In a New York Minute

The Jacob Javits Convention Centre is home to the Summer Fancy Food Shows where over 2,400 exhibitors from around the world showcase over 180,000 products. Jill attends this show every other year and checks out many of the great food establishments. One of her highlights is the Chelsea Market, located in the Meatpacking District. With about 50 shops and restaurants, offering anything from wine and cheese to kitchen gadgets, it’s a feast for the foodie. In just 20 years Chelsea Market has become one of the greatest indoor food halls in the world.

In other market news, the up-and-coming area of Hell’s Kitchen is home to the Gotham West Market. This market houses eight artisanal food vendors that are all pushing boundaries in their respective food art. Whether you want to learn how to slurp ramen the right way or experiment with traditional Mexican food, you will definitely find something new to discover.

If you happen to find yourself in the historic Grand Central Station make sure to check out the dining concourse and their colorful market. This place is so much more than a typical train station with something new to discover around every corner.

A highlight of one of Jill’s trips was an afternoon at Rao’s in Harlem. This family-run restaurant has been offering up homestyle Italian cooking since 1896 and continues to be packed every night. The wait for a reservation is about 2 years. She spent the afternoon with veteran chef, Dino Gatto and learned how to make the famous Rao’s meatballs. Check out the video at Rao’s: In a New York Minute.

Another culinary highlight in Harlem was a visit to Marcus Samuelsson’s trendy Red Rooster restaurant where comfort is the main ingredient. Named after the legendary Harlem speakeasy, Red Rooster captures the essence of the neighbourhood in its traditional African American cooking. Indulge in homemade cornbread or fried yardbird (chicken) while listening to local musicians play their hearts out. Check out Samuelsson’s NY Times Best Seller Yes, Chef.