Indoor markets are where it’s at! Just because the ugly cold is coming, doesn’t mean you have to stop going to markets. I’m sure many of you weren’t thinking it anyway, but I’m a big suck, and indoors is where I like to be when the leaves have fallen.
Winter-hating aside, I love an indoor market anytime of the year. Decidedly an urban phenomenon, indoor markets are always more than just a food destination, but the civic and cultural heart of the city. The sprawling Byward Market in Ottawa, the Public Markets of Montreal, Granville Island’s Public Market (a favourite of Anthony Sedlak’s), Winnipeg’s market at The Forks and Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market are all great examples. Whenever I visit a new city, I make a point of hitting the main indoor market for a little snapshot of what the city has to offer.
And so I did on my recent trip to New York City. I asked some of my chef friends in Toronto to recommend a market, and unanimously, I was advised that the Chelsea Market in West Chelsea was not to be missed.
The Chelsea Market is roughly 20 years old, but its historical buildings tell a tale of a century-old baking empire, and modern, visionary investment (more here, if you’re so inclined.) It is also the home of our beloved cousin, Food Network US, which I uncharacteristically left alone during my visit…(should have barged in demanding to see Guy Fieri, to once and for all clear up the pronunciation of his name. Hindsight is always 20/20.)
In any case I had little time, so I grabbed my Flip camera and went on a tear to take in all I could. Here is my 3 1/2 minute romp through New York City's Chelsea Market – enjoy!
What’s your favourite indoor market?
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