Delicious Updates: Chelsea Market & West Village Dessert Tour
We’ve been buzzing with excitement, and the moment is finally here: the update to our much-loved Chelsea Market & West Village Dessert Tour. Are you ready to dive even deeper into the delectable world of New York City desserts? We’ve added yummy, mouth-watering stops and taken a twist on our route, ensuring an experience like never before. This culinary journey has never been sweeter.
Introducing Market 57:
This fresh addition to our tour is a new mecca for food lovers. Under the mentorship of The James Beard Foundation, Market 57 is dedicated to showcasing NYC’s local, independent food culture. Home to numerous kiosks, this market hosts a mix of minority- and women-owned businesses, showcasing pop-up concepts and bold creations from seasoned operators.
Stops at Market 57 include:
Bird & Branch: A haven for coffee lovers. Their specialty brews are sure to lift your spirits and prepare you for the adventure ahead. Also, look at Little Island through the windows! Such a cool view.
Malai: Think you know ice cream? Think again! Malai brings a rich fusion of flavors, making every scoop an exotic journey. From traditional vanilla to innovative combinations, there’s something for everyone.
Pier 57 Rooftop Park: This public park, one of NYC’s largest rooftop green spaces, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lower Manhattan and New York Harbor. It’s a fantastic way to gain perspective (and great photos) of our great city! With views of Little Island just next door, this little stop is a fun one!
All-New Route, Same Old Charm:
- Empire Cake – Located at the crossroads of West Village, Chelsea, and the Meatpacking districts, Empire Cake dazzles with American baking served with a gourmet twist. Their vast array of offerings include everything from cupcakes to custom-designed cakes, each made with fresh ingredients sourced from local producers. Window shoppers get a visual treat with fondant creations on the 8th Avenue.
- Joey Bats – When Joey Batista realized that New York lacked the authentic flavor of Portuguese cuisine, he took matters into his hands. Joey Bats was born, introducing the city to “Pastéis de Nata” – a revered pastry hailing from Lisbon. Rooted in tradition and family recipes from Joey’s mother, Isabel, the cafe blurs lines between a bakery and a traditional Portuguese tasca. Dive into the rich bolo de bolacha or nibble on the savory bolinhos de bacalhau. Pure Portuguese perfection!
- Malai – translating to ‘cream of the crop’, they offer ice cream enthusiasts a trip to South Asia without leaving NYC. Founded by Pooja Bavishi in 2015, Malai churns out ice creams packed with aromatic spices and South Asian ingredients. The eggless wonders, handcrafted to creamy perfection, echo stories from Pooja’s Indian upbringing. And for her efforts? Pooja was rightly recognized in Inc. Female Founders 100 in 2020.
- Bird and Branch – a mission-driven venture brewing hope and restoration. Founded by a dedicated husband and wife duo, this specialty coffee shop reflects their dream of not only serving exceptional coffee but also giving back to the community they cherish. Underscored by its unique job-training program designed specifically for individuals facing employment barriers. At Bird & Branch, every trainee learns the art of coffee-making as well as invaluable soft skills, preparing them for lasting employment in other city establishments. So, whether you’re in search of a delicious cup of coffee or a place that makes a difference, drop by and have a sip.
- Li-lac Chocolates – Wearing the badge of Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, Li-Lac Chocolates has been mesmerizing chocolate lovers since 1923. Today, the trio – Anthony Cirone, Anwar Khoder, and Christopher Taylor – carry forward the legacy of hand-made chocolates with over 120 tantalizing options. From its beginnings in Greenwich Village, Li-lac now offers a behind-the-scenes view of chocolate crafting at their Industry City factory. Truly, a chocolate’s paradise!
- Molly’s Cupcakes – More Than Just a Dessert Molly’s Cupcakes, sprouting from John Nicolaides’ cherished childhood memories of his teacher Molly, is not just a bakery; it’s an emotion. Established in 2007, it has since expanded from Chicago to NYC, offering cupcake lovers a chance to “create their own cupcakes”. But the sweetness doesn’t stop at the palate. Committed to education, Molly’s shares a portion of its profits with schools in the community. Delicious and heartwarming!
This tour isn’t just about desserts; it’s a journey through time – past, present and future. As we wander the scenic streets of Chelsea and West Village, our guides transport you back in time with stories that shaped these neighborhoods. Market 57 is a paradise that champions NYC’s local and independent food culture. With a beautiful medley of kiosks proudly created by talented minority- and women-owned businesses, it’s the beating heart of NYC’s vibrant food scene.
Chelsea Market is one of New York City’s most treasured food and shopping halls, in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood . As you stroll through its brick-lined corridors, you’re not just walking through a market but through history itself. Back in the early 1900s, this place was responsible for the production of the iconic Oreo cookie! Today, Chelsea Market is home to an array of gourmet eateries, boutique shops, and unique vendors. From fresh seafood to handcrafted jewelry, there’s a bit of something for everyone. The market is also a hub for events, with frequent art installations, pop-ups, and live performances.
West Village, often simply referred to as ‘the Village,’ is a beloved neighborhood in Manhattan that offers a stark contrast to the typical hustle and bustle of NYC. Characterized by its bohemian spirit, the Village’s winding streets often defy the city’s grid system, leading to hidden gems around every corner. The West Village also has a wide array of cozy cafes, vintage boutiques, and historic brownstones. Its tree-lined streets and historic charm make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Join us on this revamped Chelsea Market & West Village Dessert Tour, and let’s make delicious memories together! Our expert guides can’t wait to share them while ensuring your taste buds have the time of their lives.
So, are you ready?
Don’t take our word for it. Check out what some of our past tour guests have said:
Kelly R
Daniele A
I love the places we visited.
-Dessert’s were phenomenal! We had gelato, went to Manhattan’s first chocolate shop, a famous brownie shop called Fat Witch and more. Everything at each stop was amazingly delicious, not too sweet like most American desserts. You can tell each place we went to had high craft. The portions were plenty and I was very satiated after.
-Majestic walk: the route from Chelsea up the highline then down to West Village was beautiful, a lot of pretty tree lined streets and wide boulevards. Such a picturesque walk on a sunny day.
-Fascinating history: we learned about the history of the highline, and chelsea and the foods at the places we stopped at. Did you know gelato is healthier than ice cream? The guide Brendan told us a lot of interesting facts about each of the places we went to.
Mike S