Eat where you live and live where you eat

I have spent the last 14 years helping people move in an out of every neighborhood in NYC.  I have seen some amazingly beautiful apartments and some where I have wondered,”What are they thinking?”  I have become friends with many of my customers and have learned a lot about what makes them finally say yes to a home.  I use my passion for cooking and eating to discover the best food in an area and then I share my discoveries with my buyers as they go on their hunt for a place to call home.  Whether you are moving to NY for the first time or are moving from one neighborhood in the city to another, finding that perfect cup of coffee or the best bowl of pasta can be as important as having a washer/dryer in the apartment; and knowing that you can find something delicious to eat or drink at any hour of the day is what makes NYC so enticing. No matter the neighborhood, excellent restaurants, plentiful farmer’s markets and gourmet food shops abound.  Now that the holidays are here, I thought I would share my 5 favorite places to find great holiday food gifts for the house warming party you are throwing or attending.

Murray Hill:  http://kalustyans.com/

For the most amazing array of spices (over 4000), exotic condiments, middle eastern sweets, grains from every corner of the world, and thousands of other specialty food items.  

Chelsea:  http://nymacaron.com/

Delicious macarons with flavors like lavender, apricot and champagne, caramel fleur de sel, and rose lychee.

Soho:  http://despananyc.com/

Foods from Spain.  The most delectable olive oils, chorizo, cheeses, and Serrano and Iberico hams.

Noho:  http://ilbuco.com/products/

Beautifully packaged gift boxes of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Tuscan sea salt all from artisan producers in Italy.

Upper East & Upper West Side:  http://alicesteacup.com/

The perfect holiday gift of scones and tea, cupcakes and brookies (brownie/cookie), and the most delicious chocolate cake.