The new Gramercy condos for sale at 88 and 90 Lexington Avenue will be equipped with some of the most impressive kitchens in all of Manhattan. Rather than reflect scaled-down versions of restaurant kitchens, they are designed to provide serious, fully-equipped work spaces for the ambitious home chef who loves to entertain—and attempt the occasional creative experiment.
The Gramercy and Flatiron districts happen to be brimming with culinary delights: Not only are there an array of options for dining out, there are dozens of markets and shops for fresh ingredients and tools of the trade. Sometimes an expertly prepared meal and a cozy night in can be even more fun than a night on the town. Here are a few of the must-visit shops for every Gramercy condo resident with even a touch of culinary flair:
Rosendo Fish Market (383 2nd Avenue)
The seafood at Rosendo is always fresh and well-prepared and their selection is impressively diverse. Their red snapper, sea bass, and oysters are known throughout the area for being top-notch selections. Grab a few pounds of fresh bass and attempt to mimic the incredible seared sea bass dish at the famed Gramercy Tavern. In addition to the varied fish options, Rosendo offers numerous marinades and ready-to-go meals, all of which are prepared with great care. It’s readily apparent that the Rosendo staff knows their product through and through as they’re always helpful and will lend their expert opinion whenever needed.
Fairway Market (766 Sixth Avenue) & The Gramercy Natural Frontier Market (325 3rd Avenue)
The Fairway Market in Kips Bay is a large and wonderful supermarket; regardless of what one is searching for, Fairway likely has it. Their massive vegetable selection is full of fresh, vibrant veggies and features many organic options. They have a butcher on site and offer fresh cuts of meat and cold cuts. Fairway is also known for its large selection of imported and domestic cheeses, as well as an assortment of cakes and cookies. For preparing meals at home, Fairway is the perfect choice. If one prefers a more intimate and local feel, The Gramercy Natural Frontier Market is a great option. This small, neighborhood green market offers an array of vegetarian and vegan options not typically carried by most supermarkets. They also stock a good number of organic grains and beans that can be bought in bulk, providing a convenient option when it comes to cooking for a large group.
Eataly (200 5th Avenue)
Eataly is a sprawling wonderland of Italian food. The massive market in the Flatiron District was opened by famed chef Mario Batali and his partners in 2004 and has since become a renowned attraction of the area. Eataly has what is most likely the widest selection of homemade pastas in the city. After a trip to Eataly for some fresh pasta and some clams, one can attempt to recreate the vibrant flavor of the Spaghetti and Clams dish at the great Flatiron District eatery, The Gander. Eataly has pretty much everything one could want in an Italian market including pastas, cheeses, produce, fish, meat, and an assortment of desserts. Beyond the food, Eataly also sells a wide array of high-quality cookware, and many of their pastas come with cooking instructions and preparation ideas. Eataly is not only a massive food market, it’s an experience. Many people visit just to walk around and enjoy its bustling atmosphere…and perhaps indulge in some gelato or a classic cannoli.
Bedford Cheese Shop (67 Irving Place)
Since 2003, the Bedford Cheese Shop has cultivated a thriving neighborhood following by paying close attention to the seasonal nature of cheese-making. By working with farms to select cheeses at their peak readiness, they provide a rotating assortment of high-quality cheeses throughout the year. Their Gramercy location opened in 2012 and features all sorts of intriguing details including a 15-foot cheese case, three aging facilities, and a special space for classes and events called the Homestead. Tastings are held regularly.
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