To describe East Village is like trying to describe our presidential race. One of a kind bizarre, full of characters, twists and turns, and an extremely complicated history. In some ways East Village reminds me of Sicily. A long history of invasions of different peoples, cultures, and a lot of pain. Like Sicily, seeing it is like seeing layers of paint. And watching that paint while munching on an Israeli Bourekas, Philipino Lumpia, or a Xi’an spicy chicken wing is like… “Making watch paint great again!” Or something like that.
Like the Hell’s Kitchen food tour, no tour will be the same. We will have a few sit downs in some carefully selected spots that will differ from tour to tour. Some of them I’ve been enjoying for years, while some discovered recently. Unlike other food tours where strategic deals are made with the establishments regardless of quality, quality comes first. (oh boy, I’m starting to sound like Crazy Eddy)
While one may question the validity of Hell’s Kitchen being a hot food neighborhood (historically it hasnt been), you wont hear similar arguments about East Village. Its arguably the best food neighborhood on the east coast. Its not only extremely diverse, but well represented in any “Best Of” discussion. From soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao) to BBQ ribs, to tacos.
We will pass by some important sights that helped shape the neighborhood and really NYC overall. Plenty of history and photo opportunities
We will follow the Mosaic Trail.
You will hear stories that will bring the area to life. Stories and events that even most New Yorkers arent aware of. Some involve celebrities living in the East Village.
Small, private groups (up to 5 people) will enable you to experience the neighborhood like no large groups can. I dont even need a microphone nor a pole with a chicken attached to it. The only chickens you may see will be on skewers.
The timing of the tour 2-6 allows me to introduce you to some of these places and people in a more comfortable, relaxing pace, avoiding the crowds of lunch and dinner. I try to finish by 6, although sometimes we have some fun and stay a little longer. If you have a show to catch however, you will not have a problem.
$60 per person (for now)
Meet at 11:00 am at 26 Astor Pl, in front of Chase Bank. http://tinyurl.com/hv8478g
For any inquiries and availability email EatingWithZiggy@gmail.com
Eating With Ziggy 