Book Launch » Markets of New York

Thanks for Celebrating the Launch of Markets of New York City!

Last week we launched Markets of New York City at Posman Books in Chelsea Market. It was exactly what I hoped my Big Fat New York Book Launch Party would be, which is to say, lovely, intimate, delicious, and full of my nearests and dearests. Starting with my mom, Haydee Seiger, who sported a vintage silk dress for the occasion. My gorgeous and fabulous sister Andrea Seiger was adorned with her favorite finds from markets all over the world, from New York to Veracruz and Accra. My perfect and charming in-laws Judy Nicotra-Parker and Marcy and Thom Green showed the love too, as well as my tiny nieces Tessa and Maddie, the adorable little girl in the section on Chelsea Market (p. 169). And my bestest friend from first grade, Matt Israel, who traveled from Las Vegas despite being in the middle of launching a top-secret new product line.

The markets in the guidebook were well-represented by the wonderful vendors and visionary managers, the very people that make the markets of New York City so amazing and exciting!

I would like to thank the brilliant and kind people from The Little Bookroom. And the wonderful artisans who set up our mini-market: Miss Wit, Off the Mat, Rocks & Salt, ShayaNYC, and Take Me Homeware (Check their websites to see where they’ll be each weekend!) The delicious platters of food were contributed by Amy’s Bread, Buon Italia, and Manhattan Fruit Exchange in the Chelsea Market. And thank you to Sohung Tom of Sohung Designs for my killer dress! Thanks also to Time Out New York for helping promote this event out of all the amazing things going on in the city every single day. And, of course, my darling husband James Wesolowski was the one cutting up the bread, taking photos, and being the wonderful man he is.

Thank you everyone who showed up in person and in spirit (that would be my sister Leslie, who was in the middle of giving final exams)! I will remember and cherish that evening forever.

Photo of the Day – May 20th, 2010: Maddie at Chelsea Market

Tonight is the Book Launch Party at Posman Books in Chelsea Market! I adore Chelsea Market, not only for the fine quality and diversity of foods, but also for the wonderful events they hold, and all the great decorations they put up for all the big holidays! I know it’s almost summer, but this photo of my wonderful niece Maddie in the market over the holidays just embodies the magic of Chelsea Market so beautifully that I thought I’d post it today of all days.

Photo of the Day – May 18, 2010: Gerardo Le Chevalier

Gerardo Le Chevalier, a Tireless Supporter of Democracy, who lost his life in the Haitian Earthquake

You may know that I spent some time working in Haiti, and I was heartbroken by the earthquake in January of this year. One of my colleagues, Gerardo Le Chevalier, was the head of the UN Electoral Assistance Unit. He lost his life when the UN building collapsed in Port-au-Prince.

So although this week is full of joy for me, with the book release, my family coming to town, a fabulous New York book launch party, and “Celebrate Handmade Brooklyn” on Saturday, I do want to take this opportunity to remember those who may be less fortunate than I. Gerardo’s family graciously agreed to allow us to honor him at “Celebrate Handmade Brooklyn” by raising funds for Doctors Without Borders in his name.

Gerardo was a Salvadoran citizen who served in the Senate before moving into the international arena. He used his own skills and experiences to support the development of political parties in Haiti and Paraguay. Most recently, he had returned to Haiti with the United Nations. He is sadly missed by his family and friends, and fondly remembered by his colleagues as a courageous, diplomatic man with a fabulous sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. Some of the stories are told in this article about him on the National Endowment for Democracy’s website.

So I hope you will come to Posman Books on Thursday and to the Brooklyn Indie Market on Saturday to “Celebrate Handmade Brooklyn.” And please make a contribution to the outstanding and courageous work of Doctors Without Borders in honor of Gerardo Le Chevalier, a true democrat.

Photo of the Day – May 15, 2010: Amy’s Bread!

Semolina Bread with Black Sesame Seeds from Amy's Bread at Chelsea Market

The deliciously talented Amy Scherber and Toy Kim Dupree have just released their revised and updated Amy’s Bread: Artisan-style Breads, Sandwiches, Pizzas, and More from New York’s Favorite Bakery (John Wiley & Sons 2010). My birthday cake comes from Amy’s Bakery every year – yellow cake with pink frosting and confetti, thank you very much! We get our fresh baguettes there, still warm from the ovens at Chelsea Market.

Come taste a variety of delicious breads from Amy’s at next Thursday’s Markets of New York City launch party at Posman Books in Chelsea Market, and pick up a copy of this exciting cookbook while you’re with us!

“To Market, To Market” with Your Markets of New York City Tote!

Well, you can’t very well go to the fabulous markets of New York City without a designer market tote, now, can you?

To help celebrate the launch of Markets of New York City: A Guide to the Best Artisan, Farmer, Food and Flea Markets, a team of highly skilled artisans and designers helped me produce this limited edition market tote. You can pick up an advance copy of the guidebook and a tote bag at the Brooklyn Lyceum Spring Food and Craft Market this weekend!

The guidebook uses little icons as a key to tell the reader what kind of market each one is – artisan, farmer, food, or flea. The icons were originally designed by Lauren Ruggeri, the brilliant graphic designer who created the entire book, including the cover that makes me so happy. We paid a lot of attention to the flea because my dad was a biologist who would have insisted on its having six legs, being an insect and all.

Using the original icons, the ever talented Miss Wit, Deb Goldstein of Miss Wit Designs, created the design for the market bag, which was then hand-printed in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The totes are 100% organic cotton, procured from Eco Bags, a NY-based company that “exist(s) to provide products, information and inspiration that help people reduce, re-use and recycle. Starting with the simple step of bringing your own reusable cloth bag to shop may seem trivial, but it creates a “mindset.” Like anything, the more people who take this simple step, the more it becomes the natural and right thing to do.”

I couldn’t agree more.

“Totes may come and totes may go, but this May, make sure to take your tote wherever you go.” ~Miss Wit

Pre-Publication Book Launch at the Brooklyn Lyceum This Weekend!

I will be at the Brooklyn Lyceum’s Spring Food and Craft Market with The Little Bookroom this weekend! Please stop by, say hi, and pick up your advance copy of the guidebook!

Many of the wonderful vendors featured in the guidebook and blog are also going to be at the Lyceum, and they are offering awesome special discounts with your book purchase:

•Alison Tauber: $5 off one shirt

•Bacon Marmalade: Discount on Jars or Baked Goods

•Fine and Raw Chocolates: Chunky Bonbon 2 for $10 (regular price $7 each)

•KnitKnit Knits: 10% off one item

•Lovely Day Designs/LuCrafts: 20% on total purchase

•McFlashpants : 10% discount on total purchase

•Meow Meow Tweet: $1.00 off total purchase

•Miss Wit Tees for Good Times: 15% on total purchase

•Nordea Soaperie: Free 1.5 oz Body Polish with $45 total purchase

•Off the Mat: 20% discount on total purchase

•Pumpkin and Honey Bunny/P&H Soda and Syrup Inc.: $.50 off purchase of sodas and greeting cards

•Rocks and Salt Design: 10% discount on hats

•Sour Puss Pickles: $1.50 off a jar of Green Tomato Relish

•Take Me Homeware: 20% discount on total purchase

•Virginia Kraljevic Illustrations and Cards: 20% discount on total purchase

•Yona’s Gourmet Delights: $1.00 off your purchase of any two combos

Announcing The Book Launch Events!!!

Markets of New York City (Little Bookroom, 2010)

I am so excited for the launch of Markets of New York City: A Guide to the Best Artisan, Farmer, Food and Flea Markets (Little Bookroom, 2010), I can barely stand it! It has been such an incredibly rewarding experience to explore, shop, eat, and get to know the wonderful, dedicated, and talented entrepreneurs at the amazing markets throughout the boroughs. Please come out, have some fun, and show your support for these fantastic institutions that give so much character to our fair city!

Weekend of May 1 & 2 – Pre-Publication Launch at Brooklyn Lyceum’s Spring Food & Craft Market

Get an advance copy of the guidebook! Many of the vendors featured in the book are offering generous deals and discounts with your book purchase! Book signing from 11 am – 4 pm on Saturday & Sunday
Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn (R Train to Union Street)

Many of the wonderful vendors featured in the guidebook and blog are also going to be at the Lyceum, and they are offering awesome special discounts with your book purchase:

•Alison Tauber: $5 off one shirt

•Bacon Marmalade: Discount on Jars or Baked Goods

•Fine and Raw Chocolates: Chunky Bonbon 2 for $10 (regular price $7 each)

•Lovely Day Designs: 20% on total purchase

•McFlashpants : 10% discount on total purchase

•Meow Meow Tweet: $1.00 off total purchase

•Miss Wit Tees for Good Times: 15% on total purchase

•Nordea Soaperie: Free 1.5 oz Body Polish with $45 total purchase

•Off the Mat: 20% discount on total purchase

•Pumpkin and Honey Bunny/P&H Soda and Syrup Inc.: $.50 off purchase of sodas and greeting cards

•Rocks and Salt Design: 10% discount on hats

•Sour Puss Pickles: $1.50 off a jar of Green Tomato Relish

•Take Me Homeware: 20% discount on total purchase

•Virginia Kraljevic Illustrations and Cards: 20% discount on total purchase

•Yona’s Gourmet Delights: $1.00 off your purchase of any two combos

Thursday, May 20 – Publication Party! You’re Invited!

Book signing and reception from 6 pm – 8 pm (Bonus – Meet my mom, Haydee, to whom the book is dedicated.)
Refreshments will be provided by Chelsea Market shops, including Manhattan Fruit Exchange, Chelsea Wine Vault, Buon Italia, Amy’s Bread, and more!
Posmans Books at Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue at 15th Street, Manhattan (A, C, E, 2, & 3 Trains to 14th Street)

Saturday, May 22 – Markets of New York City Celebrates Handmade Brooklyn!

Meet many of the vendors featured in the guidebook at this full-day event especially for Brooklyn! Book signing from 11 am – 5 pm
Brooklyn Indie Market, Details on Yelp.com
Smith Street & Union Street, Brooklyn (F & G Trains to Carrol Street)

[On a sober note, I wanted to do something to honor a colleague who died in the earthquake in Haiti, Gerardo Le Chevalier. So, with permission of his family, we will be collecting donations for Doctors Without Borders at "Celebrate Handmade Brooklyn" in Gerardo's memory for their ongoing work in helping Haiti recover from the disastrous effects of the earthquake earlier this year.]

I’m only going to have one first book launch in my life, so please come out and help me make the most of it!