A Saturday in the Life...

Being an only child, I think I enjoy my alone time more than most. With a busy work schedule and fairly hectic social life (I like to think I have lots of friends) it’s not all too often that I can be totally and completely alone.

One time every week that I truly enjoy is Saturday mornings. Regardless of what I’ve done the night before, I always like to wake up early on Saturday and have some ‘me’ time. What do I do during me time? I shop.

First I head up to the Union Square Greenmarket. I always browse through at least once before buying three cinnamon sugar apple cider donuts (they’re small) and inhaling them. I then people watch a bit, chat with some farmers and buy whatever I think I need for the week.

After finishing my Greenmarket shopping I tend to have a backpack full of food. I then walk West to 6th avenue and make my way downtown. At about 9th street I find myself by Citarella. Even if I don’t really need anything I always pop in to see if they are selling their fresh squeezed blood orange juice. I think its quickly becoming an addiction.

I then quietly meander down 6th avenue until I get to Bleecker Street. It is here that I am able to satisfy every other culinary need I might have. If I’m feeling hungry I’ll step into Bleecker Street pizza for a Nonna Maria slice, crispy and soft with real mozzarella, basil and sweet and tangy tomato chunks, it’s one of my favorite slices in New York.

I then make my way to Ottomanelli’s meat Market and talk myself into buying much more meat than I could ever use. If you are looking for a good place to buy meat, Ottomanelli’s is it. They’re meat is top notch and it can be up to 40% cheaper than Whole Foods or Citarella or any other gourmet food store. The guys also know meat, (you can tell by looking at them) love football (another quality you want to have in your butcher) and grind your meat on the spot. They even sell mini lobes of foie gras!



Once you have your meat its time to venture into another store where you can find delicious food that can make you slightly fatter—Murray’s Cheese. I love randomly tasting and trying new cheeses and I also really enjoy browsing their other offerings, even if they are overpriced. My current cheese of the moment is Fromage D’Affinois. It’s kind of like Brie but with more structure, more flavor and a silkier texture and it’s great with Champagne (hint for Valentines Day.)

Finally, I make my way over to Amy’s bread for some Brioche. I always enjoy having a nice loaf of Brioche around. Whether I’m toasting it for pate or using it for eggs in a hole or wandering into the kitchen to nibble compulsively, it’s always a nice treat to have around.

Yes I know, buying things requires social interaction and not being truly alone…But Saturdays do provide me some time to my thoughts and let me be with one of my favorite things in the world—food.

There you have it. Now go get some shopping done.