Essex Street Market » Markets of New York

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!

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 for July 16-17, 2011

I am thrilled to feature the wonderful array of products from SchoolHouse Kitchen! I first tried their jams, chutneys, mustards and vinaigrettes at the New Amsterdam Market, and I cannot get over the flavors and the combinations they use. My current favorite is Cherry Blackberry Sage & Clove Spreadable Fruit, which is equally delicious on toast as it is as a marinade for chicken. They just brought out two new vinaigrettes that got rave reviews at the Fancy Food Show in DC last weekend: Poppyseed Vinaigrette Revival and the Coconut Citrus Vinaigrette. Yes, you read it right! They give a percentage of their proceeds to education charities, and all the products are made with high quality, natural ingredients. I have taken their motto to heart: Eat well, eat in moderation, and be adventurous.

And now for this weekend’s Market Picks for everyone who is staying in town this weekend of visiting New York City from far and wide:

Saturday & Sunday

Antiques Garage and the Annex: These two markets are located across 6th Avenue from each other, and it’s worth it to stroll through both locations. The Garage has two floors of diverse vintage and antique items, from books and prints to clothing and ship memborabilia, and everything in between. You know you love digging for treasures, and you should spend some time at the Annex – clothing, jewelry, records, and vintage everything. Manhattan

Essex Street Market: If you haven’t gone shopping at the Essex Street Market, go this weekend. And bring a tote bag! This market opened in 1940 when Mayor LaGuardia got all the street vendors off the street and into new market buildings. Today, you can find cheese, fish, meats, coffee, pastries, bread, handmade chocolates, and much more! Manhattan

Park Slope Flea Market: Have you been walking past this market for years, take the time to go inside and see all the wonderful things there. The Park Slope Flea is a classic flea market, with vintage clothing, homewares, furniture, and even artwork and sweet bonsai trees. Brooklyn

Saturday

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: The Grand Army Plaza Market is the largest one in Brooklyn, akin to the Union Square Greenmarket in size and variety of foods sold. But it’s a lot more laid back, with families, joggers from the park, and people strolling with their dogs, all browsing through the produce, bread, fish, and more. GrowNYC has textile recycling and compost collection every weekend too! It’s also a short walk from the Park Slope Flea! Brooklyn

Sunday

Greenflea: The Greenflea is back on the Picks List because it’s just so great. There are some amazing vendors there, including vintage, fleas, jewelry of all kinds, delicious market food, furniture, and this guy (Scott Jordan). Wander around the outdoor market, and then visit the vintage vendors inside the school cafeteria. Manhattan

It’s going to be a wonderful weekend, so head out to the markets and let us know what you bought and what you ate! And don’t forget to pick up something delicious from SchoolHouse Kitchen on Saturday at Smorgasburg and Sunday at the New Amsterdam Market!

It’s Fleet Week: Market Picks for May 28-29

It’s Fleet Week!

So in honor of our sailors and marines visiting the city, we New Yorkers have arranged for splendid weather and some wonderful market events. This weekend already feels like summer through and through!

Two very special events this weekend:

The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit (Pictured Above): Back for its 81st year, this market was originally founded by Jackson Pollack and Willem DeKooning in 1931. Both were strapped for cash, and they brought a few paintings down to the street to sell to passers by. Today, the exhibit features fine artists and artisans from around the world, all showing their work on the sidewalks of Greenwich Village. This is an event not to be missed! It runs this weekend (Sat – Mon) and next weekend (Sat- Sun).
Better Than Jam Pop-Up Shop on Governor’s Island: While not exactly a market, this pop-up shop is an extension of Better Than Jam Co-Op in Bushwick, which features fine, fun, high quality handmade items from The {NewNew} Etsy Artisan Group, who sell at the markets all over the city. Better Than Jam is sponsoring these artisans in the Pop-Up on Governor’s Island. Grab a free ferry ride to Governor’s Island and visit this very special shop in Historic Home 6B, Nolan Park, on Governors Island. The shop opens today and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through September 25.

Other picks for the weekend:

Hester Street Fair: Hester Street is hosting members of the Japanese Folk Dance Institute, who will be selling kimonos, obis, fans, cards and more to raise funds to help the people of Japan who struggle to rebuild their homes, communities and cities after the earthquake and tsunami. Our awesome friends from the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck will be there too, providing Salty Pimps and Bea Arthur in a cone to hot, hungry people. Last week the BGICT helped raise over $2000 for Doctors Without Borders with Ottavia and Anthony Bourdain. Good karma, good eats, and good fun all around this weekend!
The Market NYC/Young Designers Market in the Meatpacking District: Find the latest trends in clothing, jewelry, and accessories at this market. Its regular location is on Mulberry Street, but this weekend they will be opening up shop on 328 West 14th St. between 8th & 9th Ave. There is no doubt that you will find something to impress your friends with at this market.
Madison Square Market Eats: This food extravaganza is running every day from 11AM – 9PM through June 3rd. It is a great place to grab lunch in the shadow of the Flatiron Building. At night, it is a charming spot to grab dinner and a beer with friends under the festive twinkly lights. Check out some of my favorites, including Bar Suzette, serving delicious crepes, P&H Soda Co. for refreshing artisanal sodas, Cookie Panache (try the almond curry cookie – seriously delicious!), and NuNu for handmade chocolates and craft beer.

It is also the second weekend for Smorgasburg on Saturday, so maybe, just maybe it will be a little less crazy crowded. And show some love to the Essex Street Market, which is in peril from developers. Pick up some delicious cheeses, seafood, handmade chocolates, any kind of international ingredient, and please sign this petition!

On a personal note this Memorial Day weekend, my dad, aka Captain Marvo, enlisted in the Army at the tail end of WWII as a tender teenager. He later transferred to the Navy to attend Annapolis. At local Memorial Day celebrations, he would stand for both the Army and the Navy anthems, which is such a great memory for me and my sisters. He was as crafty as my mom, making his own fly rods and flies, brewing his own beer, and even making wine from exotic things like artichokes and watercress. No gourmand was he though. In college, I’d meet him for lunch in his biology lab, where he’d cook us up some hot dogs in a dented pan from the Salvation Army over a Bunsen burner, washed down with day-old coffee from an old thermos. Lunch never tasted better.

Have a great weekend! Don’t forget your sunblock outside and sobriety behind the wheel!

Book Review: Professor Chocolate Presents The Ultimate Guide to Finding Chocolate in NYC

Professor Chocolate helps us find the best bonbons in town

Professor Chocolate Presents: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Chocolate in NYC – Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn is a labor of love, spanning three years of research and discovery (ie. eating a lot of chocolate!) by two friends, fellow chocolate afficcionados, and elementary school teachers, Rob Monahan and Neill Alleva, who together comprise Professor Chocolate.

I am a chocoholic. No bones about it. So I was happily surprised when I found a whole slew of chocolate shops I didn’t know about, as well as all of my favorite ones listed in this fun, quirky guidebook. Several of the best chocolatiers and chocolate shops in the city are in the markets, including Roni-Sue’s Chocolates (at the Essex Street Market); Jacques Torres and Chelsea Market Baskets (at Chelsea Market); NuNu Chocolates (at the Brooklyn Flea, Urban Space NYC Markets, Old Can Factory Markets and more), and Mast Brothers (at the New Amsterdam Market). They’re all in the book.

Chocolate isn't just for bonbons - Chocolate Muffin from FIKA Espresso Bar

The book presents eleven self-guided tours through different neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. But don’t fret: Volume 2 covering other parts of the city is in the works. We took the “Historic Walk” through the Financial District, including the fine French Maison du Chocolat and Swedish FIKA Espresso Bar. It was a Sunday, so several of the shops were closed, but the chocolate we did find was new to us and extremely tasty. We had chocolatier Håken Mårtensson’s pear liqour and cardamom bonbons at FIKA, as well as the moist, rich chocolate muffin.

The “High Line Picnic” tour includes four chocolate shops in Chelsea, including the lovely Three Tarts. There are three tours in Brooklyn, including the “Brownstone Tour” through Boerum Hill and the aptly named “Stroller Tour” through Park Slope.

The Professor Chocolate guide devotes two full pages plus copious illustrations and photos for each shop in the book. They also provide pages for you to take notes about all the chocolates you tried, and even a star rating system. You can find addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, maps, and the closest subway stops for each location. The detailed icon list, such as “Stroller Friendly,” “Only in NYC,” “Ice Cream,” and “Wi-Fi,” will help you plan your excursion. Several of the shops are closed on Sundays, so make sure you read the fine print before you head out!

In addition to being a chocoholic’s survival guide, the guide has loads of fun details. On page 98, for example, the Professors tell us, “Chocolate has consistently been shown not to cause acne in studies conducted over the last 50 years!” On page 58, they ask, “Is chocolate as good as sex?” (You’ll have to find out the answer in your own copy of the book.) Rob and Neill recommend places in the neighborhoods to enhance your tour, like the High Line Park in Chelsea, or the Brooklyn Flea.

Rob and Neill state, “We do not judge the quality of chocolate, nor do we consider ourselves connoisseurs in the traditional sense. We simply love chocolate, love finding it, and love sharing our research with anyone who is interested.” They do give suggestions for some of the bonbons they like the best, like NuNu Chocolate’s Absinthe Delight and Ronnie’ Sue’s Pig Candy (bacon and chocolate confections).

This book is self-published, and it is currently available online and in Chelsea Market Baskets and several other shops. Rob and Neill will be burning up the shoe leather visiting shops and bookstores in person once school lets out in the summer. They’re also going to be giving tours, which I will definitely let you know about!

They are so committed and passionate about this project, and they could really use our support! Here’s how:

1. Buy the book!

2. Ask your local bookstore to order multiple copies!

3. Contribute to their crowdfunding project so they can finish Volume 2!

Are you ready for some chocolate now? Professor Chocolate will show you the best bonbons in town!

Follow Professor Chocolate:

Twitter

Facebook

Youtube

Update on Jeffrey’s Meat Market

On February 24th, I published the press release from Jeffrey’s Meat Market at the Essex Street Market about their increasing rent and business troubles. Sadly, Jeffrey’s is closed, at least for now. Last Thursday, the Bowery Boogie posted some sad photos of empty cases that used to be full of meats and bare walls that used to exhibit works from local artists.

Mr. Ruhalter sent out an update on Friday, which I wanted to share with you. Unfortunately, he has closed his shop for now. Hopefully he can find the resources he needs to move forward. Please note his comments on the Economic Development Corporation (NYEDC) and how wonderfully supportive they have been.

“I speak to my/our community.

“I sent out a press release last week in a last ditch effort for help because I have run out of time and options. Only one of my issues was rent. The press release resulted in a barrage of responses directed toward EDC and I understand that the “landlord’ is an easy target. In response to the press release EDC requested a meeting with me. I expected to meet with their representative and expected to hear, “pay rent or get out”. Instead, when I arrived to the meeting, I was met with the top four executives of EDC. C’mon, really, I’m just a butcher, I don’t deserve this attention… Only after an hours long meeting did they bring up the issue of rent. I found myself meeting with the community, not my landlord. All they wanted to do was to find ways to help me. They represented you, the community, and they played their roll in helping me as your representative of the community. I was astounded at their position. I’m a black and white guy, if I can’t pay rent, I have to get out. Instead, they gave me options to survive. I don’t really know how to define what happened to me in that meeting but I started to breath again. While we worked out a plan to keep my rent the same, at this time I still must temporarily close, as we have other financial considerations that we must try to resolve.

“This is my world; a week ago a lady came to my shop, drunk, and I knew that she needed food. I went to the Pain D’Avignon bread store in the market and wanted to buy bread for her, in which the bread company gave me some bread for free to help my cause, I came back and made her a sandwich to fill her belly. Moments later the next customer spent 45 dollars on some of my prime dry aged steaks to feed her family for dinner. I don’t decide who gets what, I respond to the communities needs as they arise because if it were not for the community I wouldn’t be here. I can say that the community feeds my soul as their butcher but in addition, is that the community fuels my existence. What I know to be true is that we belong to each other and without the community, you, I don’t exist. Thank you for giving my family our life blood.

“For many reasons, I regrettably closed the store today, temporally. I need time to re-group, to tap into resources that can help keep this piece of antiquity alive. I’m in trouble and I’m going to rely on fate to decide the future of my store; my families history. It’s okay, I’ll continue to be who I am as a representative of the Ruhalter family. I know you’re out there and thank you for being with me and my family for 75 years.

“Because this may be may my final ado I offer this:
I walk with my eyes open and closed.
I take a breath.
Feel the past.
Touch my soul.
Feel tomorrow.
Lay my head.
I say a prayer.
That you are here.”

Jeffrey Ruhalter
Jeffrey’s Meat Market

Photo of the Day – August 9, 2010: Pipe Dreams Goat Cheese

Pipe Dreams Ashed Goat Cheese at Saxelby Cheesemongers in the Essex Street Market

Pipe Dreams Goat Cheese is served in the finest restaurants in Washington, DC. And now we can get it in here in New York at Saxelby Cheesemongers in the Essex Street Market. It comes in 12 oz. ashed logs; you can purchase the entire log or half. Needless to say, it is exquisite goat cheese, pungent and creamy, just salty enough, and extremely refined.

I actually went to elementary school with proprietor and head cheese maker Brad Parker. I think he and my sister may have held hands in a tree house in 4th grade. After college, Brad went into the Peace Corps in Malawi. He learned to make goat cheese there, and now he has a wonderful farm in Greencastle, PA. He delivers his goat cheese to restaurants in DC in person, sometimes with a nice goat in the back of his truck.

It sells out almost immediately at Saxelby’s. Clearly, Brad is building a fan base in New York City. I hope his goat is ready for a bit longer road trip very soon.

Photo of the Day – March 5, 2010

Peak inside the cheese cave of Saxelby Cheesemongers at the Essex Street Market. They sell world class American artisanal cheeses and dairy products. The wonderful cheese enthusiasts at Saxelby’s will help you find the perfect cheese for every occasion. Their newsletter is one of my favorites, and you can catch proprietor Anne Saxelby’a radio show, Cutting the Curd, on Heritage Foods USA’s radio network.

We Have A Winner!!!

We Have A Winner!!!

The winner of our first Market Swatch Newsletter giveaway is Kimm Alfonso!!! I know she will love the very special Rose Bonbons from Roni-Sue’s Chocolates at the Lower East Side’s Essex Street Market!

I’m especially thrilled because Kimm is a wonderful graphic designer who sells her bold silkscreened clothing, KimmChi Silkscreened Apparel, at the markets of New York City! She is also a member of The NewNew, “an eclectic group of independent handmade Etsy artists, designers, makers and crafters in the Metro New York area who are devoted to fostering a creative and supportive environment among its members.”

Visit Kimm’s online shop at www.KimmChi.com. She has some dainty nighties for Valentine’s Day!

Follow KimmChi on Twitter: and become a Facebook Fan!

You can also meet Kimm in person at The NewNew and Brooklyn Indie Market’s Valentines Fling, Saturday February 13, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM at Starting Artists, 211 Smith Street, Brooklyn.

Thanks to everyone for playing and for subscribing to Market Swatch!

Subscribe to Market Swatch™ and Enter to Win Rose Bon-bons from Roni-Sue’s Chocolates!

Win these chocolates!!

We’re poised to launch our newsletter about the markets of New York City: Market Swatch! Fill in the form to your right, and you will be entered to win a box of six hand-made rose chocolates from Roni-Sue’s Chocolates at the Essex Street Market. (Don’t fret if you have already subscribed to the newsletter! You are automatically entered into the random drawing.)

Market Swatch will include in-depth information about New York’s markets and the people and products that make them so wonderful. It will let you know about market specials, featured market businesses and products, holiday ideas, special offers, and much more!

And now, back to the chocolates! To kick off Valentine’s Week, I wanted to let you know about the wonderful rose bon-bons from Roni-Sue Chocolates at the Essex Street Market. The winner of this drawing will receive a box of six of “Roni’s Roses” in two different flavors:

- Red Rose: Callebaut dark chocolate ganache topped with an edible fresh-dried rose petal

- White Rose: Molded dark chocolate rose bon-bon with a white chocolate ganache filling.

But there’s a lot more to these chocolates. From Roni-Sue: “Before I opened my shop I worked for many years for the Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In honor of V-Day [and the national campaign of the same name to bring awareness of D/V, spear-headed by Eve Ensler] I donate a portion of the sale of my dozen box of “Roni’s Roses” to the agency where I used to work to help them provide phone cards so victims can safely make phone calls to access essential services from the hot-line, etc.”

The random drawing will take place on Wednesday, February 10^that 3:00 PM, and the winner will be notified via email. This is a quick one, so subscribe to Market Swatch today!! (This offer is for US and Canada only, but I’ll make it up to you somehow in Brazil and France!)

For many more delectable and beautiful handmade confections, including her bacon candy line, visit Roni-Sue’s Chocolates at the Essex Street Market, 120 Essex Street (at Delancey Street) in the Lower East Side.

For more Valentine’s Day Specials this week, follow Markets of New York City on Facebook and Twitter!