Tour Info
Duration: 3 Hours
Tour Includes: 5 tastings! Professional tour guide. Drinks not included.
Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian friendly. Vegan and gluten-free currently unavailable on this tour.
Walking Distance: 1.5 miles / 2.4 km
Tour Capacity: 14 people maximum
Tour Reviews (text at bottom of page):
This holiday season, step into the heart of New York City with a festive culinary tour through the iconic neighborhoods of Chelsea and the West Village. Known for their rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food scene, these neighborhoods offer the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern gastronomy. Join us for a unique journey that not only delights your taste buds but also supports local businesses and sustainable practices—a perfect holiday experience for food lovers and conscious travelers alike.
Tour Highlights:
Chelsea and West Village: Begin your exploration in the enchanting streets of Chelsea and the West Village. Known for their historical depth and unique character, these neighborhoods are living galleries of New York City’s past and present. As we stroll, our guides will share stories that weave together the architectural beauty and culinary evolution of the area, emphasizing community engagement and local heritage.
Iconic Landmarks: Marvel at must-visit destinations such as the Chelsea Market, the High Line, and the innovative Market 57 at Pier 57. Capture stunning photos and enjoy views of the city skyline, including the Statue of Liberty & the innovative Little Island.. Learn about the transformation of these spaces from historical sites to vibrant community hubs that support local artisans and sustainable urban development.
Chelsea Market: As we navigate through this food lover’s haven, where local artisans and chefs exhibit their culinary skills, our guides will not only share the rich tapestry of New York City’s culinary history but also highlight the market’s initiatives in supporting local businesses and sustainable practices. During the holiday season, the market is brimming with festive treats and seasonal flavors. This sets the stage for the feast ahead while underscoring our commitment to community and sustainability.
Market 57 at Pier 57: Situated on the historic Pier 57, Market 57 captures the very essence of New York City’s diverse and innovative gastronomy while paying homage to the culinary legacy of the great James Beard through the James Beard Foundation. Enjoy delectable dishes and stunning views of the Hudson River. Engage with initiatives that support culinary education and sustainable food practices, making your dining experience both impactful and memorable.
Urban Greenspaces: Experience the tranquility of nature with stops at scenic parks like the High Line. This elevated park not only offers a unique urban escape but also serves as an example of innovative green space preservation within the bustling city. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical preservation.
Gourmet Food Stops: Indulge in a curated selection of Chelsea and West Village’s finest culinary offerings, showcasing local producers and sustainable practices:
- Empire Cake: Enjoy gourmet ‘snack cakes’ that elevate classic flavors with a twist, supporting local suppliers.
- Joey Bats: Savor authentic Portuguese Natas, highlighting the cultural diversity and culinary craftsmanship of the neighborhood.
- Mijo: Bite into a decadent, oversized churro with warm chocolate or caramel, celebrating traditional recipes with modern flair and perfect for the holiday season.
- Bird & Branch: Refresh with specialty coffee from a shop that not only focuses on quality brews but also contributes to social causes.
- Li-lac Chocolates: Discover the art of chocolate making with truffles crafted by one of the city’s oldest chocolatiers, emphasizing the preservation of artisan techniques.
- Janie’s Bakes: Chomp into the NYC famous Pie Crust Cookie from our social impact partner
Join us on this NYC Foodie Adventure, and let us take you on a journey that not only satisfies your culinary cravings but also enriches your understanding of Chelsea and the West Village’s vibrant culture and commitment to community and sustainability. Experience the true essence of these neighborhoods, where every bite tells a story, every landmark holds a secret, and every moment is a celebration of the senses.
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With a strong commitment to community & sustainability we are proud to partner with Bird & Branch. At their coffee shop, they have created a job-training program for people with barriers to employment. They teach trainees barista skills as well as soft skills required to obtain and retain employment, as well as helping connect individuals with opportunities to grow in the industry.
“If we are trying to empower and restore people through our job training program, it only makes sense that our products also work to empower the people behind them. Whether you enjoy your coffee black and in its purest form or in one of our signature drinks, know that it was responsibly sourced.
We know there are a ton of coffee options, and many that roast closer to where we are, but when we sat down with Kevin Bohlin, the founder of Saint Frank, and talked about the vision and mission for our shop and also about what Saint Frank was doing, we established a true connection. We love that they are relational in their sourcing, recognizing the social and cultural distance between coffee producers and consumers, are committed to sustainability, responsibility, and empowerment, and, let’s not forget, roast some amazing coffee.
Now that we’ve begun to roast our own coffee, we are working with Bonaventure Coffee, the importer that was established by Kevin and Benjamin Paz in 2020 as a way to connect Honduran producers with new roasters after losing their contracts due to the pandemic. Our green coffee-buying goal is to purchase coffee from producers over a long-term, hoping to establish a relationship and provide more stability, allowing them to invest more in their farms, their produce, and their own families and towns.” -
On your tour you will hear the term “social impact”, but what does that really mean? For us, social impact is making sure that we have a positive impact on the communities we live and work in, as well as the amazing places we explore with our tours. We believe that truly experiencing a place “like a local” means having meaningful engagement that supports local, community-based organizations and learning about their causes and the people making them happen. Just as we carefully select the places you’ll visit and the food you’ll try, we have also carefully selected our social impact partners to showcase the amazing work being done in our communities. Your patronage on our tours is a small act to help these initiatives flourish. We want to help our visitors explore NYC on an authentic level and make sure that we are all having a positive impact while doing it.
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Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility located in the Chelsea neighborhood of the borough of Manhattan, in New York City. It was built in the former National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory complex where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced.
The High Line
“Built on a historic, elevated freight line destined for demolition, the High Line has inspired millions worldwide as an example of how cities can reuse industrial spaces to create beautiful, hybrid spaces.”
Meatpacking District
Although the area was originally residential, markets have existed in the district since the 1840s. People moved into tenements in the Meatpacking District in the 1820s to escape epidemics in what was then the main part of New York. In 1900, 250 slaughterhouses and packing plants filled the district; by the 1930s, those houses produced the nation’s third-largest volume of dressed meats. Five meatpacking companies still operate in the district. Boutiques and bars are more common than rump roasts these days, and the neighborhood continues to evolve almost daily.
West Village
The Village at the turn of the 20th century was quaintly picturesque and ethnically diverse. By the start of World War I it was widely known as a bohemian enclave with secluded side streets, low rents, and a tolerance for radicalism and nonconformity. Due to its low rent prices, diverse, tolerant community, and relative seclusion of its winding side streets, the neighborhood became attractive to those on the fringes of society. Artists and writers flooded into the neighborhood, while art galleries and small presses displayed and published their work. Experimental theaters put on plays too shocking and cutting-edge to play on Broadway.
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Plans sometimes change. We get it; it happens to us too. So we’re happy to provide a hassle-free, 100% refund if you give us 24 hours’ notice.
Inside of 24 hours, we’ve already started preparing for your visit, and can’t easily fill your slot, so we sadly can’t provide you a refund in that case. -
We get it, some of us are details people and some of us are just along for the samples. We’ve got you covered either way on tour, but this tab is for our detail oriented planners. You’ll also receive this information in your confirmation email:
Meeting Point: Jackson Square Park- 8th Ave & Greenwich Ave
Ending Point: Stonewall National Monument
