Manhattan may be an island, but developers and city planners constantly drum up new places that make you smack your head. Duh! Why didn’t anyone think of this before?
Out in the River
If you think Manhattan has run out of real estate, think again. Little Island changed the narrative. This park, built on dilapidated piers in the Hudson River, gave us a two acre park and performance space. Little Island opened two years ago, and required reservations at first, but now you can just stroll over.
Market 57
Right next door, Market 57 is a food hall with more than a dozen vendors, plus Platform by JFB. Market 57 opened in April and most of the places are owned by women and or minorities.
Platform by JBF
This event space with a a state-of-the-art show kitchen hosts cooking demos, sit down dinners, cocktail classes.
I was a guest at a Visit San Antonio dinner, featured three James Beard Award winning chefs with their own restaurants in San Antonio, paired with local beer and wine.
The dinner was repeated the next night for the public.
The multi-course feast included a spicy gazpacho that was more like a drink, Scallion crepe with lobster an corn emulsion; corn pudding with chanterelles; pasta with truffles and squash blossoms and whole snapper with pickled vegetables, and chimichurri and mango chutney. There were vegetarian options, too.
I was a big fan of the hush puppy hors d’ouevre with labneh, sumac and honey (hold the caviar)
Mijo
I’m a bit of a Fany Gerson groupie (not a stalker! I swear!). I was hooked by her frozen fruit treats, paletas and further seduced by her doughnuts.
Here, Mijo is on the savory side, with mushroom tacos, elote and flautas. There are also desserts: the OG paletas and churros, which may be more on brand with the Mexican food served here. You have to go to Brooklyn for the doughnuts.
Harlem Hops
If you want a cocktail, you have to go City Winery, right next door. Market 57 has a beer and wine license only. But expect wonderful brews. Harlem Hops bills itself “Manhattan’s First 100% african american Owned NYC Local Craft Beer Bar.” There are plenty of local beers on tap, along with bottles and cans. And you can take a crowler to go.
Good To Go by JBF
This rotating fast-casual kiosk focuses on “sustainable, ethically sourced, delicious food.’ Good To Go by JBF is reason enough to return to Market 57, to sample the new concepts.
More than just a Food Destination
Market 57 could exist as just a destination food hall. But it also is the base for a new park, a 2 acre rooftop park.
There is grass for lounging or running around, along with plenty of seating. You can bring your Market 57 lunch or dinner up here, but not your craft beer. At least, legally. No alcohol is permitted, nor is smoking.
Now I have to return for sunset.
WheelsandEats 