It is pretty clear that I have a very special place in my heart for Italian food, Italian wine, Italian culture (and Italian men!). So, when I was introduced to the biggest thing to hit Manhattan since Seamless Web I couldn't believe it had taken me so long to finally go there.
Eataly is quite frankly an Italian Mecca. Located in the heart of the Flat Iron District on 23rd and 5th, Eataly pretty much takes up the entire block. The genius idea and undertaking was partly down to MARIO BATALI. I shouldn't have to tell you who this man is, but for those of you that have been living under a rock and eating beans from a tin, I will explain as best I can. Mario Batali, in a nutshell, owns over fifteen restaurants- from locations in New York, Las Vegas and Las Angeles. He has written eight cookbooks and is most famously known in the USA for hosting Iron Chef America. His most recent success is Eataly in New York, which was brought over from the success of his Eataly locations in Italy.
Eataly combines a variety of experiences all under one magnificent roof. Its a supermarket, a wine bar, a pizzeria, an oyster bar, a cafe, a deli, a steakhouse, a pizzeria, a bakery, a patisserie, and even has its own separate kitchen for those boring vegetarians (no offence but I can't even begin to think of life without steak and cold meats!). There are many other sections that I have not mentioned but I have to leave some surprises for you as the treat about Eataly is being able to walk around the 32,000 square foot palace, while sipping on a glass of wine or Prosecco (yes that’s right, you can shop and drink at the same time)!
Another amazing factor of Eataly is that it is also a cooking school and you can take classes designed by the famous Chef Lidia Bastianich. I can’t think of a more appropriate place to learn about the best cuisine in the world and it is the next best thing to having a food education in Italy itself.
I have been several times in the past month, since I was first introduced to it and there is still so much I haven't experienced. Therefore, I am being a bad journalist at this point as there is only a little I can give first-hand critique on. Having said that I have no disappointments so far. The cafe which is located at the entrance transports you to the typical espresso cafe's that smother Italian streets, with a standing bar and an array of delicious coffee treats that puts Starbucks to shame. I have become a regular at their Pizzeria section and can always be found in the corner table with my friend, sipping on Faranghina and tucking in to their simple Margarita, which has such a great flavor there is no need to go overboard on the toppings.
The La Piazza takes up the centre of Eataly, which is always the most crowded so prepare to fight for space! It is covered in marble-top tables where happy consumers stand and sip wine with selections of authentic Italian cheeses and meats. You can try whatever you like and then before you head home stop off in their market and take your favorite selections home with you.
Eataly has something for everyone and anyone and just walking around brings such satisfaction - but it will be hard not to be tempted by the variety of scents and smells coming from each section - I applaud anyone that can take a stroll in Eataly and NOT taste or sample anything!
There is only one negative critique that I can think of - and that is that they deliver all the way to the Upper West Side -as it has seriously damaged my bank account and my diet!
Ciao for now!
