AlwaysPartying: Celebrate Flatiron Chefs

Maryse Chevrière — July 14, 2010

Clockwise from top: Taste of Summer Melons from Eleven Madison Park, slicing porchetta from SD26, the scene at Celebrate Flatiron Chefs in Madison Square Park.

Last night, just a month after the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, tents were in place and grills were once again fired up in Madison Square Park— this time for Celebrate Flatiron Chefs.

The annual event, which benefited the Madison Square Park Conservancy, was just as much a reminder of how good the neighborhood has it on the food front, as it was a preview of great things to come. A table of salume was there to represent the game-changing, Italian mega market-restaurant concept Eataly (scheduled to open August 31st), and a rum cocktail in a lime cup from The Hurricane Club built anticipation for an after-work, tiki-themed happy hour.

The highlight (for those who arrived early), was a preview from Hill Country Chicken. Last night it was a Mini Texas Hand Roll. They joined offerings from more than twenty of the Flatiron District’s top restaurants. There was pork, of course, burgers too, and plenty of other summer-inspired fare.

More photographs of the food at Celebrate Flatiron Chefs >>

AlwaysInformed: Restaurants in Eataly

July 01, 2009

As previously reported, Eataly (site), the 32,000 square foot artisinal Italian market that opened in Turin two years ago, is being brought to New York by Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Lidia Matticchio Bastianich. Located in the former Toy Building at 200 Fifth Avenue, the 42,500 square foot space plans to open in Spring of 2010.

Here are the exciting food and restaurant details from the press release:

“This gourmand’s delight will feature cured meats and cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, fresh fish, handmade pasta, desserts and baked goods and coffees.”

“Each retail area will be paired with its own dedicated restaurant, including a wood-fired pizza and pasta bar, a cheese and salami counter, a beef restaurant, a vegetable restaurant, a crudo and seafood bar, and a classic Italian bar serving gelato, espresso, and wine. There will be a separate wine shop, bakery and patisserie. On the roof will be a 4,500 square foot open-air rooftop beer garden serving pizza and sausages.”