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North America, Travel
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January 14, 2011

The fun of Eataly

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When I heard the news of Eataly’s opening (located at 200 Fifth Avenue), I decided to wait out the excitement of the crowds that I knew would surely follow. And follow it did, with people waiting on long lines for the many authentic Italian goods, as well as a chance to eat at one of their many restaurants. There’s great cause for it too as this 50,000 square – foot space, adoringly called an Italian food theme park -by my husband- has pretty much everything your little Italian food craving heart could desire.

Before we walked completely into the space we sat and enjoyed an espresso and a mini cannoli. A woman sitting in front of me admired the quaint size of my treat, while asking for confirmation of what it was. “Yes, it’s a cannoli,” I responded, “an expensive, but delicious cannoli”. “Well,” she responded,”most good things in life are (expensive).”

I don’t agree with that statement at all, especially as a New Yorker, but I do agree that more often than not, paying for the convenience of finding something good is certainly worth it. It is not rare to find much of what one would in Eataly in parts of Brooklyn and even lower Manhattan, however, the fact that it can all be conveniently accessed in one huge market is definitely a treat if you don’t mind paying a little more for it.

I was fortunate to have gone early on a week day, just before the lunch crowd arrived. This was great because I avoided the notoriously long lines and was able to enjoy a leisurely walk through the market and even chat it up with some of the vendors while being treated to some tastings. If you want to visit the market with kids, this is the time to go.

Walking through the market is a definite must, even if you are not planning on shopping for anything- though chances are you will. There is nothing more tempting than buying fresh kneaded pasta or cut mozzarella. The glimpse of truffles made my mouth water, and the cheese and meat selections inspire entertaining and feasting.

I didn’t take the time to sit and eat at any of their restaurants, but people were slowing lining up for them, and those already eating seemed to be enjoying their meal.

I did however like perusing through all the Italian brands, from sauces to olive oils, dried pasta to sea salts. I also think it very exciting that they offer culinary courses on site offered by Chef Lidia Bastianich at La Scuola, the prices of many of the courses I did find to be reasonable.

This isn’t the only place in New York City where you can find fresh, authentic Italian goods, but it has quickly grown to be a favorite among many people I have spoken to and it does deliver the Italian flavors we love so much. I left with a great big bag of groceries and a wonderful inspiration to create some magic in my kitchen, which in the end is worth every single penny.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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6 Comments
  • Kirsten
    January 14, 2011

    I went just after the opening, while I was in town for MeetPlanGo. Spencer went with me and we both very much enjoyed the food we had. However, the crowds at that time did make it an overwhelming experience. I plan to go back in February and see what it's like now that the newness has worn off. After all, Italian and Mexican are my two favorite cuisines. I have a hard time staying away from places that serve either type of food!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Kirsten
      January 14, 2011

      Kirsten, let me know, I'd love to join you! But if we can't go together, just remember, in the AM before lunch!

      Reply
  • NYCPatty
    January 14, 2011

    Looks AMAZING! I cannot wait to go there!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      NYCPatty
      January 14, 2011

      Hope you get there soon Patty!

      Reply
  • Mary Jo Manzanares
    January 15, 2011

    Thanks for the review. I was wondering if it would live up to it's billing or descend into some sort of ethnic fast food hell. I'll be putting it on my to-see list for my next NYC visit.

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Mary Jo Manzanares
      January 15, 2011

      Not at all Mary Jo! It's very well done : )

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going f Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going for over a week…and grateful for the privilege that is living in such a beautiful region. There are so many points of access for relaxation and stillness here, including right outside my door. So before delving into the work day, I took a peaceful walk, stopped for brekkie (thanks, @ellasacreshomestead), and continued the day refreshed.

If 10 years ago…or even 5 years ago…you had told THIS Brooklyn girl that she would find joy living full time in rural NY, I would’ve laughed in your face. And while NYC will always be home and #1 in my heart, as I live through my 3rd year here, I have to say…yeah. I get it. 

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Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, ver Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, very) short list of fave coffee shops, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. 

I spend A LOT of time at coffee shops…whether in my job as a barista or during my free time exploring endless cafes during my travels, but especially around NYC and the Finger Lakes. These are the most noteworthy cafes I find myself returning to again and again in New York City.

📍@conwellcoffeehall in the old Life and Trust Building in the Financial District. An epic space, great brekkie and coffee, brought to you by the same folks of Sleep No More…who (separately but in the same space) offer similar interactive-style performances we know them for, this time revisiting the age of old money, big banks, and the stock market crash collapse of 1929.
📍The @bookclubbar is a bar, book store, and coffee shop in the East Village. Cozy, with outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of books, booze, and brews. Very few people get all of these elements to work well. They nail it.
📍The @plantshednyc in the East Village. Airy space with a beautiful selection of flowers and plants, and big, bright windows whereby to enjoy your cafe choice. 
📍@DawnsTillDusk in Dumbo is a cafe by day and wine bar by night. It’s a Yes to both for me!
📍@Usaginy in Dumbo is an art gallery, with small bookstore and gift shop, and cafe…but their in-house freshly made onigiri is 😘👌🏾
📍@pplnyc in Williamsburg is rustic, and pretty, and cute…and yeah, the coffee’s good!
📍@bluebrown_nyc in Williamsburg stole my heart when I first visited last year on my birthday. I love the vibe of this community cafe and the creativity they bring to their pastries and drinks.
📍@Devocionusa (anywhere), though my local spot is Dumbo. I love that they are all about the coffee…and just the coffee. No fancy, trends here. Come for the impeccable coffee, and delicious pastries, and cool vibes. But mostly, the coffee.

This list doesn’t even make a dent on my long list of cafes but they are the highlights. Share your fave spots in the comments! ☕️

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Today me and mine played at the Keff Joons pop-up in Dumbo, Brooklyn. This is @cj_hendry latest art installation where they transformed a Brooklyn warehouse into balloon-filled dreamscape and playground for all. There is no fee and the earlier you arrive the shorter the wait. Once inside you become one with the art in a fun and dramatic way. But hurry! The installation is only up till April 20th! 

📍50 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY

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