An Italian mega-eatery and shop has moved into Manhattan’s Flatiron District thanks to celebrity chef Mario Batali and his partners. Called Eataly New York the super store opened on Aug. 31, 2010, and I tasted a little bit of it last week during my trip to New York.
My friend Cordelia, who lives in Manhattan, always knows where to find the cool places and being a New Yorker, she’s atop of what’s hot. She admits not being a Food Network viewer but she new I’d appreciate and enjoy the uber-culinary experience of Eataly.
There are at least five eateries in Eataly to enjoy a meal and we chose La Piazza, open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It wasn’t our choice because it’s just like eating in Italy (food and drink are enjoyed at standing tables) but at 9 o’clock on a Tuesday night, the place was packed! We enjoyed a meat and cheese board featuring cured meats and creamy cheeses (pictured) accompanied with sweet wine. Our servers (one was knowledgeable in wines and the other well-versed in cheeses) were extremely helpful and nice. (Forget what people say about New Yorkers!)
We ended up sharing our table with a young couple. That’s the friendly thing to do, right? Other dining ranges from sit down formal meals to casual counter seating. Find all the dining options on Eataly’s site here.
The shop is a foodie’s paradise and anyone who has a remote interest in Food Network or Italy will appreciate the shopping experience. Latest and greatest culinary tools and equipment are for sale along with varieties of food items including fresh vegetables, too many pastas, preserves and fresh baked breads. There are even vegetable butchers on site ready to slice and dice your veggies and a wine shop to assist in finding the perfect vino.
Eataly reminded me a bit of Japan’s department stores with eateries located at the bottom and shopping all around. It’s sleek and clean in design with natural colors as whites, grays and browns accenting the decor.
Overwhelming? Yeah, a little. I didn’t spend much time looking around because I had a long day and there was a lot happening. But what I saw and tasted was all good.
Looking to learn something and not just eat and enjoy it? Eataly offers a variety of culinary classes ranging from cooking classes to wine and beer pairings with food. Check out the class schedule on the Eataly site.
Eataly New York is open daily and reservations are not required.
Market: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Lavazza Gran Bar 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Restaurants 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Wine shop is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 9 p.m.
Eataly New York
200 5th Ave.
New York, N.Y.
Tel: (646) 398-5100
Wine Shop Tel: (646) 398-5102
www.newyork.eataly.it
Went to Eataly the first weekend it opened and it was both amazing and overwhelming. You’re right about it being a foodie paradise, super space, yummy food and fab ingredients to fix your own feast.
I bet it was a madhouse opening weekend but well worth the wait! I’ll definitely return when I’m in Manhattan again.