I was in New York City most of this week and Wednesday I got a chance to do some exploring, so I decided to do a little foodie tour of the city.  After my morning coffee and chocolate briosce at a small cafe’ in Soho, I headed off to find some “Italian” in the city that never sleeps.  Many would point you towards Mulberry Street and New York’s little Italy but for me… the glory days of that area are loooong gone.  Although there are still a few (a very few) gems to be found in that area, most of it has become a tourist trap of prix fixe menus and cheesy t-shirts as China Town is creep, creep, creeping in on what was once Italy away from Italy.  I once walked out of an Italian restaurant on Mulberry Street after the waiter brought us some 3-day old bread.  (If you get served bad bread at an Italian restaurant you know it’s time to leave.)

In my opinion, the west village is much more authentic and appealing… head to the corner of Bleeker and Carmine and you’ll see what I mean.  My first stop was Murray’s Cheese.  I know what you’re thinking: Murray?  that’s not Italian… but it’s what Murray has inside that will put a smile on your face.  Cheese, cheese, cheese from around the world, pasta, bread, meats and much more…. mmmmmm.  I got myself some prosciutto cotto, provolone and a fresh loaf of bread and headed next door to Faicco’s to take a look around.

After checking out Faicco’s selection of Italian sausage and specialties (including a sausage with broccoli rabe inside), I bought myself a bottle of “Manhattan Special” coffee soda (it’s no Brasilena but it was pretty good.) and some strozzapreti and was off to find a park for my colazione.

Later in the afternoon, I stopped by l’Asso on Mott Street (one of the few gems I mentioned) for a pizza margherita…. one of the best pizza’s I’ve had in a long time!  They do a fabulous job at l’Asso and the staff is very friendly.  Word has it, they’ll be in LA soon… so keep an eye out.

After all this deliciousness what’s left!?  GELATO of course.  I heard a lot of talk about a certain Gelateria in Manhattan that has been generating a lot of buzz and I accidentally bumped into it in the morning as it’s located across the street from Murray’s and Faicco’s on Bleeker Street…. so after lunch, I decided to head over to see what all the fuss is about.  There haven’t been many gelaterie that have impressed me here in the U.S. but GROM is an exception.  This was my first GROM experience. It’s their only US gelateria but they have several throughout Italy (founded in Torino in 2003.)  I ordered my go-to favorites: Stracciatella and nocciola and it was top notch!  CHE BUONO! You can be sure I’ll be back next time I’m in New York.

GROM – Il Gelato come una volta

Make sure to visit these great shops next time you’re in New York City. I think it’s time to hit the gym….