Indeed , the short commute to Astoria is worth the awaiting reward . Nom and the City Food Tours , a company that operates a number of tantalizing food tours throughout New York City , will take you there . As a part of their It ’ s All Greek to Eat tour , you ’ ll be guided through Astoria ’ s flavors one bite at a time . You ’ ll spend two and a half hours exploring Mediterranean dishes that harmoniously marry good taste and wellness .
Meredith Adams , the owner and founder of Nom and the City Food Tours , treasures the neighborhood . “ Astoria definitely has a very special place in my heart because that was really one of the first ethnic enclaves that I had a chance to explore ,” she comments . Adams hit the ground running with food tours after being laid off during the recession in 2008 and taking the opportunity to pursue what she truly loved — exposing people to the delicious hidden gems throughout New York .
GREENWICH VILLAGE GRUB
More commonly referred to simply as “ the Village ,” New York ’ s Greenwich Village is known for it ’ s incredibly diverse spectrum of culture . As seems to always be the case , where there is a rich and historical back story , there is also enticing food . Forever holding onto its bohemian reputation , the Village is undoubtedly a place wherein New York just feels different — homier and friendlier , much like the traditional concept of a village , in fact . Classic family-owned businesses are still tucked away within the winding streets of the southwest Manhattan community , and restaurant menus boast cooking styles from all around the world . The charm of the area won ’ t be lost on you as you ’ re meandering through brick streets beneath the shade of city trees .
“ It really all began with one hungry guy , roaming around NYC ’ s Greenwich Village looking for good eats , good music and a good time ,” says Foods of New York Tours ’ Director of Operations Amy Bandolik .
As a part of The Original Greenwich Village Food and Culture Walking Tour through Foods of New York Tours , you ’ ll spend three hours studying this creative heart of Lower Manhattan and the food that fuels it . You ’ ll learn about the culture , history , architecture and arts of the Village . The area ’ s old Italian neighborhood , hidden gardens and the narrowest house in NYC will all make appearances during your crash course in Greenwich Village dining . You ’ ll savor each bite at the reputable Murray ’ s cheese shop , enjoy handmade Italian delicacies at Faicco ’ s Italian Specialties , indulge in the perfect dessert at the 1950s style bakery , Milk & Cookies , grab a classic slice of NY style pizza and more on this tour .
“[ Food ] is the thing that brings people together ,” Bandolik says . “ When you break bread , even strangers feel like family . This is the experience on the tour . Sixteen strangers very quickly become friends through the food tasting experience . Food is the thing that defines a culture . Even in my own Jewish culture , I may not know all of the traditions , the prayers and the customs , but I do know bagels and lox , kasha and bow-ties , matzoh kugel and matzoh ball soup . I also know where to find the best of these items throughout NYC . That is my job : to know and to share .”
HELL ’ S KITCHEN : BEHIND THE SCENES
If you ’ re looking for a decadent culinary experience , the kind that perfectly pairs savory foods from across the globe , look no further than the Hell ’ s Kitchen Tour presented by Rum & Blackbird Tasting Tours . The starting point for this tour , near 51st street and 9th avenue , is an easy walk from the Mandarin Oriental , New York . This three hour , two-mile tour will guide you through the memorable flavors of Manhattan ’ s Hell ’ s Kitchen . You ’ ll be presented with an extraordinary bouquet of colors , flavors and aromas from Italy , Mexico and Greece , as well as traditional staples of American and Latin American cuisine . This year-round tour runs rain or shine , and the five-star reviews on Yelp provide further evidence of its popularity .
Moira Sedgwick , founder and president of Rum & Blackbird Tasting Tours , says it all started with her living in the area and admiring its undervalued culinary landscape . “ I felt it was under represented at the time on the culinary scene ,” she comments . “ It was filled with so many great spots that were mom and pop shops , off the radar food joints that really represented the neighborhood ’ s flavor .”
When it comes to touring the city with food on your mind , let these New York locals do what they do best — show you the way . Whether you find yourself in the eccentric Greenwich Village , homey Astoria , diverse Hell ’ s Kitchen or any number of the other food-centric neighborhoods toured by these companies , these foodies won ’ t steer you wrong . Your guides will greet you with a welcoming smile before leading you to their own handpicked eateries . You ’ ll leave with both a full belly and mind , eager to sign up for your next food tour .
Few places offer the diversity of New York City or reach the culinary heights of this food-centric city . So grab your most comfortable pair of walking shoes , hold your appetite and embark on a New York City food adventure you won ’ t soon forget .
36 INSEASON MAGAZINE | SPRING 2013