wants me to pick them in gift exchanges. They know that whomever I pick will get the most awesome, special, unique, beautifully made gifts under the tree. And I’m not exaggerating one bit – just ask my family!

It’s more important than ever to support the small businesses in the markets. The markets enable local entrepreneurs to build their business, reach a passionate clientele, and grow. So I thought I’d go out to the holiday markets and feature some of the people and companies selling their very special products this year in the Union Square Holiday Market, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, the Holiday Village at Bryant Park, and the Jingle Market:

Shop online or, better yet, go meet these designers, innovators, and trendsetters in person in the Holiday Markets this season!

Lauren Wimmer Jewelry at Grand Central Holiday Fair

Lauren Wimmer Hand-Dyed Silk Wrapped Jewelry

Lauren Wimmer Jewelry features lush, textured, jewelry designs. Lauren launched her design firm in 2003, and she has sold her works in New York’s best design markets, grand art museums, and fine department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel.

The pieces in her “Wrapped” Collection are unique in that she wraps brass rings in hand-dyed silk ribbon to create colorful, playful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, like the lovely blue cuff pictured. “Cast” is a collection of sterling silver jewelry based on “textures and palettes of overgrown gardens.” Intrigued? You definitely have to see – and touch – these pieces in person.

And you can do just that this season at the Grand Central Holiday Fair, which opens today! Lauren is also selling her work in the Independent Designer Pop Shop in Chelsea Market through November 27th.

COMING SOON: 2011 Holiday Markets Guide!

You’re Invited! Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market!

Markets of New York City is a proud sponsor:

Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market

When: December 17th & 18th, 2011, 12-6PM

Where: Littlefield Art Space, 622 Degraw Street in Park Slope/Gowanus

Read on for details!

YOU’RE INVITED!

We’re kicking out another SHOW and it is better than ever! Jurying a record amount of applicants to make way for 65 of them to participate, we got the absolute best talent concentrated into this one weekend. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18th, this Market falls on the LAST SHOPPING WEEKEND BEFORE CHRISTMAS, helping shoppers who procrastinate (all of us!) find handmade values – and making it easy to keep out of the big box stores – when the clock is ticking down….

The stellar timing and careful curation is only a part of what will make this a special event not to be missed. The location is perfect: Littlefield is a warehouse-turned-club, built uber-sustainably with 6000 square feet of space and just 2 blocks from the R train on the Gowanus/Park Slope border. The latest advancement in BKCC’s holiday market: Each day will feature different vendors! The 100% turnover from Saturday to Sunday ensures total diversity, more designer participation, and a great reason for shoppers to come both days. Nate Duval delivers yet another stunning design to represent our running series. He has been with us since our very first one, and we are so lucky to have him.

BKCC will also have food trucks each day for hot food on these chilly winter gift-buying days. Littlefield will offer hot (and cold) drinks from the full bar, including weekend-long BKCC Market drink specials, and also available are artisanal sweet and savory specialty food (for gifts and for munching) from local makers Brooklyn Brine, Chocolate Swirl, Jam Stand, Sour Puss Pickles, Macaron Parlour, Granola Lab, Bum Bars, Jenni’s Cookies, The Chibi Chef and Rescue Chocolates.

Weekend Market Picks for November 12 & 13 + Gloves by Lamia Akar

Whimsical Sexy Mini Gloves Handmade by Lamia Akar

I visited the The Market NYC / Young Designers Market in their great new digs at 328 W. 14th Street between 8th and 9th. Happy to report they are completely settled in, and full up with a wide range of jewelry and fashion designs.

Many things caught my eye, but I was absolutely delighted by these handmade gloves by Lamia Akar. Lamia makes fingerless leather gloves in bright colors, black, white, and every combination thereof. The gloves come in a variety of sizes and lengths, all fingerless, some with big snaps that make a satisfying sound when you squeeze them together. They are all wonderfully designed and made. She makes tiny mini gloves, the ones in the photo, that are sweet and fun, and quite sexy. Lamia’s designs offer a tasteful way to a dose of color and whimsy to any outfit!

And now, on to this weekend’s Market Picks to get your holiday shopping started!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

East 67th Street Flea Market: Located in the schoolyard and cafeteria of PS 183 on E. 66th and 67th Street between 1st and York Avenues, this flea market features some amazing vendors. You may find the cashmere lady, who sells nothing but cashmere sweaters on a schoolyard table. Several fine vintage jewelers sellers have amazing sparkles in their cases. The market also has fresh produce and food vendors selling both snacks and provisions for your week.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Community Markets in Park Slope: I love the markets produced by the Community Markets organization because they feature wonderful regional farm produce, and they also have local food businesses selling their products. I am thrilled to to see that some of my favorite food purveyors will be at this Brooklyn market on Sunday (5th Ave. and 4th Street in front of PS 51), including Raaka Virgin Chocolate and their new flavors, and the famous Mortgage Apple Cake, with their mouthwatering, superlative, and economy-saving cakes.

Saturday and Sunday, November 11 & 12:

Independent Designer Pop Shop: I simply have to keep this month-long market on the list again this week. It is a lovely, boutique-style market featuring New York’s fine emerging designers. It is located in the space across from Posman Books and next to Chelsea Market Baskets inside Chelsea Market! And I’ll be doing a book signing there on Saturday from 12 – 3PM! So come shopping and come get your market guide book signed! And “like” the market on Facebook to win a $50 gift card on Saturday!

The MarketNYC / Young Designers Market: As I wrote above, I am happy to see that this market is fully ensconced in its new space near the Meatpacking District. There are literally dozens of designers in multiple rows throughout the market. Look for the red tent on 14th Street, and plan on spending some time looking at all the designers’ tables. Lamia Akar was just inside the eastern exit when I met her last week.

Dekalb Market: Every time I come here, there are new things to discover – new artisans, new food vendors, and new shipping containers turned into a matrix of treasure-filled boutiques. There’s local food, handmade artisanal wares, art installations, and music. I have it on good authority that the New Zealand style Dub Pies are ridiculously tasty. What else do you need? Oh yeah – and a farm. I wonder if a pumpkin grows in Brooklyn?

Eat, Shop, Play — in the Markets of new York City!

Photo of the Day November 8, 2011: Movie Theater Cookie by FattyCakesNY

I woke up this morning thinking about a cookie I met at the Grub Street Food Festival at the Hester Street Fair, from FattyCakesNY. FattyCakesNY makes a great variety of cookies. Rich, delicious, imaginative cookies.

The one that woke me up today was the “Movie Theater” cookie. The concept is around making a cookie with the things you’d find on a movie theater floor. Mind you, FattyCakesNY does not source their ingredients from movie theater dumpsters. The idea is that movie snacks are such a guilty pleasure, and we stuff them into our cookieholes all at once anyway, usually before the actual movie even starts. This particular cookie starts out as a classic chocolate chip, to which the bakers add popcorn and bits of Swedish Fish. The popcorn adds a crunchy texture and a touch of savory, while the fish contribute gooeyness and even more sweetness.

FattyCakesNY’s repertoire of cookies really is ridiculous, as they say themselves. Highlights include:

Old Faithful: A butter cookie filled with bourbon pecan pie filling
The Jules: A butter cookie filled with cherry jam
Sticky Fingers: A peanut butter cookie packed with homemade peanut brittle, caramel, and buttered popcorn
The Big Daddy: Homemade bacon brittle with chocolate chips in a peanut butter cookie

Are you still here? Or have you passed out from the most delightful case of sugar shock just from reading the descriptions?

FattyCakesNY takes orders in person, rather than impersonally online, via email to: fattycakesny@gmail.com. They can customize your order too (i.e. adding your favorite movie theater snack to our Movie Theater cookies). Most varieties are available gluten-free.

You can find FattyCakesNY next at the Handmade Cavalcade on December 3, 2011!

Weekend Market Picks November 5-6 + Sohung Designs at ID Pop Shop

Markets of New York City is proud to support the Independent Designer Pop Shop, or ID Pop Shop, in Chelsea Market! One of my favorite designers, Tom Sohung of Sohung Designs, whose dress I wore to my book launch party last year, is participating in this treasure-filled market. The photo is yours truly falling in love with his spectacular wool overdress. It is asymmetrical, with a long cut-out sleeve on one side and a cape sleeve on the other. It buttons up in the most flattering, unusual way, the epitome of style and design. And it made me feel like a super rich 1 Percenter, only better because my finest wares are local and handmade.

The ID Pop Shop runs every day through November 27 and features 18 of New York’s fine emerging designers in fashion, jewelry, accessories, and bath and body products. They’re giving away American Express Gift Cards every weekend, so follow ID Pop Shop on Facebook and win!

And now for this weekend’s Market Picks!

Saturday and Sunday, November 5 & 6:

ID Pop Shop: As I mentioned above, this market is just lovely. It’s like walking into an amazing boutique full of amazing objects, from sumptuous creams and room sprays, to cool leather wallets, and some of the most riveting fashion designers on the scene. Runs through November 27, 2011 inside Chelsea Market, towards the 10th Avenue entrance.

Chelsea Market: While you’re heading to the Pop Shop, you must spend time strolling and noshing your way through Chelsea Market. The crowds get a little wild on the weekends, but you can stop for warm breads fresh out of the ovens at Amy’s Bread, or hot cocoa at Ronnybrook Farm Dairy’s Milk Bar, or a delicious fresh crepe from Bar Suzette.

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park: They’re open! I haven’t been there yet this year, but trust me – it is not too early to get into the holiday spirit once you’ve entered the holiday wonderland in beautiful Bryant Park. The crystal vendor shops, the fun ice rink, and the seasonal Celsius Wine Bar will jump start your season!

Saturday Only

Super!market: This market features a core selection of outstanding emerging designers. They’re hosting over 25 designers in the gym of the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Nolita. It’s warm and indoors, so you can browse at every single booth and try on the handmade designerclothing for men and women. Super!market is an exciting new addition to the market scene!

Good luck and fair weather to everyone running in the Marathon! That means you, Rachael Grygorcewicz! ♥ I’ll actually be cheering you on from the sidelines this year, rather than from my cozy warm bed like most years! So you’d better run fast!