Brooklyn

Weekend Market Picks: February 25 & 26 + Raaka Virgin Chocolate

I remember my first taste of Raaka Chocolate’s blueberry lavender bar. It was at the 2010 Columbus Circle Holiday Market. And it was amazing.

Raaka Virgin Chocolate is a Brooklyn based company that uses cocoa purchased through direct and fair agreements with individual producers in the Dominican Republic and Bolivia. This year, they aim to establish agreements with cocoa producing communities in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which is a country near and dear to my heart. And then they make delicious chocolate bars.

They use a very low heat process rather than roasting the cocoa beans, and they blend and grind them with other organic and fair trade ingredients. As a result, their chocolates have a remarkable richness and spectrum of flavors. Their packaging is wonderful too and printed on recycled paper with soy inks. Their cacao husks are donated to Edible Schoolyard NYC for use in the after school gardening program at P.S. 216. Mouthwatering, pretty, virtuous and cradle-to-cradle – that’s Raaka Chocolates. Oh – and I didn’t even mention the antioxidants!

Find Raaka Chocolates this Saturday at SUPER!market for emerging designers, 268 Mulberry Street, 11AM – 7PM.

Market Picks!

Feels a little bit like winter again, doesn’t it? So I’m featuring indoor markets this weekend because market shoppers shall not be daunted!

Saturday Only, February 25, 2012

La Marqueta in East Harlem: I can’t tell you how it warms my heart to see this market coming back to life, thanks to the focus of the NYEDC and the exciting anchor tenant and incubator kitchen managers at Hotbread Kitchen

Saturday & Sunday, February 25 & 26

Antiques Garage: I love the Garage for its classic flea finds and nostalgic connection to the great antique markets in Chelsea in the ’80’s and ’90’s. Spend some time exploring both floors!

Artists & Fleas: In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this indoor market is filled with incredibly talented artisans and some very groovy vintage kiosks. Stay tuned for their fantastic 3-month pop up shop in Chelsea Market starting March 1!

Brooklyn Flea: I’ve called the Brooklyn Flea’s home in One Hanson Place a cathedral for market lovers. While you’re shopping, don’t forget to look up. And then head into the old bank vault for lunch.

Independent Designers Pop Shop at Chelsea Market: It’s a two-fer! Fantastic designers of fashion and accessories at the ID Pop Shop across from Posman Books, and strolling through all the shops at Chelsea Market! Breathe in as you walk by the Lobster Place. It smells like summer at the beach.

Enjoy and stay warm! And don’t even bother with umbrellas. They’ll only get eaten.

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.

Revving up for 2012 Plus Market Picks For A Cold Wet Weekend!!

Pantera Azul - Not Your Average Mouse Pad

Hi Everyone!

It was an incredible holiday season at the markets! There were almost 50 market events throughout the city, and they were all filled with festive shoppers. I took a little hiatus to rest a bit, catch up on business, and write a couple of book proposals (more on that coming soon). The photo is my co-author Pantera Azul. Not your usual mouse pad, but much warmer and fuzzier.

I want to thank every single person who bought their holiday gifts in the markets. You have supported local artisan entrepreneurs and helped make sure that the creative community that is so important to the culture of New York City can continue to thrive for another year. And I’d be prepared to wager that your gifts were the best ones under the tree this year! Mine always are.

And I want to thank all the markets and market sellers who make my weekends so incredibly fun and inspiring! I’ve been visiting markets almost every weekend for the last three years, and I still find things that blow me away all the time. I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store for this blogger!

This weekend there are several great market events going on:

Indoors:

Antiques Garage (Saturday & Sunday)
Artists & Fleas (Saturday & Sunday)
Brooklyn Flea (Saturday & Sunday)
The Market NYC (Saturday & Sunday)
Smorgasbrewery (Sunday only )
SUPER!market (Saturday only)

Outdoors (watch the weather and check the sites for updates):

Hell’s Kitchen Flea (Saturday & Sunday)
West 25th Street Market (Saturday & Sunday)

And of course, your year-round food markets:

Even though the weather looks bad this weekend, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in the Markets of New York City!

2011 New York Holiday Markets Guide (Updated 12/22)

NEWSFLASH! Now you’re really down to the wire! Buy all your last minute gifts in the Markets of New York City! You’ll be glad you did!

Check out Markets of New York City on NY1: Navigating the Holiday Markets! (List of the designers and markets mentioned.)

I am very excited to publish the 2011 New York Holiday Markets Guide!

The guide links to over 40 events throughout the boroughs, and we will be adding more as they are announced. Again this year, there are both traditional holiday markets that span the entire season and special one or two day events. From jewelry to perfume and soap, objets d’art to clothing and everything in between, New Yorkers and visitors to our fair city can find wonderful gifts for everyone on your list in the markets of New York City! I look forward to seeing you in the markets, and I will be posting as many of our finds as we can during the season.

Send me your event to add to the Markets Guide!! And remember:

Finally Sank My Teeth Into Danny Macaroons!

I’d heard the buzz about Danny Macaroons (not to be confused with French macarons). “They’re amazing, they’re delicious, they’re funny, and famous people apparently really love them.” But somehow, in my wanders through the city’s glorious food markets, I had never crossed paths with their coconutty goodness.

Until the New York Magazine Grub Street Food Festival.

I spotted Danny Macaroons on the event map and made a mental note. Finally, in mid-afternoon, the feeding frenzy cooled down a bit, and I made my way over to see them. Of course, these little sweet mounds of happiness totally lived up to their reputation.

First of all, they are beautiful and festive. I mean, look at that plate! You just have to smile. And then there is their logo, which is actually a smiling macaroon. And then there are the flavors, which on Sunday included Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Rice Pudding, Roasted Almond, Pumpkin Spice, Oirish McRoons (the green ones), Chocolate Dipped, Red Velvet, and Chocolate Banana Hazelnut.

I was bursting at the seams from all the different amazing foods I’d already had, and so I asked Danny himself to pick the one that would be my very first Danny Macaroon. He picked the Salted Caramel. I bit into it, and it was lush, rich mouthful of the delicate sweetness of the coconut with the crunch of the salted caramel drizzles. I’ve had some dry, tasteless macaroons in my life. These were neither. They were moist, delicious and clearly full of fun. Next time I’m trying the Red Velvet!

Go try Danny Macaroons for yourself as soon as possible at Smorgasburg. They are also in stores throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, including the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop! Did I mention they’re gluten free?

Photo of the Day, October 12, 2011: kudu-lah Critters

kudu-hah Critters Plumb, Boo, Quadropus, Skitch, 3 Eye'd Guy, and Squibby, at Dekalb Market

I remember seeing kudu-lah Critters in Union Square several years back when artist Kenneth Kudulis, Jr. first set out to sell his artwork on the city streets.

What I didn’t realize then is that they are a fixed set of characters, or a community of critters, that Kenneth sends into iconic and familiar locations and situations in New York City, like subway stations and parks, and beyond (like the upstate farm in this photo).

kudu-lah currently features 16 critters, although some seem to be – gasp! – leaving forever. Yes, three of the critters are being retired to the kudu-lah vault, and three new members of the community will set out on their own adventures. Each critter has an story and a personality, and many of them are based on people Kenneth sees and knows in New York City. So if any of them seem particularly familiar to you, they probably should.

Kenneth and his wife Jennifer now run the kudu-lah shop, open 11AM – 5PM daily, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in Downtown Brooklyn’s Dekalb Market. Their shop is in one of the now-famous recycled shipping containers, which they made to look like an old-time train car, only with a big bear-like critter over the entrance (that would be Gnaw). You can find kudu-lah artwork here at incredibly reasonable prices, and you can also commission your very own piece featuring your favorite critters in your favorite locations.

kudu-lah artwork makes great gifts for the people on your list, from art lovers, to kids, to anyone with an ounce of whimsy.

Where to find kudu-lah:

Fall Crafts in Chelsea this Saturday,

hMag Music Fest in Hoboken on Sunday
Union Square Holiday Market November 18-December 24th!

Photo of the Day – September 14, 2011: Caramel Chai Sauce from Herbin’ Spoonful

I am always thrilled to find new and wonderful things to eat in the markets. Walking through the Hester Street Fair recently, I came across Herbin’ Spoonful Caramel Sauce. And boy am I glad I stopped for a taste (as if not stopping was even an option).

This Brooklyn-based company currently sells three kinds of caramel sauce: Lavender, Chai, and Habanero. I love how they span the spectrum from gentle lavender, to the stronger spices in chai, and onto the pow of hot pepper. Each one is distinct, gooey, and delicious.

Last weekend at our Sunday Family Dinner, we made David Lebovitz’ vanilla ice cream with a vanilla pod we got at the beautiful Sullivan Street Tea and Spice Company. We drizzled the chai caramel sauce over the top of the each scoop. Our guests actually purred. And there were no leftovers.

These caramel sauces are made with high quality organic ingredients. You can even pair them with savory dishes as glazes. But really all you need is a spoon.

Come try Herbin’ Spoonful’s caramel sauces weekends at the Hester Street Fair. Check the website for exact dates

The Markets Take Fashion’s Night Out

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the markets of New York city are the heart of innovation in design, food, decor, and many other trends that we’ll see a couple of years from now in mainstream catalogs. And this Thursday, September 8th, 2011, the markets are taking part in Fashion’s Night Out in a fun, fabulous, winning way :

Manhattan

Hester Street Fair Takes Over Henri Bendel on 5th Avenue: 50 of Hester Street’s fine designers, artists, chefs, and craftspeople will set up their boutiques on the entire 3rd floor of this venerable, striped establishment. Time: 3 – 11PM, Location: Henri Bendel, 712 5th Ave. at 56th Street

Fashion’s Night Out at the Corrente Flagship Store: Celebrate the new season with handbag designer Corrente and two talented jewelry designers Rebecka Froberg and Teresa Kahres at the new Corrente Flagship. Stop by for a sip of wine, a bit of a nosh, and some fabulous of shopping with these independent New York designers. Time: 6 – 9PM, Location: 179 Orchard between Houston and Stanton

Fashion’s Night Out with Artists & Fleas: More than 30 independent fashion designers, accessory-makers, vintage enthusiasts and artists showcase new collaborations, new collections and Fall/Winter looks for a night of pop-up shopping and Fall fashion fun. Time: 6 – 11PM, Location: Artists & Fleas, 70 North 7th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Moved to Sunday due to the weather! Dekalb Market’s Red Carpet Event with Food, Drinks & Tunes: Open Bar, food tasting and art, with a fashion show featuring local designers 66 Blackbirds, Hank & JoJo, Rubyzaar, Little Poco, Honeysuckle + Hearts, Harriets by Hekima. Time: 3PM, Location: 138 Willoughby Street, Brooklyn

Meanwhile, Back in the Meatpacking District:

My dear, talented, wonderful friend, fine artist Amarillis Kroon is having a FNO solo show at the late night Meatpacking salon, Red Market. Originally from Hungary, Ami is a long-time resident of the West Village. I have dubbed her work Nouveau Art Deco, and you will see exactly what I mean when you see the divinely fashionable ladies she is featuring in this show. She also has a magical talent for pet portraits, capturing the very soul of her subjects. Time: 6 – 11PM, Location: 32 Gansevoort Street, Meatpacking District, Manhattan. (Image by Amarillis Kroon: Homage to Sonia Rykiel)

So grab your finest threads and meet me for a fabulous Fashion’s Night Out in the heart of it all, the independent markets of New York City!

Amarillis Kroon at Red Market Salon - 2011 Fashion's Night Out NYC

Dekalb Market- Good Things Are Happening in Downtown Brooklyn

I reported on the new Dekalb Market back in March, and I am thrilled to spread the word that the market is opening this Saturday, July 23rd, 2011! I have posted their press release below. Can’t wait to see how it all came together!

DEKALB MARKET—A HUB FOR ARTISANS, EATERIES AND CREATIVE START-UPS

Brooklyn, NY (July, 2011)—Urban Space is excited to announce that Dekalb Market, a new sustainable hub for retail and community, is scheduled to open on Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn on Saturday, July 23.

A collection of shops, an educational farm, an Internet radio station, and food vendors, the market will provide fun and entertainment for people of all ages. A portion of the market’s vendors will be housed in retrofitted shipping containers, alongside an incubator urban farm. Dekalb Market will be located at the intersection of Flatbush and Willoughby in Downtown Brooklyn, close to Fort Greene, DUMBO, Long Island University, Metrotech, the downtown business district and Fulton Street.

“We’re creating a central location in Brooklyn for commerce, art and design, as well as a functioning green space for people in the neighborhood to enjoy,” says Eldon Scott, President of Urban Space.

Urban Space aims to support the growth of Brooklyn’s best creative entrepreneurs by offering them an affordable retail alternative to a traditional storefront—all in a unique and dynamic marketplace setting.

What you’ll find at Dekalb Market:

Dekalb Farm – An educational resource for the public and the urban agricultural community, Dekalb Farm will be a small urban farm operated by local farmers and education partners, including Family Cooks Productions, 3rd Ward, New York City College of Technology, The Brooklyn Grange, Newton Farm Cooperative, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, and Atom’s Eco. The farm’s produce will be incorporated into on-site cooking demos, food vendors’ recipes, a local university’s culinary arts program and into a community “food security” distribution plan.

BBOX Radio – A community Internet radio station that will be broadcasting live, online and on-site from their container at the Dekalb Market. Radio show submissions are currently being accepted. Visit www.bboxradio.com for more information.

Food – Some of Brooklyn’s best and newest small food purveyors are setting up shop at Dekalb Market. Vendors include Cheeky’s, Cuzin’s Duzin, Joe the Art of Coffee, Maharlika, Mazie’s Bites, Nile Valley Juice & Sandwiches, Pasticcio, Robicelli’s, Sour Puss Pickles, and Tea by Tiffany.

Shops – Unique, popular, locally-owned designers and purveyors, including B66, Brooklyn Rock, Daga Antiques, Hank & JoJo, Harriet’s by Hekima, Honeysuckle & Hearts, kudu-lah, Little Poco, Pratt Design Incubator and Yakblak Specs & Sunnies.

Weekend Market – A unique mix of makers, artisans and producers will also set up at the Dekalb Market’s weekend market, in custom-made market stalls, which will be open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Events – A variety of events featuring local entertainment and community programs will appear throughout the week.

For more information, visit www.dekalbmarket.com.