au marché: open season at the new amsterdam market

The uncanny warmth of spring in New York City has inspired a flux in outdoor activity, from tanning to rooftop barbecues. Among the most celebrated gifts of the unexpected sunshine is the bounty of the city's markets. With more than 50 greenmarkets in New York City alone, everyone from the Brooklyn hipster, to the Upper West Side nanny, to the Wall Street mogul has access to a cluster of occasion farmstands in their neighborhood. But those who prize quality over convenience will attest that not all vendors are made equal. Despite the popularity of the notable “greenmarket” conglomerate – including the inimitable Union Square Greenmarket – independent cooperatives continue to be standout crowd-pleasers, such as the Hester Street Fair, Smorgasburg or the DeKalb Market.

My personal favorite stop for outdoor shopping is the New Amsterdam Market, opening for the season on Sunday, April 29th. Reviving the site of the historic Fulton Street fish market, NAM recruits an impressive range of entrepreneurial edibles, from food trucks to spin-offs of brick and mortar establishments, artisanal Brooklynites and farmers from both New England and the Tri-State area.

An added asset of NAM is its accessibility to bikers, since the waterside market sits along the East River bikepath. Among the worthy pit-stop snacks : the refreshing and savory “cold grilled cheese” from Morris (ricotta, zucchini, cucumber and mint on grilled sourdough) or the delicious brain freeze of red plum shaved ice by People’s Pops.  For those with less of an appetite, there are plenty of outstanding take-home treats, including the slightly sour and hearty Finnish Ruis bread by Nordic Breads or the award-winning Cabot’s Clothbound Cheddar from The Cellars at Jasper Hill (which will make the bright orange block cheddar of your childhood slink away in shame).

Beyond its edible offerings, the New Amsterdam Market strives to re-invent the traditional New York "public market", with an ambiance as pleasing to a graphic designer or urban planner as any food enthusiast. And if that doesn’t sell you…the abundance of free samples should seal the (delicious) deal.

New Amsterdam Market Every Sunday on South Street, 11-4 Btwn Beekman Street and Peck Slip

*Photos by Lauren DeFilippo

au marché : new amsterdam market

New Amsterdam MarketSunday from 11am to 4pm (at the Old Fulton Fish Market on South Street and Peck Slip in Lower Manhattan)

As every reputable gastronomic publication in the US has already noted, the organic/local farmer’s market movement is on the rise.  And with more than 50 greenmarkets in New York City alone, everyone from the Brooklyn hipster, to the Upper West Side nanny, to the Wall Street mogul has at least noticed a cluster of farmstands that set up weekly shop in their neighborhoods.

But those willing to journey beyond the convenience of the nearest greenmarket in their vicinity will attest that not all markets are made equal.  Despite the popularity of the notable “greenmarket” conglomerate – and the very well known Union Square Greenmarket of said group– independent markets continue to be stand-out crowd pleasers, including the Hester Street, DeKalb, or New Amsterdam Market.

My personal favorite of all Manhattan markets is the New Amsterdam, only open on Sundays and filled with foodtruck-moguls, entrepreneurial Brooklynites, and farmers toting products from New England and the Tri-State area.

In my opinion, the best way to enjoy this re-invention of the historic New York “Public Market” is by bike.  Whether coming from Brooklyn, uptown, or downtown, this waterside market sits right along the East River bikepath, making for a most enjoyable pit stop.  A few of my favorite mid-workout snacks?  The refreshing and savory “cold grilled cheese” from Morris (ricotta, zucchini, cucumber, and mint on grilled sourdough) or the delicious brain freeze of red plum shaved ice by People’s Pops.  And if you’re not after the ready-made, there are plenty of outstanding take-home items for your next smorgasbord, including the slightly sour and hearty Finnish Ruis bread by Nordic Breads or the award-winning Cabot’s Clothbound Cheddar from The Cellars at Jasper Hill (which will make the bright orange block cheddar of your childhood skulk away in shame).

But no matter your mode of transportation or your edible intentions, the New Amsterdam Market is a festival for all five senses; it’s as likely to please a graphic designer or an urban planner as a foodie.  And if that doesn’t sell you…the abundance of free samples might just seal the (delicious) deal.

Check out a list of my favorite markets in NYC and abroad.