Benvenuti a Eataly
Whether you’re a food enthusiast or not, the culinary atmosphere at Eataly in Flatiron (5th Ave @23rd St) will have your foodie juices flowing. The massive space that is home to several restaurants (umm Le Verdure, a veggie-only resto?!), a coffee shop (featuring Lavazza), a gelateria, and the market, which boasts a ton of specialty cuisine sections (hello pasta!!!), will knock your socks off.
Pasta for miles (or at least aisles)
The massive size of Eataly is a lot to take in at first, but pace yourself. I suggest you start by taking the time to channel your inner cooking muse – there are recipes to take with you spread throughout the various sections (with tastings too) and there’s a place to buy cook books as well that are all signed by the chefs who penned the books.
Get ya produce on
From there, decide what you’re taking home with you; the produce section has some of the largest varieties of citrus fruits and mushrooms I’ve ever seen. There are also sections for meats, fish, cheeses, breads, desserts, pastas, and even sauces get the spotlight with rows and rows of options. To round out your meal, don’t forget the wine and beer (a roof top beer garden is due to open in Spring 2011).
While in practicality, Eataly would be a great place for your specialty grocery shopping (albeit a bit pricey), I have to say that its possibilities as a day out with the girls or even as a date are endless (you know how she’ll love to be wined and dined, gents). Whatever your purpose, set aside some time for Eataly; you won’t be disappointed.
Eataly: 5th Ave @ 23rd St; open every day, 10am – 11pm
Rhea Recommends... 