Shopping in Chinatown, NYC

Chinatown, NYC

Taking the D express train to Grand Street Station will get you to the upper part of Chinatown in Manhattan.  Here, fruit and vegetable markets line the streets as well Asian groceries that carry a variety of spices, nuts, noodles, rice, dumplings, and soy products.  I find it both relaxing and adventurous to walk the streets and experience the vast selection of foods and flavors.  At my favorite Malaysian market on Bowery, between Broome and Grand Street,  you can pick up a variety of south-east Asian hot and spicy relishes, referred to as sambals.  Across the Street on Grand and Bowery, there is a little shop on the corner, where you can buy freshly made rice noodles, taro root cakes and soy milk.  

Fruit and Vegetable Market on Grand Street

 

Noodle Shop on Grand and Bowery

Herbal Teas from Oriental Pastry and Grocery Co.

Tea Pour, Lavender and Roses

In winter, I like to stock up on teas from my favorite middle eastern market, in downtown Brooklyn, the Oriental Pastry and Grocery Company. Here, amongst the bins of spices, dates and pistachios, there are jars filled with dried orange rind, roses, lavender, sage, wildflowers, hibiscus and lemon verbena.  The scent of herbal teas adds comfort and warmth to a freezing and hectic afternoon in NYC.

Wild Flower Tea

Sage Tea

Chennai Flower Market

What impresses me while traveling to other countries is that you shop in a market not a “super market.”  I become creatively inspired by the colors, textures, and scents of fresh produce, flowers, legumes and spices that are unique to a specific region. 

Pomegranate

Here are some of my pictures capturing the kaleidoscope of colors and textures at the wholesale flower market in Chennai, India.  The tropical flora at this south Indian market is stunning:  Perfect subject matter for a photograph.

Lotus Bulbs

Woman Holding Lotus Bouquet

Man Holding Marigold

Little Flower

Bear Fruit

Woman at Market

Flower Garland

Bananas

Woman Holding Lotus Flowers

Indian Spices with Earthy Flavors

1.  Turmeric, Ground Red Chili Pepper, and Black Cumin 2.  Red Chili Pepper

Turmeric, cumin and chili pepper are earthy and musty both in flavor and smell. These ingredients are found in most Indian dishes as they are also the base in Indian curry recipes.  I regularly visit NYC Indian markets, Kalustyans in Manhattan and Patel Brothers in Jackson Heights, Queens.  There, I find treasure troves of specialty  spices, grains and legumes.

I photographed this spice container filled with salt, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper in Rajasthan, India.  I love this original design using recycled tin coffee cans.

Shopping at Titan's Market in Astoria, Queens

When craving Mediterranean food, I hop on the M60 bus to Titan Foods in Astoria, Queens. Here you will find the most amazing varieties of feta in all of New York City.  This old world Greek market is filled with delicacies such as olives, anchovies, Greek yogurts, nuts, caviar spreads, grains and legumes.  Also, there is a bakery filled with baklava and other irresistible Greek pastries…. Today, I am focused on buying some kalamata olives and a mild feta made from sheep's milk.

Early Autumn Produce

The colors and textures of early autumn produce give me creative inspiration, plus the desire to prepare a tasty meal.

Still Life of Autumn Produce

 
It is helpful to know what is available at my local green market so I can plan my menu accordingly.  Here is a link to see what types of produce are available in your region - local produce guide

Shopping at The NYC Farmers Market: Great Health Care

I look forward to shopping at my local farmers market uptown on 175th Street off Broadway.  It is such a treat to eat fruits and vegetables picked that day ....... The smells and colors of fresh produce can make a day at the farmers market a relaxing and inspiring experience.  I am looking forward to conjuring a salad or pasta for my dinner tonight.

Farmers Market, NYC

Ode to a Peach

Peaches at Eastern Market

It’s about the last week for peaches at the NY farmer’s market, but in DC you get an extra week or two.   I’m not ready for Halloween pumpkins yet, so let me savor one last taste of a 2010 peach in Washington, DC.   This weekend, I am visiting some great friends and picking up some amazing produce at the Eastern Market, located in Capitol Hill  near the aptly named Eastern Market metro stop.   The market includes both an open air farmers market and an indoor market where you can buy fresh fish, cheese, flowers, and produce or just sit down for a nice lunch.

Shopping at Eastern Market

White Peaches

Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, 7th Street SE

Caribbean Fruit and Vegetable Varieties

Uptown, I love going to the little neighborhood market and exploring different types of produce. I am leaning about the different fruits and vegetables that are commonplace in the Caribbean Islands.  Also, I am learning a little Spanish too.

Plantinos, Lemons, Limoncillo

La Frutera

Washington Heights is filled with bright colors fruit and vegetable markets.  The local fruteras offer all manner of of the Caribbean fruits and vegetables.  The limes up here are amazingly  juicy. They have a thinner skin and have an arresting yellower color.  My friends in downtown Manhattan always want me to bring some uptown limes to them.

Colors fill the streets along with the sounds of salsa