Eataly & The Tin Building

I recently returned from a short trip to New York City. One thing I knew I wasn’t going to miss were a stop to Italy and The Tin Building. I love the idea of the restaurant/marketplace and try to visit these concept places when I am in big cities. I’m a sucker for the market goods, both fresh produce and charcuterie, but also specialty vinegars, oils, spreads and other ingredients. I have a major love for mustard and vinegar and it took all of my restraint (and some room in my mother’s checked bag) to not buy armfuls of both.

Eataly began as a partnership between Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, Lidia Bastianich, and Oscar Farinetti. Their combined talent packs a punch, and reminders of them all remain, but the company was sold to a European private equity firm several years ago. There are three locations: Italy Downtown, Italy Flatiron, and Italy Soho.

I visited Italy Flatiron, which is right across the street from Madison Square Park. Had it not been 97 degrees, and I had I not been holding heavy bags from Trader Joes (a two minute walk), I’d likely have ordered a gelato on my way out and sat in the park. But, my hotel room was calling, and so was its air conditioning. Italy Flatiron is a perfect combination of market (both fresh food and preserved, kitchen utensils and gadgets), to-order meals, and bar counters.  

After a few minutes’ survey of the expansive interior, we decided to sit down at La Pizza & La Pasta. I began with a glass of Nerello Mascalese ‘Rose di Adele’,
Feudo Montoni (Sicilia), which was a perfect way to start to cool off, feel festive, and relax while I perused the menu. I knew I’d have loved any of the pizzas, but I had my mind set on that for another meal, and pastas are really where this restaurant shines (though my daughter’s pizza was delicious). I’d have been more than happy with the arancini and any of the secondi offerings, but I wanted to branch out, and I’m really glad I did. I ended up starting with the Insalata Di Barbietole, which features roasted beets, Sicilian pistachio pesto, and oranges on a little gem lettuce salad. The portion was huge, and I shared some with my mother and daughter, but all was eaten. After that, I ordered the Busiate all Trapanese, and while delicious, half of it ended up in a takeout box. Cherry tomato almond pesto, basil, granarolo pecorino Romano DOP, and toasted almonds sounded really intriguing. I’ll admit to being skeptical, but the flavor combination won me over and I’ll be trying my hand at iterations of this at home very soon with the plethora of cherry tomatoes we have growing.

Lunch was delicious, though service was slow. Afterward, I shopped and admired the produce. I took home chocolates for my son, a variety of vinegars for myself and a friend, some salami for my husband, and a desire to return to both the Flatiron location and also the spot they have in SOHO. I may also try to squeeze in a stop in their Chicago location next time I am there. In all, Italy was a win.

This recipe was paper clipped to my check.

The Tin Building, location in Lower Manhattan’s Seaport, right next to Pier 11, is the market and restaurant center “inspired by Jean-Georges’ world travels.” I’m a huge fan of Chef Jean-Georges, and I knew I’d be near The Tin Building to catch the East River ferry, so I popped in to have a look. Sadly, I didn’t have a meal there, but I was well-sated from some incredible pizza I had earlier in the evening. 

The concept is similar to that of Eataly, and incredible pantry, produce, cheese, kitchen essentials, candles, cookbooks, and amazing breads can be purchased and make amazing gifts. I was there during NYC Restaurant Week, so the retail spaces were well-stocked with beautifully displayed items. I especially was impressed with the gorgeous bread array. 

Check out that starfish-shaped bread back there!!

Personally, I’d stop here again. I’d go out of my way for The Tin Building, but I’d make sure to leave time for a cocktail and dinner, and I’d enter with a shopping plan so that I didn’t end up with a bunch of random items. By the way, this is a great place to shop for stocking stuffers.