Chelsea Market » Markets of New York

Exotic Merlot Salt from The Filling Station

In Old World Europe, you can take your bottles to a local shop and refill them with olive oil and wine. This charming custom is revived by The Filling Station, a lovely company inside Chelsea Market and currently at the Union Square Holiday Market this season, that sells all natural extra virgin olive oils, specialty oils, balsamic vinegars, exotic salts, facial & body scrubs and even local and imported craft beer both local and imported.

You make your first purchase at the Filling Station, and then they encourage you to clean the bottle and bring it back for refills. The practice encourages recycling, and you enjoy a 10% discount on your subsequent purchases.

The Filling Station’s products are all beautiful and high quality. The color of this particular Merlot Salt caught my eye as I walked by their boutique at the Holiday Market. It is so unusual – a striking pink with purple tones and a rich, distinct flavor. You can use it to flavor grilled meats and as a finishing salt on savory dishes. I imagine a salt caramel would be even more special with pink granules as well. It also adds a punch of color to your table in a salt cellar or a glass salt shaker.

If you have foodies and cooks on your holiday gift list, definitely shop at The Filling Station!

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:

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!

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!

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!

Rica Bath & Body at ID Pop Shop

Lavender Rose bath Salts by Rica Bath & Body

I recently discovered Rica Bath & Body, a wonderful new body product company, at the ID Pop Shop independent designer market last month. Just looking at the packaging and branding makes you feel like you’re in a spa. And then you smell all the different, gorgeous fragrances of the creams and bath salts, like this beautiful jar of Lavender Rose Bath Salts. All the products are handmade with high quality ingredients and a great deal of care, attention, and skill.

I am thrilled to report that Rica Bath & Body is at the new ID Pop Shop in Chelsea Market November 1-13! The ID Pop Shop itself opens today in Chelsea Market (towards the 10th Avenue side) and runs through November 27, 2011! Come meet Rica Founder Kristina Ivy in person so you can say, “I knew her when…”

Weekend Market Picks October 22-23, 2011: Samurai Sharpening Service

Margery Cohen, Master Knife Sharpener, Samurai Sharpening Services

My best advice to you: Get your Thanksgiving carving knives sharpened this weekend! I always plan to do it early, and yet there I am, every year, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, racing with my butter-knife dull blades to see Margery Cohen of Samurai Sharpening Service at Chelsea Market.

Margery sets up shop every Wednesday and Saturday at a table outside Bowery Kitchen Supply in the Chelsea Market. Her technique is impeccable. She sharpens the knives of some of the finest and best-known chefs in the city. I love to watch her work each blade studiously, and the best part is when she tests it by artfully slicing cleanly through a piece of paper. She carefully wraps up the dangerously sharp knives in your kitchen towel, or in a thick, safe newspaper bundle with rubber bands.

You may be tempted to pull out your knives as you squeeze your way through the Saturday market crowds, but I advise against it. Strongly.

It is going to be a glorious weekend, especially on Sunday! So grab your tote and go to the markets!

Saturday and Sunday

NewNew Artisan Assembly at Dekalb Market: The NewNew is an Etsy Street Team and a handmade powerhouse of craft and design. They are one talented bunch, and now you can see their work in one place all week long at their new shop at the Dekalb Market! There’s a party Friday night too! Definitely a must-stop shopping spot for amazing gifts.

Saturday

Essex Street Market: There have been a lot of new developments at the Essex Street Market in the last year. Pain d’Avignon and the Heritage Meat Shop moved in, and now Brooklyn Taco and has a space, in addition to the other wonderful and important shops there, like Saxelby Cheesemongers, Roni Sue’s Chocolates, and LES Girls Club’s La Tiendita. We miss Jeffrey’s Meats, but I’m sure we have not heard the last from him!

Sunday

Grub Street Food Festival and Beer Garden at Hester Street Fair: All I can say is GET HERE EARLY! Last year’s event was a fun, delicious mob scene. Plan out what you want to eat, and go there first. The rest will be an adventure in eating and mob maneuvering. The great news is that it is expanded to four times the space and added a beer garden! It’s going to be another amazing event, and it’s Hester Street Fair’s last big event of the season!

Steampunk 2011: The founder of the former and beloved Brooklyn Indie Market is sponsoring the Steampunk 2011 at the DUMBO Loft in Brooklyn, “a puzzlement of perception, a grand sally-ho! into realms of obscurity and possibility! We invite you to come with us to experience MAGIA ET MYSTERIUM!”

Vegan Shop Up: There’s a market for everyone, and everything in this bi-monthly market at Pine Box Rock Shop is for the vegans! Lots of great sounding foods and baked goods, plus soaps, candles, tinctures, and more! Definitely check it out!

Support local and handmade! Occupy The Markets!

Weekend Market Picks, October 8-9, 2011 and Metropolis Soap Company on Kickstarter!

This weekend weather is going to be gorgeous, which is lucky because there are many wonderful fall events going on in the city’s artisan, farmer, food and flea markets!

And let’s support our awesome friends at Metropolis Soap Company! They only have a couple more days to meet their goals for their Kickstarter Project! I love their vegan soaps because they smell wonderful, they come in such a great variety of scents, and my skin loves them. And I love this project because it a true market-based story. Not only do the markets of New York and around the world offer a wealth of experiences and products for us shoppers, they are are also tremendous incubators for new businesses. Metropolis is raising funds to cover the fees for the world-renowned New York Gift Fair early next year, which could really take their business to the next level. It is an important project and an inspiration to other aspiring artisan businesses! So please make a contribution share the link, and show some soapy love!

Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9, 2011

ID Pop Shop: As I’ve said before, this group of independent designers have come together for a full week at Chelsea Market to offer their fine work to smart pre-holiday shoppers! Come for design, come for gifts, come for inspiration. You’ll be glad you did! The market runs through Monday, October 11.

Park Slope Flea Market at PS 321: Enhance your visit to 7th Ave. and the Greenmarket by popping over to this quiet, lovely flea market between 1st and 2nd Streets. It is a long-established market, so if you are neighbor passing by every weekend, take some time to stop in and browse the tables. I’ve found some great clothing, vintage laces, old books and ephemera, and so much more!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: I love this market because it is so full of energy, community, families, and nice dogs. And awesome famers too! And today, the Edible Brooklyn editors will be at the info tent signing copies of their gorgeous new Edible Brooklyn: The Cookbook, featuring recipes from local restaurants and a delicious food demo.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Astoria Market: The Astoria Market is well into its second year, featuring emerging artisans and designers from Queens. I always meet inspiring people making amazing things at this market. It also has a relaxed vibe, which is great for looking carefully at the items on each table. This Sunday is Oktoberfest at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden too! Crafts and Beer? Yes, please!

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market Food Truck: Fleas and Food! Now we’re talking! Sunday is the October Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea (on 39th St. at 9th Ave.) These food truck gatherings are great for trying some of New York’s most innovative food on wheels, all in one place! This weekend’s event features Rickshaw Dumpling Truck, Kimchi Taco Truck, Gorilla Cheese Truck, Two Pitas in a Pod, and Kelvin Natural Slush.

Brooklyn Night Bazaar: A night market comes to NYC! Finally! The Brooklyn Night Bazaar will take place at the Dekalb Market on Sunday from 5PM till midnight. It will feature over 70 independent merchants and food vendors, music, art, a beer garden, and even petanque (the French love child of bowling, shuffleboard, and horse shoes). The weather is supposed to be great, so bring a big sweater and a cozy friend, and step into the Night Bazaar!

Thank you, Chelsea Market Baskets!

Karen Seiger Book Signing at Chelsea Market Baskets (Photo by Ed Lefkowicz)

I spent yesterday evening enjoying the crowds of locals and visitors strolling through Chelsea Market. David Porat, owner of Chelsea Market Baskets, invited me to do a book signing during the Food Network’s Wine and Food Festival. I want to thank David and his dedicated staff for hosting me — and for having such amazing taste in food!

Chelsea Market Baskets is the premier spot in New York (and beyond, thanks to their mail order services) for unique, super high quality local and imported foods and food-related gifts. They have a wonderful selection of delicacies ranging from jams and condiments, to teas and cookies, and savory chips. Their cheese section is a small goldmine of cheesy surprises. And their formidable chocolate section offers so many artisanal varieties to suit milk chocolate people (like me) and serious dark chocolate fans (Mast Brothers!). True to their name, Chelsea Market Baskets makes beautiful gift baskets for any occasion.

Definitely go visit Chelsea Market Baskets for tasty treats to refresh your pantry. I picked up jars SchoolHouse Kitchen jam and chutney and 1/2 pound of Leonidas Belgian chocolates as a hostess gift. ‘Tis the season!

And then spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through all the lovely shops inside Chelsea Market.

Thank you also to Photographer Ed Lefkowicz for coming by and taking this great photo! My groovy dress is handmade by designer Tom Sohung, and my lovely lariat necklace is by Shaya Fine Handcrafted Jewelry, both in the markets of New York City!

Weekend Market Picks – October 1-2, 2011 + Over the Moon Jewel

We are headed into a wonderful weekend full of fantastic market events! Several annual events are going on this weekend and some into next week. Hopefully we’ll get some crisp autumn air this weekend and less hair-frizzing humidity!

I am very happy to feature a wonderful jewelry designer, Barbara Wilkinson of Over the Moon Jewel! Barbara has a true eye for color and composition, and her background in art is evident in her designs. She creates pieces for a diverse array of styles and tastes, using brightly colored semi-precious stones and delicate pearls, happy hoop earrings and yoga-inspired charms, sterling silver and gold tones. She also makes sexy jewelry for men. Barbara will be at the week-long ID Pop Shop III, which runs Monday, October 3 – Sunday, October 10th inside Chelsea Market. Definitely go meet her in person and check out her beautiful designs!

Saturday and Sunday

URGENT – GrowNYC Hurricane Donation Collection: GrowNYC is working in all boroughs with City Harvest, Regional Food Bank, and Move for Hunger this weekend and next to collect basic food and products for communities affected by Hurricane Irene. 10% of the Greenmarket system’s farmers have lost all of their crops for the seasaon, and they and their communities need our help. Go to GrowNYC.org to see which markets have collection sites and the basic food and personal products needed.

Crafts on Columbus: This is the second weekend of Crafts on Columbus, which takes place next to the Natural History Museum. The this semi-annual craft market is a great way to get a jump start on your holiday market shopping because there is such a rich variety of handmade crafts here. The market skips next weekend and then runs for one more weekend on October 15th and 16th. (Columbus Avenue between 77th and 81st Street)

Madison Square Eats: This pop-up food market is filled with delicious local food purveyors and Flatiron neighborhood restaurants serving up pizza, tacos, crepes, chocolate, cupcakes, beers, and more! Madison Square Eats runs through October 21. Bring your friends! (West side of Madison Square Park between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, and 24th and 25th Streets)

Pompeii Flea and Craft Market on Bleecker Street: This market started right after 9/11 as a tribute by local artists and neighbors in the Village to the spirit of New York City. Now it is a staple of Bleecker Street on the weekends. Stop and browse through vintage bakelite jewelry, dichroic glass and crocheted metal jewelry, and much more! (Bleecker Street between Carmine and Leroy next to Our Lady of Pompeii Church).

Sunday:

Atlantic Antic - This New York Street Fair sets the gold standard for New York street fairs. Far from the affairs that block traffic and annoy the natives, the Atlantic Antic incorporates the local businesses in four Brooklyn Neighborhoods and provides literally blocks and blocks of food, music, and shopping from unique local crafters and designers, and lots of things for kids (pony rides!!!). Bring your appetite, your friends, and your walking shoes to this annual event.

Starting Monday through Sunday, October 10:

ID Pop Shop III: This is the third event for this new group of independent designers. This week-long market features some of New York’s most innovative and talented designers in fashion and lingerie, jewelry and accessories, body products, and more. It is located inside Chelsea Market, so go do your shopping at the ID Pop Shop and then grab a delicious bite to eat from the shops throughout the food market. (Chelsea Market on 9th Ave and 15th Street)

YOU ARE INVITED! Please come to Chelsea Market Baskets on Saturday afternoon from 3-7PM! I will be doing a book signing and enjoying the Food Network’s Food and Wine Festival in the neighborhood!

And to my friends in Washington, DC: Do not miss Crafty Bastards on Saturday! And let me know what treasures you find!