Eataly in New York

As I’ve mentioned in my first article about this trip (Sleepless in New York), I am in a super charged city where there are just too many places to see, too many things to do, too much food to eat — and too little time to do all of them! In my first week here alone, I’ve eaten in a couple of restaurants that serve fantastic food, but amongst all of them, there’s one that stood out and left an impression on me.

This is about celebrity chef Mario Batali’s giant food emporium / super store / amazing Italian restaurant called EATALY located in 200 5th avenue. The name alone is a play on two words that are related to food and gastronomy : “eat” and “Italy”. So when you combine both, you know you’re going to be in for a wonderful treat!

Eataly is one big food market that sells, cooks and features everything about Italy and its produce!

Here, you will find all shapes and sizes of pasta from the imported, packaged ones shipped all the way from Italy to…

…the fresh, made on-the-spot pasta right in front of you!

They also have these black summer truffles from Umbria that you can have with any of your pasta dishes!

They have signs like these all over the store that explain their food and dining concept. I especially love this sign, that allows me to eat my pasta and carbs without the guilt! 🙂

Eataly is a very interactive market. Aside from showing its diners that they make their own pasta, they also have a bakery in one area of the superstore that shows customers they make their own bread fresh!

In another corner, they have their fresh meat section. Here, they sell meat that is hormone-free, antibiotic free, and “humanely raised”. A dream store indeed! 🙂

Italian Cheese heaven. From Parmigiano Reggiano to Grano Padano to Burrata…everything is here!

The vibe inside is fun, vibrant and hungry! 🙂

Of course the owner/celebrity chef Mario Batali’s books are for sale here too! 🙂

Aside from all these, there is a another market inside that sells the sweetest and juiciest fruits I’ve ever tasted! Got myself this hybrid of Peach and Nectarine called Peacharine! 🙂

There are probably about a hundred kinds of Italian pastries and desserts scattered all over the store… and I wanted to try all of them! 🙂

And here’s what we had for lunch!

Bread and Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil were served immediately as soon as we settled on our table…

Salad with Chickpeas, Onions, and Parmigiano Cheese.

Pizza with Mozzarella, Ricotta, Tomatoes, Prosciutto and Housemade Pesto Sauce.

Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella, Asparagus, Sunny Side Up Egg and Parma Ham.

Pizza with Light Tomato Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Basil and Olive Oil.

Housemade Pasta with Braised Short Rib Ragu and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese.

Housemade Squid Ink Trenette Pasta with Bluefish, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic and Chives.

Lasagne with Ragu alla Bolognese.

Housemade Orrechiette with Crumbled Italian Sausage and Pesto Genovese.

Housemade Mushroom Ravioli with Brown Butter, Asparagus and Toasted Bread Crumbs.

Dessert! 3 kinds of Cannoli with fresh cream : Original, Pistachio and Chocolate!

Dessert no. 2 : freshly churned Italian Gelato!

Ordered 2 giant cups with 2 flavors each : Banana Chocolate Chip and Coconut, Tiramisu and Salted Caramel.

I loved the Salted Caramel the best. It had a great mixture of sweetness and saltiness to it! 🙂

Eataly has everything I ever want in a market and restaurant. It is one gigantic food emporium that sells and serves only the freshest, organic and unique food items from Italy. It is a place that spoils you to no end and gives you a memorable dining experience altogether.

But more than that, what I love about this place is that it is also filled with lots of positive energy, good vibes, and a sense of humor. I had never been to a place before that left me this full, this impressed and this happy! 🙂

Eataly is located at 200 5th avenue NY. Tel +212-229-2560.

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