Eataly: A Food Lover’s Dream

Have you ever had a dream where you start off in one place, and in a flash you find yourself somewhere entirely different? (One minute you’re running down a hall at your office building and you turn a corner to find yourself in
an airport – in another country).

It’s actually possible to have that experience when you’re fully awake. Across from the Flatiron building at 23^rd street and 5th Avenue is Eataly. Influenced by many collaborators and brands, including renowned chef, Mario Batali, Eataly is actually a supermarket—but then again, not quite. It’s more of a food experience—an Italian food experience.

When you enter from the 5^th Avenue side, you are welcomed by an incredible array of sweets, confections, and gourmet chocolate truffles by the pound, cakes, cannoli and even gluten-free desserts. They are tiny and amazing, but not cheap – get ready to hand over no less than $5-$6 for one.

As you wander further into this food wonderland (past the fresh-made Gelatos and two espresso bars) you’ll find other packaged treats from Italy—beautiful tins of fruit flavored candies, or biscotti – (great to give away as part of a gift basket), and a small cheese section featuring fresh ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, and other aged and savory delights —but this is just a prelude. Deeper inside there is a whole cheese department with giant wheels and wedges of everything imaginable.

Then blink your eyes, and in a flash, you’ll find yourself standing inside a lively restaurant called Manzo. A steakhouse with an Italian accent where there’s a great atmosphere and a long bar to lean against, relax and chat with tourists and connoisseurs alike while you wait for a table.  (Here’s a tip: If you already plan on visiting and want to try Manzo—make a reservation online so you’ll have a table waiting for you rather than the other way around).

Manzo is only one of eight other restaurants inside Eataly. Other choices include a pasta and pizza place, called La Pizza & Pasta (of course); a Seafood restaurant called Il Pesce; and La Piazza which features standing tables where you can have a few laughs standing up while you savor a glass of wine, freshly made mozzarella and salami.

Back to the Market, which continues on the other side of the restaurants – proceed to dedicated counters displaying meats and seafood, freshly made pasta, and crusty, fresh-baked breads. And let’s not forget the endless shelves of beautifully packaged condiments (also a good gift idea for the foodie in your life).

Blink again, and you’re in a bookstore – well it’s a small corner dedicated to an array of fantastic cookbooks. To round out your dining-shopping-browsing experience, Eataly also sells designer tableware and kitchen utensils. Everything from sculptural salad bowls to elegant baking accessories.

The Exit will deposit you onto 23^rd street, and back into the real world. But the good part of this dream is that you can return anytime you like and experience it again.

Eataly is located at 200 5^th Avenue at the corner of 23^rd Street.
Contributor: J. Davis Kone, NYC