The 5 Best NYC Tours For Foodies
If the idea of a guided tour around a New York City neighborhood sounds like something only a wide-eyed tourist would do, think again. These food-centric tours are perfect for New Yorkers who want to get a taste of the history and cultures of individual neighborhoods. Walk, nibble and sip during these tours for NYC foodies. By Sarah Shaker.
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The NYC Broadway Bites Tour is run by UrbanSpace, a company that transforms city spaces and provides platforms to help entrepreneurs succeed. Go to Greely Square Park, located at the intersection of 33rd St. and Broadway to experience a lineup of exciting newcomers including Brooklyn Taco, Gelato Ti Amo, and La Newyorkina. Also take a stab at a few of UrbanSpace's favorite outdoor kitchens that include Roberta's Pizza, Mexicue, and Red Hook Lobster Pound. Broadway Bites goes from June 3 to August 1, 2014 and starts back up this fall, Oct. 1 to Nov. 14, 2014, as it gets cooler outside.
If you want to eat like a New York City native, indulge in this fun and delicious family-friendly tour. Swing by the history and culture filled East Village to enjoy a juicy New York hotdog, savor some locally made ice cream and cookies, and of course taste a hot slice of New York style pizza. Flavors of New York Tour has more than seven different tasting spots to go to that will fill you up and bring the history of the city to life.
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Live so far downtown that you're missing what Harlem has to offer? Book a tour for Taste Harlem to enjoy the neighborhood's best fine and casual dining spots, from classic soul food to dishes representative of Harlem's diverse cultural heritage. Your mouth will travel from New York to the Deep South, the Caribbean and West Africa. And between tastings, you'll learn about Harlem's rich history and treasured architecture.
Do you usually just stop into Chelsea Market for a snack when running errands? Now you can take the time to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of this historic 112-year old landmark building, which was the birthplace of the Oreo Cookie. You'll learn the history of the Market, view original artwork and see how the Market has become the ultimate indoor food paradise, as you taste your way through with bites from seven food shops in the Chelsea Market and one restaurant in the Meatpacking District. The tour also allots time to check out the High Line, the city's only elevated outdoor park.
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While classic staples of the neighborhood like Russ & Daughter's, Kossar's Bialys and Yonah Schimmel knishes may still rule the roost, this tour will take you to some of the newest hot spots in New York City's Lower East Side. As the name implies, this tour takes a more creative approach to food, including coffee roasted in a 21st century way, chocolate chili ice cream, and out-of-the-ordinary donuts. For those living uptown who are missing out on what's happening below 14th Street, this tour provides a great way to learn about the area's immigrant history while indulging in out of this world offerings.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
