NEW AMSTERDAM MARKET


Roughly a week ago I attended the New Amsterdam Market in the South Sea Port, basically at the tip of Manhattan. This was my first visit, and I am kicking myself for not attending sooner. New Amsterdam Market is held the third Sunday of each month, and while it is unclear whether it will continue next year, I certainly hope they gain the necessary support to keep it open.




In contrast to the weekly farmers' markets held across the city, New Amsterdam Market features a multitude of local and gourmet purveyors of ready made food, and integrates a only a hand full of farm stands that feature fresh produce. Since most of the products offered were sold in jars and plastic packages, it may surprise you that I found this open-air market a wee bit more rustic than most other farmers' markets in the city.  The bare crate and barrel location under the FDR freeway, and views of the sea barges and the Brooklyn Bridge probably had a strong influence.


This braised beef brisket was topped on a a thin crust of bread with a light slathering of School House Kitchen hot sweet mustard. It was quite delightful.


Another popular line was for Luke's Lobster, which offered lobster, crab and shrimp rolls. The lobster rolls were brimming with enticing bright reddish orange chunks of lobster flesh. We were both looking forward to trying some, but were quickly deterred by the long wait. 


In addition to freshly shucked oysters, other fresh seafood items were available to take home including mussels, lobsters and whole fish.


Not all of the food was local as we found with Stonehouse olive oil and vinegar, which is produced in northern California. Nonetheless we purchased a couple of bottles because we are familiar with the quality of their products.


Katchie Farm which is a local producer came out in full force with a wide range of salsas, sauces and jams, just in time for the holidays.


There were two kimchi stands, and I favored the product offered by Mother-In-Laws kimchi. I also think the name is totally rad.

There were plenty of honey, all locally produced and of different flavors.


Also available were maple syrup. I wonder why these items are always sold in large jugs. Even the smaller container seems a bit too big.


Of course, there were plenty of novelty items, including these bacon peanut brittles.


Also novel was the collection of wild mushrooms from the Wild Gourmet Food / Wild Food Gatherers Guild. It appears that most of them are of the oyster variety.

 

None of the above would be complete without chocolate, cheese and wine, which the market generously provided. If you are curious about Taza stone ground chocolate, please see Beach Eats' review on it. The cheeses from Escot Valley Farm looked and smelled excellent!


 Thanks for coming along with me to explore new markets!

44 comments:

Little Inbox said...

Wow, it's really a nice place to patronize.

chow and chatter said...

oh wow another cool market the fish looks so food and fresh thats what new york was first called right New Amsterdam?

Fresh Local and Best said...

Chow and Chattter - I think that may be right.

Pam said...

Now that's my kind of market - it has a little bit of everything.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an excellent market, so many delicious stuff here!

ChefDruck said...

Sounds like a great outing. I love the crispness of the sky of your first picture. Really beautiful.

I totally agree with you on the mystery of the jug of maple syrup. So large and cumbersome.

The lobster rolls looked amazing. Made my mouth water.

Sook said...

That looks fun! Whenever we go down to Pismo Beach, CA to visit my in-laws, they make us to go to different farmers' markets and stuff. I'm really starting to enjoy going to those now because I get to see and taste great local grown, fresh vegetables and fruits and great food from local restaurants. This market that you went to sounds like a lot of fun, too. I think I will enjoy it. Oh and my in-laws will go crazy for sure.

Brilliant Sulk said...

What a fantastic market! The brisket looked particularly amazing. Love your photos...

Unknown said...

Love this market - so glad you were able to check it out this month! Wish I was here for the Christmas market, but I'll be home by then...Fingers crossed that the market continues next year!

theUngourmet said...

Oh I wish I lived closer! I'd love to go. What a great old ship and I love the name of that kimchi as well!

The Cooking Photographer said...

I feel all jealous like inside! I'm going to have to live vicariously through your food experiences while I'm isolated out here in Idaho.

Cristie said...

I would love to be exploring this market with you! What wonders you have there at your fingertips. Enjoy!

Esme said...

This looks like like a wonderful market-with interesting stalls-have you tried the bacon peanut brittle? we had chocolate covered bacon at the fair this year-I could not bring myself to try it.

3 hungry tummies said...

That is a fantastic market! love the beautiful photos too!

Deb in Hawaii said...

I love the variety of markets you have there! This one looks like a great way to stock the pantry and maybe pick up some holiday gifts. ;-)

Beth said...

What a great place to shop for gifts for the holidays! So many unique, local gifts.

NKP said...

What a wonderful market! A true treasure.

shannon said...

that market looks amazing..how fun. i would love to try some of that bacon brittle.

Dolce said...

I love those markets but sometimes regret that you find more "commercial" items as well as the locals, such as Taza Chocolate and other items like these. To me, these people take advantage of the market that is supposed to be local.
Looks great otherwise!!

kat said...

Looks like a great market!

Julia said...

Ooo. I want to go. Kimchee--got to make some! Bacon Peanut Brittle? Maybe not SO novel. Thanks for taking me on the trip!

Anonymous said...

I wish I lived closer to the ocean!

Fresh Local and Best said...

Thanks for the kind comments, guys!

Esme - No, I didn't try the peanut brittle, I've been trying to stay away from hard candy after receiving a poor report from the dentist. :(

I hope this market remains opened. It has an unique rustic quality compared to other markets in the city.

Joy said...

That is seriously so cool -- I am such a fan of open markets and wish there were more here in the states. That is one of the main reasons I love going back to China is because of the markets there.

I really like how it's right on a port with the gigantic ship! Thanks for taking me on your open market experience, great post :)

El said...

Looks like you had fun. Glad you found it...now you can make all sorts of goodies...

La Bella Cooks said...

I would definitely have a blast at this market! How fun.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

I would hate to see this market close too. What a bounty of wonderful finds! I know you will be looking forward to every third Sunday!

Nancy said...

Wow, Christine - this market looks awesome! This is the first I've heard of it. Maybe I'll check out the next market day on December 20th. Thanks for the tip!

nancy at goodfoodmatters said...

I always love to see this kind of ingenuity and creativity with locally made products--it takes Buy Fresh, Buy Local to another level.
While we are somewhat behind the curve in Nashville as compared to NYC, the local food movement has blossomed here. More and more entrepreneurs are making artisanal cheeses, sauces, cured meats, breads and sweets and selling them at our farmers market.
Thanks for sharing!

The Diva on a Diet said...

I just read about the market for the first time two weeks ago ... so I'm really, really hoping they will continue next year. It all looks so magnificent! I'm glad you had a chance to check it out.

As for the Taza ... it is magical stuff, especially the variety you've show here, that salted almond. Its heavenly! Thanks so much for the link love as well. :)

The Duo Dishes said...

Lobster rolls. Now that is good eats!

The Blonde Duck said...

Those are much better than the farmer's markets we have here!

Chubby Chinese Girl said...

Ive been wanting to check it out... hopefully next time around...

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

Sounds like an awesome market! I love markets with lots of "interesting" products. But I have real trouble staying within any sort of budget... :)

Mardi Michels said...

Bacon peanut brittle and TAZA chocolate? Yes please!

Heather S-G said...

Everything is so beautiful! I want to dig in to the gorgeous food...and I love the name of the kimchi, too...clever! Fun, thanks for taking us there :D

Erica said...

WOW! What a great market. Love your photos (so beautiful). I will take some honey and cheese please :) THanks for the support on the giveaway!

Kelsey B. said...

I LOVE Schoolhouse Kitchen and am very good friends with the owners. I'll tell them you mentioned their products! I have a recipe on their website. :)

Patty said...

Wowzers! This market is out of control! We have nothing like this where I live! I am supposed to be in NYC in Jan - wonder if they will still have the market available? I am a sucker for Kimchi and would like to get my hands on that Mother-in-Law's Kimchi! It even SOUNDS good! :)

Diana Bauman said...

What a beautiful market! I would love to try mother in law's Kimchi. Beautiful pictures!

Mimi said...

I'm so jealous... what a beautiful market nothing like it in my neighborhood. You photos make me feel as if I were there.
Mimi

George Gaston said...

Christine, Thanks for stopping by my blog. As I scan your incredibly creative post, I see that I have a lot to read ~ each post is filled with so many wonderful ideas & things. I especially like the architecture photographs at Central Station. Oh, how I miss living in NYC and seeing all the wonders.

I look forward to reading through Fresh Local and Best!

Rhandi said...

I love your pics, how fabulous! I recently got a blog award and am required to pass it on, I picked you. Thanks for inspiring me in the kitchen! Happy Holidays!

www.dhaleb.com said...

I will make sure to visit the New Amsterdam Market. Next one is on the 20th of this month, right?