Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://specialtyfoodmagazine.epubxp.com/i/328566
The Plaza Food Hall Two years after celebrity chef Todd English opened his namesake restaurant in The Plaza Hotel's lower concourse, the historic hotel expanded the concept in 2012 to include The Plaza Food Hall, resulting in a massive culinary destination located just across from Central Park that now attracts over a million customers every year. "It's about the shop mix that we have," says Kristin Franzese, executive vice president of retail. The hall was curated to blend the luxury brands one would expect to see at a hotel known for its afternoon tea, such as Payard and La Maison du Chocolat, with city newcomers like Billy's Bakery and Luke's Lobster. A nice surprise here is that each vendor carries items available only at The Plaza, which may change seasonally, giving locals a reason to check out this location of their neighborhood favorites. In addition to brands brought in from all over the city, including Mast Brothers chocolate, Nunu Chocolates, Eleni's, Blue Hill, and Sfoglini pastas, The Plaza's private-label collection is also available at the market's stalls. For a more formal meal, head down- stairs and sit at the counter for tastes from one of nine food stations in the Todd English Food Hall, which offer a full, wide- ranging menu and are best saved for dinner- time—with a reservation. Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place The waterfront complex formerly known as the World Financial Center is undergoing a $250 million renovation that includes Hudson Eats, a 30,000-square-foot food hall with exquisite views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty. The 600-seat, sunlit dining terrace—the first of three phased openings at Brookfield Place— opened earlier this month. "Hudson Eats is bringing together the top lunchtime din- ing options in town all in one spot," says Dig Inn founder and CEO Adam Eskin. The curated collection of New York–based, foodie-approved eateries like Dig Inn, Num Pang, Mighty Quinn's Barbecue, Little Muenster, and Blue Ribbon Sushi have been recruited to set up shop here beside a handful of West Coast brands including Sprinkles Cupcakes. It's a selection that's sure to please both suits and sightseers at lunchtime in Lower Manhattan. Lighter fare like seasonal quinoa salads from Dig Inn will be served at the food court alongside Mighty Quinn's artisanal smoked meats and Little Muenster's Asiago butternut grilled cheese. Five full-service restaurants, including one from Jose Garces (his first in New York), and Le District, an expansive French market of specialty food purveyors, are anticipated at Brookfield in 2015. Anneliese Klainbaum is a communications consultant/writer working with food, beverage, and lifestyle companies and publications. (annaklainbaum.com) WHERE TO FIND THEM All Good Things Market 102 Franklin St., Manhattan Daily: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 212.925.5081 allgoodthingsny.com Berg'n 899 Bergen St., Brooklyn Mon.–Fri.: 8 a.m.–late, Sat.–Sun.: 10 a.m.–late 718.857.BEER bergn.com Eataly 200 Fifth Ave., Manhattan Daily: 10 a.m.–11 p.m. 212.229.2560 eataly.com Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place 200 Vesey Street, Manhattan Mon.–Fri.: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun.: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. brookfieldplaceny.com The Plaza Food Hall 1 W. 59th St., Manhattan Mon.–Sat.: 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun.: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 212.986.9260 theplazany.com/ dining/foodhall @ CHECK OUT 10 MORE FOOD HALL DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY at specialtyfood.com/ onlinehighlights store tour Read all about the city's newest food hall GOTHAM WEST MARKET, on p. 48 136 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com storeTour-FoodHalls.indd 136 6/6/14 8:25 AM