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Guest Blogger: Christine Chitnis and The Markets of New England

I am thrilled to welcome author and photographer Christine Chitnis as a guest blogger! She is the author of Markets of New England, newly released by The Little Bookroom. The images in her book are gorgeous and colorful, and they remind me of summers I spent up in Maine as a kid. Please read as Christine describes here amazing journey researching and writing this lovely, lovely book. And visit her wonderful blog, Lavender and Limes.

The Colorful Markets of New England

While writing my first book, Markets of New England, I covered fifty markets -both farmers markets and art + craft markets – in six states over the course of one summer. From the rocky coast of Maine, to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, from open studio tours to floating farmers markets…I took in all that New England has to offer. What stuck with me the most, and indeed, seems to be many readers favorite part of my book, is the kaleidoscope of brilliant colors that I discovered during my market travels, and managed to capture through my photography.

I was endlessly intrigued with the unusual produce and food products that I found, and indeed, they became my favorite subjects to photograph. The colors of nature’s bounty never cease to amaze me. Favorite colorful discoveries included quail eggs, black, golden and red currants, mini Savoy cabbage, black radishes, fiddleheads, squash blossoms, zebra tomatoes, overflowing baskets of plums, peaches, nectarines and berries… and the list just goes on.

In addition, there is nothing quite like photographing the talented artisans of the region, and experiencing color through their unique works. I especially enjoyed my visits to various artist studios, during open studio events, where I caught glimpses into their raw spaces, the tools of their trade, and their work, in various stages of completion. Whether creating with yarn, clay, metal or wood- the colors of their art exploded through my lens.

Although a travel guide book, it is my hope that Markets of New England also serves as an inspiring, photographic journey showcasing the rich, vibrant beauty of the region I am lucky enough to call home.

Tonight’s Tenement Talk – The Resurgence of Markets in New York City

Please join us tonight, Tuesday, June 15, for the Tenement Talk at the New York Tenement Museum. I will be discussing the recent resurgence of markets in New York City with Anne Saxelby, Proprietor of Saxelby Cheese in the Essex Street Market, and Kimm Alfonso, Designer and Printer of Kimmchi Silkscreened Apparel. Kimm is also a director of The {NewNew}, a group of New York metro area artisans who work together to foster creativity and commerce in the handmade markets.

Refreshments will include a selection of regional cheeses from Saxelby Cheese and artisanal beef jerky from New Jerk City. Rumor has it that tonight is the debut of New Jerk City’s Manhattan flavored beef jerky!

See the listing in the Books Section in Time Out New York for more details and map to the Museum!

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.

Fabulous Food and Crafts at the Brooklyn Lyceum

On May 1st and 2nd, the Brooklyn Lyceum was host to the wonderful Spring Food and Crafts Market. I went to the Lyceum’s Holiday Market in December, and I bought loads of gifts. The manuscript for the guidebook had already been submitted, but I called my editor at Little Bookroom and asked if there was any way we could make a last minute addition. This market was too good to leave out of the book.

Fortunately, Little Bookroom and our wonderful book designer worked it all out, and the Lyceum Market is indeed featured in the guidebook, which is officially released on May 11. So when the Lyceum invited us to do a pre-publication launch of Markets of New York City at the Spring Market, I was thrilled.

There were over 100 truly talented artisan and food vendors, and likely over a thousand wonderful shoppers. I cannot say enough about the high quality of the handmade goods. It was nice to see vendors meeting their repeat customers who come find them at the various markets around town. And there was a good deal of buzz around the food, which was in abundance, including BaconMarmalade, P&H Soda and Syrup (who kept me going in the heat with icy cream sodas), and the beautiful macarons from Macaron Parlour. I also brought home Niki and Doug’s Ramp Butter, which we have been slathering on pretty much everything this week (everything that wasn’t already slathered with BaconMarmalade, that is).

People were very excited about the guidebook, those who wanted to know where all the great markets are and even those who know all about them already. This was my first experience as a New York market vendor, and I had a great time, although it gave me first-hand experience as to how hard the vendors work every weekend while the rest of us are strolling through the markets munching on cupcakes and Yona’s mini-quiches. On Sunday evening, I went home, put my feet up, and fell sound asleep.

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

Book Launch Events Schedule and Information!

Please check here for book launch events, offers, and updates!

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!

Touring and Eating at the Markets of Paris

NOTE: 10/19/2010: Markets of New York is on a bit of a vacation, so we’re reposting some of our favorite pieces from the past year! Here’s one from January 28, 2010:

James and I went to Paris last week. Again. People keep asking us why we go back over and over, and for a brief moment we contemplated not returning until next year. The instant melancholy we both felt was enough to convince us that we’ll visit much sooner than that, probably October. That should give our cholesterol time to level out.

We had a particularly wonderful and magical time this trip, probably because we had no real agenda other than finding a daily fix of foie gras and sharing a nightly bottle of Côtes du Rhone. One thing that made this trip special was touring and eating at the glorious Parisian markets with brothers Sebastien and Pascal Bensidoun, fourth generation market owners and managers at Groupe Bensidoun in France and Bensidoun USA. In addition to their markets in Paris, they also run thirteen French-style markets in Illinois, Michigan, and White Plains, New York. In November 2009, they opened the French Market in Chicago to the delight of foodies there.

We rent apartments when we go to Paris, and we love to buy much of our food at the markets. One of our favorite markets is on Boulevard Richard Lenoir, which we first found in an inspirational little book, “Markets of Paris.“ We buy fresh vegetables, delicious cheeses that we’ve never heard of before, sometimes shrimp, and always a fragrant roasted chicken, a crunchy baguette and some sort of scrumptious tart. I was introduced to Sebastien and Pascal through my research for “Markets of New York City.” So, a week ago Sunday, our first full day in Paris, the Bensidoun brothers picked us up and whisked us off to the Marché Bio, or the Organic Market at Raspail.

The food markets of Paris have a long and wonderful history, and the organic market is especially remarkable. All the food items are certified “AB,” or “Agriculture Biologique” by the French Ministry of Agriculture. The products looked fresh, flawless, and delicious. The string beans, carrots, Clementine oranges and litchis we ate at home definitely tasted great. There is an immense variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, honey, preserves, meat, seafood, and much more. An impressive number of people were waiting in line for the organic breads. James picked up a tiny heart-shaped piece of goat cheese covered in ash. It was the strongest goat we’ve ever tasted and stuck with us for the rest of the day. My favorite item was the grouping of black truffles under a glass cloche. The vendor lifted the cover, and the musky mushroomy fragrance swam up into the air. We learned that there are truffles and there are truffles. If the price seems too good to be true, they are probably imported from Asia. French truffles never lose their value, unless, of course, they get eaten.

We also visited the market at Auguste Blanqui in the 13^th Arrondissement that day and Cours de Vincennes later in the week. Like the Raspail market, Auguste Blanqui sets up on the on the center island of a boulevard, and so it is long and narrow, unlike our sprawling market at Union Square. This market runs almost a kilometer in length, with vendor tables on either side. At the Cours de Vincennes, we had an unexpected and delicious meal of salmon, salsify, and red wine with a Valrhona chocolate for dessert. The French Federation of Amateur Chefs holds food demonstrations at the markets, and Sebastien and Pascal made sure we didn’t miss this one. The salmon melted in my mouth. Despite the rainy day, the market was lively and active.

We didn’t run into Gerard Depardieu or Catherine Deneuve, who both, as we understand, frequent the markets. But we felt like celebrities ourselves as we strolled along with Sebastien and Pascal. They introduced us to the vendors and showed us all of the wonderful things about their markets. Merci beaucoup! We’ll be back soon!

The Eifel Tower may be touristy, but I adore it and never tire of watching it sparkle at night.

There’s A Giant Pink Squid Under the Christmas Tree

What happens when artisans sell their creations at the markets or pack them up and ship them to all corners of the world for the holidays? They never get to see where their handiwork ends up or who opened the packages on Christmas morning. After talking to artisans at the holiday markets recently about this subject, I decided to show them where the gifts I bought ended up.

We spend the holidays with my husband James’ family, and I can honestly say that every single gift from a New York City market was received with much happiness. One particularly special piece was placed at the top of the tree.

I picked out Squidfire’s hot pink giant squid T-shirt for myself, and James wrapped it up for me. I loved the way it glowered up from underneath the tree. Dainty earrings made by Martin Lopez at AdornmentsNYC from vintage beads and findings got placed immediately in my sister-in-law Judy’s ears. They make a faint hypnotic jingle for her ears only. She also adored the tiny sandalwood candle in a gold pressed glass vase from Lovely Day Designs.

For my nephew, I chose one of my favorite T-shirts to add it to his growing collection of Gnome Enterprises designs. It’s the one where the tree gets its revenge on the lumberjack. My lucky husband got the fluffy black sweatshirt from Fleisher’s Grassfed Organic Meats that says, “Bacon: The Gateway Meat.” It’s a classic.

James made all the holiday cookies this year. (Tip: He added bergamot oil to the icing – amazing!) Anyway, he burned his hand several times taking them out of the oven using our pitiful oven mitts. So I gave him a gorgeous handmade oven rack pull from Meb’s Kitchenwares. It’s in the shape of a fish, and it was a bit of a mystery to everyone until I explained what it was. They all agreed it was brilliant.

Speaking of brilliant, the crayon apron from Pickleboots was the runaway winner with my two-year-old niece, although the pink handbag with a furry mouse in the pocket got a lot of love too.

And finally, there were two piéces de resistance for my brother-in-law Thom. The four of us recently went on vacation to Paris. All Thom wanted was unusual French salts, but he didn’t get any. So when we saw this beautiful collection of salts from Gneiss Spices at the Brooklyn Lyceum, we thought of him. The cute jars are magnetic, and you can store the salts (3 of which are French, and 2 of which are pink) on your fridge.

We also gave Thom a beautiful sign from Yee Haw Industries that says, “Carve that Possum.” He placed it at the top of the tree. We’ll frame it for his workshop after the holidays.

This New Year’s Eve brings us a full moon, a blue moon, a partial lunar eclipse! A lot of great things are going to happen with the Markets of New York blog in the new year, and I am already excited about the book’s release in June. Visit often!

Have a safe and happy new year. And don’t forget to look up!

New Amsterdam Market Presents Wintermarket

This Sunday is the final New Amsterdam Market for the year. It looks like it is going to be as amazing as the other three were.

For the uninitiated, The New Amsterdam Market is held under the FDR elevated highway in the South Street Seaport. The market features food purveyors who source their products and ingredients directly from local farmers and producers. Hopefully this market will find a permanent home in the currently empty Fulton Fish Market. For now, though, it takes place periodically each year. (Check their website for a calendar of events.)

Not only is the market quite beautiful, with its clean white and black banners indentifying each vendor, but the quality of products there is superb. I try and listen to people in the crowd because I hear about wonderful things that I had walked right by, like the bean-to-bar chocolate bars from Mast Brothers. At the November Market, I went immediately to the Basis table for a jar of golden honey and dozen free-range eggs as they sold out quickly in October.

There will be over 75 food purveyors at this weekend’s markets. On Sunday, I will definitely stop by Fleishers Grass Fed and Organic Meats because I am giving the gift of bacon this year. There is always a lovely selection of artisanal breads and cheeses, including Hotbread Kitchen and Saxelby Cheesemongers. There are wonderful representatives from regional creameries, vinyards, farms and much more. I strongly advise that you bring your holiday food shopping list because the vendors are prepared to help you with anything you plan to serve your families and guests.

You can also pick up some great things for the foodies in your life. The gift of pickles is just below bacon on my list, especially the extremely creative varieties from Rick’s Picks. We gave a jar of Mother-In-Law’s Kimchee to the right person and made him very happy. Caramels, lollies, and “slurtles” from Liddabit Sweets make great stocking stuffers (just keep them away from the fire!).

To round out your shopping list, stop by and visit Little Bookroom, publisher of beautiful, delightful and extremely informative travel and food guides. I’ll be at this table, wearing 10 pairs of socks and every pair of thermals I can dig up. Please come and say hello!