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Yelp Elite Event at Essex Street Market & Essex Restaurant
Category: Local Flavour Local Flavour [Edit]
120 Essex St(between Delancey St & Rivington St)
New York, NY 10002
Neighbourhood: Lower East Side
(212) 533-9616
- Nearest Transit:
-
Delancey St (F)
Essex St (J, M, Z)
2 Av (F)
- Good for Kids:
- No
35 reviews for Yelp Elite Event at Essex Street Market & Essex Restaurant
35 reviews in English
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Review from Will C.
11/11/2010 16 photos
Thank you for the tastings and the swag from all the awesome Essex Market vendors. Shout out to the sweetie and new Queens CM Leighann who offered me the case of Honest Tea that made all the others jealous.
The finger foods from Essex were phenomenal, I wish they weren't on a special menu 'cause I would definitely order them. Sandwiched most of the night between Jane and Kate, I was one lucky, sober, snazzily-dressed Elite.Listed in: Will's Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Liz C.
10/22/2010
I brought a friend as my +1, and spent the night excitedly plunging her into the world of Yelp, with my words.
". . . and that's Jane, the Manhattan CM,. . .and the guy who checked you in at the door is the Brooklyn CM-"
"-yea, I could tell. He looked pretty Brooklyn. Like, tough."
[This event was thoroughly awesome - an intimate tour of a Manhattan classic, fried cheese, charming stalls and friendly proprietors, fried salami, good-natured live music, fried plantains - but I'm posting this review primarily to reveal my friend's sober and earnest first impression of Peter D.] -
Review from Jenn L.
Everything at the
Elite
Event at
Essex Street Market was
Especially
Exceptional.
Everyone had an
Exciting night.
Especially with
Extra helpings of
Each taste.
Eating
Everything from
Espresso beans to fromage.
Even the sweets were
Exciting with an
Enjoyable jolt to the tongue.
Early on, the meat man
Entrusted Yelpers with
Executing the sausage stuffing.
Even better was the
Excellent lamb chop and steak.
Events continued at
Essex Restaurant.
Each person
Experienced a little
Ethanol to calm themselves.
"Eat!" suggested the waitress
Every time she brought
Enticing
Edibles by the table.
Eventually, the
Essex
Event
Ended at the
Eleventh hour.
Exemplary
Experience!Listed in: Yelp has the best parties
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Review from Cassy S.
Brooklyn, NY
Is it 7:30 yet?
We arrived in the vicinity an hour and half early so we decided to stop by Creperie and then drink (shot +beer) at Whiskey Ward, right across the street from Essex Market. Soooo is it 7:30 yet? No? Let's go outside anyway. Whoa! There was already a line. Such prompt Yelpers aren't we?
We were greeted warmly by the forever charming Peter D. and Leighann, Queens CM woot woot! We're given canvas totes and off we go to our Essex Street Market adventure! We sampled some chili soup, Roni & Sue truffles, tons of cheese, a baklava that was delicious light and not too sweet, spinach pie, mini hand rolled baguettes from Pain D'Avignon, coffee from Porto Rico and a ton of other items! We also were entertained by the band same from Randalls Island event (?) and Jeffrey of Jeffrey's Meat, who put on a great show. He demonstrated how to create some of his meat rolled with herbs & spices, also how to make sausage. There was a ton of "that's what she said" moments O_O
I found myself standing outside Pain D'Avignon a lot (like a stalker, maybe) drooling at all the goodness they have packed in that store. I will definitely have to come back.
The drink at Essex were abundant, service was friendly and prompt (with good tipping this happens) and trays of food kept coming. We were happy Elite Yelpers for sure.
It's 11 already!? Hot damn!
Thank you Jane, Peter and Leighann for another fun and successful event. I look forward to the next one!
Oh btw, check out the cakes at Tra la la.. anyone would be amused! Or just look at the pics I posted O_OListed in: Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Wing L.
10/26/2010 35 photos
Double double your refreshment,
Double double your enjoyment,
No single event double stuffs your mouth like Double Essex, Double Essex.
Double double your refreshment,
Double double your delightment,
No single event double stuffs your mouth like,
Double fresh, double good,
Come on and double it,
Double Essex, Double elite...event!
There's no single event like it!
The Doublemint bubble gum commercial rang through my head as I was thinking of what to write for my review. It's like two events in one. Yippeee!!!!!
Usually when you go to Elite events, it's best to eat something to soak up all the alcohol that you are expected to drink while socializing with the amazing community that makes up Yelp. Knowing that this was going to be a long ass event totaling 3 and a half hours, I went to dinner beforehand with the Yelper that gave me her available plus one, Sandy C. Nicely stuffed, we got to the first part of the event, Essex Street Market, to find out that they were giving out samples of foods and drinks left and right from some of the merchants from the market. Hmmm... I guess I could find some space somehow for these delicious creations. Burp.... um... excuse me.
Some high lights at the Essex Street Market.
A live band was playing inside the market just for us lucky Yelpers.
There was a spicy chocolate truffle from Roni Sue chocolates that was incredible. Sweet with a small build up of heat after the bite.
I don't really drink coffee but how could you say no to the friendly owners of Porto Rico coffee. They might make a coffee drinker out of me yet after what they offered.
I had a chance to eat some incredible sausages from Jeffrey's Meats. I'm pretty sure one of them was made by our own Jenn C.... and I didn't get a stomach ache... just kidding. Umm about getting a stomache ache, not about Jenn C making the sausages. She really had the chance to make one.
Will C managed to sweet talk his way into getting a whole loaf of bread to take home. He also took home a whole box of Honest Ade. I was offered a box by Peter D himself but I couldn't see myself dragging the drinks throughout the next half of the event next door at the bar/ restaurant, Essex. Thanks for the offer though Peter.
Did I mention there was a lot of food?
Doubling the Fun: Essex
When the first part of the event was over, we headed off to Essex right at the corner for the second part of the event. The first thing we noticed when we got in was HOLY MOLY this place was packed to the rim. There was barely any standing space at all and all the tables were taken. Crap. That was what we get for being the last ones to leave Essex Street Market. Sadly, at this point we lost Lizz K and Jenn C because they thought it was too much of a hassle to get drinks in this crowd. It was also at this point that I also lost track of one third of my friends at the event. Sadness.
We quickly discovered that half of the crowd was not part of the event but were regular patrons that was there before the event started. I think the Elite Yelpers scared them away ( We are such a scary bunch after all ) because we quickly ended up with a table of our own and the crowd soon became manageable. Among the drinks, we discovered that they were also offering small bites of food here too. Waiters and waitresses were coming around with tray after tray. At first it was real yummy. Then this friendly waitress got sadistic and kept coming back with more and more food and waving it enticingly in our face. Eventually I had to wave the white flag and hide in the dark corner. Damn I have no will power keeping food away from myself.
It was a marathon of an event. The longest Yelp event that I've participated in but as always it was great fun with all my Yelp friends. Thanks again Jane K and Peter D. Thanks Yelp. Thanks Essex and Essex Street Market for hosting us. See you all at the next one.
P.S. Welcome Felicia C to her first NYC Elite event. She was a big Yelper in LA and now she is part of our community.
I also found out it was Ally W's first Elite event. I wish I would have known so I could have met another one of my friends on Yelp. There will always be a next event I guess. -
Review from Deanna W.
New York, NY
11/1/2010
Elite event at Essex street market....whoa that's a mouthful. And so was everything that went into my maw that night! Zing!
I'm talkin' about spicy roni sues chocolates, vibrant cheese from Saxelby's, flaky spinach pie from Boubouki, fried cheese, plaintains and salami from Batista's, crunchy fresh baguette from Pain d'Avignon and hot sausage from Jeffrey's. Music from a local band was very apropos and livened up the whole 'locally' themed affair.
As a regular shopper here, I know these merchants' normal working hours and am usually dismayed to find them closing up early on a slow night. Not so for this special elite event. These guys stayed on to give us a taste of everything that makes Essex such an unique place to shop. Special thanks must be given to Jeffrey of Jeffrey's Meats-this guy loves and knows how to entertain a crowd. And he rewarded me with a meaty lamb chop near the end. Sweet!
When the clock struck 9, the night moved on to the adjoining Essex restaurant where stiff mojitos and beer awaited the thirsty throngs. And more food apparently! But I left early, clearly I should have stayed on for there were tales of oysters and crab cakes afterwards.
Thanks again to Jane and the yelp crew for organizing another successful event! -
Review from susan c.
Brooklyn, NY
10/24/2010
I love that Yelp can throw an event in a little ole food market and make it fun and fabulous.
The highlights:
-Peter D. and Leighann F.'s friendly faces at the door
-After-hours access to the market to make me feel so special and Elite
-Baby baguette with butter from Pain D'Avignon (so good I could barely tear my mouth away from it to talk to Jane K.)
-Hot sausage from Jeffrey's Meats
-Delicious cheese from Saxelby Cheesemongers
-The band playing old-timey music that was perfect for the venue
-The complimentary bottled water because it got hot in there and I was thirsty
-Meeting the vendors like the adorable shop owners who served up fried salami with big smiles
-The great SWAG tote bag from Essex Street Market
Thanks, Jane K. et al. for putting together such a unique event and thanks to Deanna W. for bringing me as her +1!
My one regret: That I have limited room in my stomach :(Listed in: Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Lizz K.
10/25/2010
Double Dose of Truffles from Roni Sue's
Double Dose of Cheese from Saxelby Cheese
Double Dose from Jeffrey Meats - Demonstration & Sampling
Double Dose of Caffeine from Porto Rico with a cup of their delicious brew and a bag of choco covered espresso beans
Double Dose (or triple!) of treats from Boubouki
Double Dose of breads from Pain D'Avignon
Double Dose of booze made possible by the mojitos and beer
Exclusive invasion of the Essex St. Market which if not for Yelp, I would never have had a chance to roam around to sample and purchase some awesome goods. The after party at Essex Restaurant completed this unique double header of an event. I hope we can do more of these "food tours" in the future. Thanks Yelp!Listed in: Speaking in Code
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Review from Sandy C.
10/27/2010
Guess who's back
Back again
Sandy's back
Tell a Yelper
Guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back
Yup, I've been idled from Yelp events for a short while, but I came back. What's even more awesome is this Yelp event is back to back all in one night. Prior to event my plus 1, Wing L and I went to grab dinner because we thought it would just be small eats at the event. But dang we were both wrong, Essex served us food left and right and all around. It's like we've entered the witch's house from Hansel and Gretel, except we don't get eaten, but we just keep consuming more and more.
Saw many familiar faces and everyone all brought up how long they haven't seen me. I guess they miss my smile hehe. Had a great time venturing around the market after hours and sampling foods from many little shops.
Wow that truffle with a spicy kick from Roni Sue's was really something. Chocolatey at first, but it kicks in when you least expect it. I'm wowed and I loved it! I guess it's true I'm getting better at eating spicy things, even Laura A. pointed that out haha. Jeffrey Meats was very interesting. He kept handing out pieces of sausages and how can I say no? So I take them every time and yea they were really good! I'm not a coffee drinker, but I wanted those chocolate covered expresso beans, but due to popular demand Porto Rico ran out. But they gave me chocolate covered cherries instead, really nice of them!
After all that eating, I'm happy that I did not have to unbutton my jeans at that point. Skipped over to the bar/restaurant and my group found a table to ourselves. Actually we stared them down until they couldn't take it anymore and left, but it was because I know one of the guys (non-yelper) at the table. Thanks Joseph!
At this part of the event, we were again served with platters and platters of food. There was this shrimp and cheese thing, oysters, ceviche and much more. And boy that ceviche was spicy, but I liked it a lot! At this rate I should've wore sweat pants...I was so stuffed!
I had an awesome time with my usual bunch just like always. Thanks to Peter D, Jane K and everyone at Essex for making this back to back event happen! =) -
Review from Sean S.
10/21/2010
Imagine that, somehow *I* managed to be the first to review tonights Yelp event!!
This was a good one, almost a double header. We managed to take Essex St Market by storm, stuff ourselves with chocolate covered espresso beans, mini baguettes, spanicopita, baklava, coffee, cupcakes, apple turnovers, cheeses of all types and on and on. Then when the clock hit 9pm, we moved over to Essex Restaurant for some delicious Mojitos.
Good times!! As always, thanks Peter & Jane! -
Review from Christopher I.
New York, NY
10/21/2010
This is the sort of event that puts the shine on your 'elite' badge. Because it's a true behind-the-scenes look at one of New York City's great food institutions -- the Essex Market.
Sure, the market's been yuppified as of late and isn't just a go-to source for Jumex, plantains and Jeffrey's wonderful meats, but I mean have you tasted the cheese at Saxelby Cheesemongers? Or the spanikopita at Boubouki? Not to mention the spicy chili chocolates at Roni Sue's. The market just keeps getting better and better, and tonight was a great opportunity to meet and chat with many of the merchants.
I just wish I knew Jeffrey was giving meat lessons. I really had no idea and figured he was just taking care of some late-night carving while the band played on. And yes, Jeffrey is legendary and now that the market will remain open on Sundays I will always be able to buy my meat from him!
The greatest part of the night was seeing everyone hustling, and I mean damn near every merchant, working to put something out there for people to taste and chat about -- from the Batistas frying up chorizo and plantains to the Tra La La Juice Guy, who was turning out some excellent little snackable crackers. It was a great showing, and props to Jane and Peter for pulling that off, city permitting and all. I'm fairly certain La Guardia himself would have given the event five stars. -
Review from Dana F.
10/22/2010
To market, to market...to nibble on chocolate covered espresso beans, indulge in chili truffles, and to have the guy from Jeffrey's Meat Market plop some of his sausage into my hands. (That sounded really wrong.)
And it was also a time to catch up with old friends (Jenn B.), meet up with some new friends (Laura A.), convert my +1 into a Yelper (Sam M.), and whine to Jane about how boys suck. I also did my fair share of hassling the photographer, who was an absolute sweetheart.
How could I forget the after-party at Essex? It could have been the super-strong mojitos, which the bartenders and my +1 made sure we always had in our possession. The food there was excellent - Spain was represented with cabrales cheese and endives and those little sliders were perfect.
So as I sit here, a bit dehydrated, thinking how on earth I'm going to get through work today, I will reach for those chocolate covered espresso beans and everything will be okay.
Thank you Jane, Peter, and the rest of the Yelp crew for an awesome event! -
Review from Heather H.
New York, NY
10/22/2010
What generally makes me sad about the Essex Street Market is that it is so far from my house, making it slightly impractical for me to do my shopping here, which is why I've never ventured inside before. Last night, I saw what I was missing, and I think I'll have to re-evaluate the definition of "inconvenient". My husband fell in love with the cheese monger (it was bound to happen), the butcher had me at "blood sausage," and I didn't think that I could love chocolate more than I do, but I may have just been proved wrong.
After much wandering around and gawking, we headed over to the restaurant to rest our tootsies. I loved the mojitos and the bartenders. We really didn't like the beer, and we bounced before the food came out.
Dear Yelpers, remember to be generous with your tips to your waitress and bartender. They are doing us the favor by being awesomely attentive and not hating on our hilarious alcoholism.Listed in: Living the Elite Life
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Review from ally w.
10/21/2010
DARN! I wanted to beat Sean S. to post a review... but not only did he beat me, he was also the first review...agrr....
So, yes - my FIRST ELITE event. Whoo hoo!!!! Meet some wonderful people and ran into Sean S. and his friends - over and over and over again. What was up with that?!?!?! =)
This was my first visit to the Essex Street Market. I found many of the same items I purchase at Wholefoods for much less. I will be returning again - soon!!! Looking forward to restocking my kitchen. What a great place to shop and feel like a community. Wish there was one closer to my place.
I would say my favorite item was from the "Pain D'Avignon" where I had their cranberry and walnut roll. It was sweet and crunchy - yumm-o!!! Also stuffed myself silly with the food offerings of "Batista Grocery" with mango pudding, sweet potato, meats and cheese.
Headed over to Essex Restaurant afterwards where I proceed to down two of the signature mojitos for the evening. Got lucky with some of their raw oyster, scallop with peppers, crab cakes, mini rice balls and endive with walnuts.
Such a fun evening. Looking forward to the next event! -
Review from Eugene K.
10/22/2010
Popped my Elite cherry last night.
Great times. Essex Market was fantastic. Loved me the baklava, the brownie/chocolates and the cheese spread. I got all excited when I saw this guy pouring a bottle of wine as shots, only to realize that it was "energy juice." Vino, jugo, potato, puhtato.
Sucks though that I went to Verlaine and La Caverna prior and arrived at Essex fully-loaded. Note to self: Yelp delivers!
But seriously, was I the only one that walked out with like 6 bottles of that Harvest Ade? I was all paranoid because I thought we had to buy them and I saw the guy in the corner peering at me. Finally, I mustered the courage to ask him "Gratis?" Nod of the head. I took one, walked away, then per Diane C.'s suggestion, ran back and "sampled" all the other flavors. I should've tried to trade 2/3 of my stash for one of the Yelp shirts. Any takers?
Not cool though with people referring to me as Eugene K. on the subway ride home, only to realize that my Yelp name tag was still on full display. -
Review from Jennifer B.
New York, NY
10/22/2010
When I used to live in the LES, I would frequent the Essex Street Market. But being able to shop around and sample food from all the vendors was a real treat. From the cheeses and meats to the desserts and breads, everything was scrumptious.
We then headed over the Essex to indulge in some oysters and drinks before the after-party started. You can't beat $1 oysters!
The bartenders were super friendly and kept the drinks flowing. Luckily, my +1 and I were situated at a perfect spot at the bar. It was crowded at times, but I think both the bartenders were super attentive.
It appeared that most people had left when the food started coming out of the kitchen. Yay for us! We got to sample everything. The crabcakes were delish as well as the endive and walnut cheese appetizer. Loved the ceviche too.
Thanks Peter and Jane for another great event!
PS -- On Wednesdays Essex has a special where you get 1 1/4lb lobster, corn and potatoes for $18 (and the HH runs until 9PM)! -
Review from Kevin C.
10/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
This two part event was the definition of epic. First we had the unique pleasure to tour and sample the goods at Essex Market. Then it was off to the after party next door at the Essex. Mojitos round and round and round! Here are some of my highlights from the event:
Great to see friends and fellow eliters Dan C, Deanna L, Tiffany L at the event.
Boubouki - loved the spinach pie and butter, almond sugar cookies. I appreciated the great care that she put into her craft
Pain d'avignon - mini croissant w/ butter, absolutely delicious. The cranberry bread was also top notch
Roni Sue's - dark choc w/ chilis! AHHHH, fantastic
Plaintains w/ garlic, hot sauce, salt - droooooool. I wish I could snack on these every day
The mojitos and oysters at the Essex were top notch. We were lucky to shell up in the corner at a table big enough for me, Deanna L, Tiffany L, and their plus ones. As we were about to leave, an avalanche of hor d'oeuvres made their way onto our table and we couldn't refuse, so we just kept stuffing our faces!
Thank you Jane, Peter, and yelp team for putting on such a fun-filled event! It's always makes my week when I get to socialize, dine, and drink with fellow eliters. I'm looking forward to the next event! -
Review from Lawrence C.
New York, NY
10/25/2010
It was a really fun event and i was really surprised at how awesome everything was. All the vendors at the market were wonderful. I will undoubtedly come back to this awesome market for the diverse goods available for purchase. I especially enjoyed this tuna sesame burger patty from the seafood market (i can't remember the name).
Essex was awesome. I've never been to an event with that much food and quality from the host. Definitely never had oysters at an Elite Event before! -
Review from Alyvia M.
10/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Holy sweets overload batman! I think I walked in the wrong direction... or was it the right one? Any-who, I face-planted right into Roni-Sue's truffles. They were so delicious, we walked away with a 12 pack and a nicklebag! For those of you who think I just bought pot from the bodega, It's actually chocolate covered bacon! We moved onto the caffeine and espresso beans... once again, covered in chocolate. Are you seeing a theme here? Peter's blend was strong and full bodied. I went back for seconds. One of my favorite spots was Pain D'avignon. They had my favorite kalamata breadsticks, and artisan loaves. I took a few home for my roommate. The spanicopita, baklava and mini apple pies were also delicious. I think I satisfied my sweet tooth for the next year! Thanks Jane and Peter for yet another kick-ass event!
The band was perfect, even though the man at the deli asked them to stop while he explained how to make the sausage. I didn't want them to stop! This event rocked! I got to mingle with the ever-awesomel Yelp Elite, shop in an empty market full of local goodies, ate my weight in cheese and truffles, and them moseyed over to Essex to drink a few champagne mojitos! What a way to ring in the fall :) -
Review from Athena C.
Updated - 10/24/2010
I am utterly surprised by the variety and quality of grocery and food here. They offer pastry, bread, cheese, desserts, juice bar, fish and meat.
I had a great time sampling their desserts during the Yelp Elite event. I would come again for some delicious food!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/23/2010
Love love love this event!!! Essex Street Market has tons of bakery, meat vendors, juice bars and… Read more »
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Review from Diane C.
10/23/2010
Intense amounts of good food at Essex Market. Was I dreaming? The spinach pie and bahklava at Boubouki were ridiculously YUMMY. The buttered mini baguettes at Pain D'Avignon kept me coming back for more (like, seriously, 3x). Watching Jeffrey at Jeffrey's Meats roll his wares made me want to... try some (I will be back to try some)! Overall, the whole market was buzzing and all food available was amazing. I even ended up buying a quarter lb of cheese at Saxelby Cheesemonger. Success.
Right around the corner, Round II took place @ Essex. Free beer and cocktails and apps? If ONLY I hadn't eaten so much at Essex Market, then took an intermission at La Caverna w/ Eugene K in between the events. I would have been more apt to enjoy more of the delicious freebies here. Alas, I was happy, buzzed and full from the activities already so was more then happy to take in the sights and call it an early-ish night. Yelp Elite events rock! -
Review from Reshma B.
10/22/2010
This was like 2 events rolled into one -- it just kept going and going and going!
Started off at Essex Street Market. When I played kickball in the area I always passed the market and wondered what it was all about. This Here was my chance to find out. We sampled chili, chocolates, brownies, cupcakes, meats and cheeses, Greek food (tasty spinach pie...the line for this place was definitely the longest), fresh bread, plaintains, and various juices. We even got to see an art exhibit and scope out the menu at Shopsin which is supposed to be an amazing brunch place. Since we had some time to spare, we wandered the aisles scoping out the various ethnic foods and oddly shaped produce (my friend was horrified by a massive-looking carrot - "how could a carrot get that big?!") and making a mental note of things we'd want to buy next time we're here.
By 8:30pm I was full and satisfied. But wait -- there's more! We went next door to Essex and after squeezing through a crowd of eager Yelpers we grabbed our mojitos and sat with some fellow Yelpers in the back. Next thing I know, servers are coming around with platters and platters of small bites including duck confit, shrimp crabcakes, bruschetta, risotto balls, pizza and too many more to list. It was almost like a nightmare since I had a full stomach from the samples at the market, I could not eat another bite but it all looked so good! After a pumpkin ale (which didn't really taste like pumpkin?) I was good and ready to go.
A fun event which lasted the full night involving tasty food, yummy drinks and best of all, great people! -
Review from Ryan D.
10/22/2010
This was a pretty cool shindig. As far as shindigs go.
Really, we should give it up to Jane K. and Pete D. (and everyone else who planned this out) because really it was TWO Yelp elite events - the market part at the beginning and the restaurant part at 9:00 PM. That made it damn cool, in my humble opinion. I'm sure that I will echo many Yelpers who will say, "I will totally come back and shop at this place!" This is probably because I will totally come back and shop at this place. Except... apparently they have a location about a 5-minute walk from my apartment in East Harlem (there's also one in Brooklyn and the Bronx, I think... SO DON'T FEEL LEFT OUT!) so I don't have to trek downtown if I don't wanna.
I brought Alex P. as my +1. I have to say, I think he's smitten. His new goal in life is to become Yelp Elite. It's cute. Despite it being his first time, Alex popped his yelp cherry like a pro. He arrived about 2 minutes before they actually started letting us in (so, "on time" I think it's called) and was probably better at navigating the market than I was. He also pointed out that booze early on might have made it better (I agree!), but I guess I should learn how to be sober for at least an hour and a half. We spent a lot of the night fighting over who gets to marry the lady at the Greek food booth. I think he ended up winning because he wanted her to have his babies.
All in all, one of my favorite Yelp events. I have the chocolate covered espresso beans to prove it :) -
Review from Rita E.
Brooklyn, NY
10/22/2010
My foodie fantasy: running amok after hours amidst the Essex Street Market, around every corner new treats to sample (spanakopita, aged goat's milk cheese, mini loaves of cranberry bread, brownies, plantains, chocolate chili pepper truffles...), with energetic bluegrass music to set the mood.
Cross that off my bucket list!
Huge thanks to Jane K. and Peter D. for coordinating a fabulous Yelp Elite event! It's always wonderful to have an excuse to browse their wares and it's even better that we had the place all to ourselves. Ample opportunities to chat with the shopkeepers, who were all so warm and friendly, especially Joanne of Pain D'Avignon (best bread ever!) and the owner of Boubouki (mmm tasty Greek food). Can't believe that Olga O., my +1, had never been here before! Shame, shame.
Even cooler was the doubleheader of Essex Market + Essex Restaurant! Excellent idea! Though it was way too noisy and crowded to get to talk to anyone, Olga O. and I managed to slip away upstairs, grab a table where we drank our tasty mojitos and nibbled on decadent snacks. Well, she did, since it seemed to be all shellfish and seafood, which I don't eat.
Again, great job to the Yelp crew for putting together a fab, fun, foodie fest! -
Review from Jen O.
10/25/2010
The first Elite event I've been to in Manhattan with plentiful food! Usually I have to trek out to BK for that.
The baby baguette I got at Pain D'Avignon complemented the Saxelby cheese to a T. After that I followed the herd and stood in line for the Greek goodies at Boubouki, but not without my coffee and chocolate-covered espresso beans from Porto Rico (Porto Rico, ohhhh! Porto Rico, ohhh!). Batista Market really scored that night with a primo position adjacent to that crazy long line. The various meats, cheeses, yuca, sweet potato and exotic fruit juices really satisfied. The sausage-making at Jeffrey's Meats creeped me out a little, but I also couldn't turn away (much like witnessing a car accident).
And the party continued even after all this grub was had! Enjoyed some mojitos at Essex Restaurant along with a bevy of finger food - oysters on the half shell, shrimp fritters, pizza, sliders, walnut cheese & endive...I was thoroughly, thoroughly impressed by this event. -
Review from Richard D.
New York, NY
10/22/2010
My boo and I are both avid yelpers because it helps us keep track of the fun things we do together. We also do it to help other couples find cutesy things to check out, and especially to give back to the community. We always get blank looks from random strangers when we mention yelp, and people think we're crazy for doing so many reviews. We brought a couple of our friends as our +1's to share the love and to show them why yelp is so awesome.
There's not much to say that everyone else hasn't said. Thanks Yelp, Peter and Jane for this awesome event!
Love the preview and free foodstuffs. This market reminds me of the Ferry Building in SF, the Reading Terminal in Philly, Quincy Market in Boston, etc, etc.
If you have guests in town, definitely recommend taking them here.
My boo and I would definitely hit this place up in the future on a lazy afternoon. -
Review from Jenn T.
New York, NY
10/25/2010
It was a pretty cool treat to have access to the Essex market after closing hours - I actually haven't been able to make it to that market before this event. There's a diverse amount of little stalls with interesting goods, aside from the main produce markets in the middle. (I couldn't help myself to 10 limes for a dollar!) I'm definitely coming back for the fresh meats and cheeses!
My only complaint was that enormously ridiculous and unnecessary line for the Greek booth in the far back of the market. Further proof that people like to be in lines just to be in lines. The lady giving out her baklava and spinach pie was quiet and friendly, but come on sister, you see 50 people waiting to taste your treats - you'd think you'd want to pre-cut your food so the line would go faster? -
Review from Tiffany L.
New York, NY
10/28/2010
I was able to take an out of town friend (joy s.) as my +1 which was extra awesome. :) we looooved the women behind the counter at Pain d'Avignon. so sweet and even gave my friend an entire loaf of their cranberry bread to make a sandwich with the next day! other stand outs from the night included the coffee at Porto Rico Importing Co (smooth and delicious) and the cheese at saxelby's (they were also so sweet about letting us try samples of their other cheeses!)
at 9pm we sauntered over to Essex where we got the royal treatment! we grabbed a booth with kevin c. and his girl where we sipped some STRONG mojitos and chatted with new friends (hi deanna L!) while having stunning appetizers brought right up to our tables. by 10pm the food was coming fast and furious!
the best in show:
raw oysters: AMAZING. they came around again and we all had to have another
deep fried oysters: also great, but definitely heavier on the stomache
clam cerviche: SPICY, but refreshing and tasty
endive: topped with some sweet fig, salty walnut, and creamy blue cheese. "party in my mouth" as manda put it
classy party, yelp. great job! -
Review from Jason G.
10/27/2010
So much fun! Roosevelt Dime is one of my favorite bands... I hope the association with Yelp events continues. Jeffrey from Jeffrey's meats was out of this world entertaining.
"If you are going to make a sausage, make a fucking sausage."
I never thought one could grind up a sausage and put it in another sausage. Genius!
And there was art and cheese and bread and guava juice and so many other things I'm forgetting.
And who could forget following it up with the bar, where I got to watch the Phillies beat the Giants.
w00t -
Review from Cassandra M.
New York, NY
10/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
me: yo did you get your confirmation for essex?
responses:
"awwwww i didnt get in"
"gahhhhh im not in on the essex event. boooooooo"
"i was waitlisted after 4 mins!"
Damn. I really lucked out.
When i was younger and im not making this up, i had a dream that i was locked in a fred meyer and rode my bike around the whole store. The essex event was that dream come true (minus the bike).
After checking in with Peter and Leighann, we immediately got to taste some shrimp chili and cracked a few jokes with the guy from Rainbo's. We were off to discover the rest of the market when who do we see skipping towards us...the ever lovely Jane! While chatting with her she revealed that she thought the event could be like Night at the Museum, but the foodie version. so true!
After making the rounds and trying so many yummy things around the market - my favs were the baklava and the baby baguettes. I was mesmerized by Jeff and his meat. That dude knows how to handle a sausage if you know what i mean...On our way out, we stopped by Rainbo's to look at the photography on the wall which is when the same guy I was joking around with showed us one of his cakes in progress... An X-Rated Halloween Cake. If you looked at Cassy's pictures you can get an idea of what that might look like.
You would think that hanging out at the Essex St. Market after hours was the event itself, but once again, we got a 2Fer and got to hang out next door at Essex. Drink after drink, bite after bite, we were constantly reminded why its realllll nice to be elite :)
Thanks Jane, Peter and Leighann for another awesome event!Listed in: yelp schmelp
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Review from Laura W.
10/22/2010
I have tried several times to go to Essex Market, only to be greeted with locked gates and 'closed on Sundays' signs. (Yes, it's happened multiple times; no, I do not feel the need to stop drinking or start sleeping 8 hours in order to preserve brain cells.) Anyway, have been foiled in my market attempts in the past, I was really excited to get to come to this event. Yes, yes: chocolate was featured prominently, but there were other delectable treats as well. Not to mention I now have a source for nopales and queso fresco: huzzah! The best news: starting on the 6th of November, Essex will be open on Sundays too. After snagging an Essex tote bag and a help tee shirt (I'm still searching for my own lunchbox!) we headed to... Essex! I really should have socialized more, but I got enveloped into swapping stories with Kira and my +1. (Conclusion: dating in NYC is bad for the heart; great for storytelling!) Thanks for organizing the event- it was another great one!
Edited to add: Someone at the event (who shall remain nameless as i do not know this persons name) was in a full-on burnt orange gear, and did not register either time that I said Hook 'em and flashed the horns. Bad form! -
Review from Jenn C.
10/26/2010
For a long time, I've wanted to go to Essex Market and visit the vendors I had heard so much about - Saxelby Cheese, Roni Sue's, Jeffrey's Meats, to name a few- but I could never motivate down there post work or on Saturday.
Thanks to the awesomeness of Yelp, I finally got to experience the market in all of it's glory, but since it was after hours it was extra special- you get to feel all naughty for being in a place after it closed, plus you get to meet all of the vendors and sample all the wares that make the market worth trekking over to. There was an awesome live band, and of course, awesome Yelpers to mingle with.
After receiving my free Essex Market canvas tote (which is recyclable! and also pretty awesome, with it's long handles), we set out to explore and eat - I was a little sad that my date and I decided to eat a proper dinner beforehand and pretty much had to share every bite, because everything was delicious and I would have wanted to eat more.
Roni's Sue's truffles were delicious, with a gorgeous kick in the spicy one and a nice tartness in the cranberry one. Saxelby's had an amazing assortment of cheeses and her sample was a cheese lovers dream! I ended up buying a quarter pound of something else I sampled with her, plus a fig ricotta caramel that I devoured later and wished I had bought more. I can eat tostones with garlic all day, and the bread from Pain D'Avignon was amazing. I got to wash it all down with Porto Rico coffee (was already a fan, and after meeting the proprietors, even a bigger one). The crazy line for Boubouki was worth it once I tasted how tender the spinach pie and baklava were. One of my favorite stops was watching Jeffrey's meat demo's - and helping him make sausage! He's a character, but after sampling his wares cooked, the man knows his meat. And really, who else would make rack of lamb on a teeny portable stove?
The after party was bumpin'! Thanks Yelp, for once again showin' me a good time- and Jane K. , Peter D., Leighann F.- you guys are freakin' superstars. -
Review from Rachel C.
11/2/2010
This event was AWESOME. It was the first time that I'd ever been to the Essex Street Market. It seems like a great market with a lot of diversity. Looking at the prices of what's in the market, the prices were actually very good- cheaper than the groceries store prices I've seen in Manhattan. There were lots of booths that were open that had plenty of samples. There was also great live music playing. The Essex bar that we went to afterwards was very hospitable and able to accommodate all the people that were there. The drinks were delicious and strong. I didn't stay late enough to have some of the appetizers here, but I'd come back another time for dinner!
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Review from Cristina b.
New York, NY
10/22/2010
I was here for an Elite Yelp event and I think I am in love with this place. If I could only figure out a way to transport my groceries across the Willie bridge I would do all of my shopping here. Fresh produce, organic meat and eggs at GOOD prices aaaand an adorable chocolaterie all in one stop. Go see for yourself!
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Review from Briana M.
10/22/2010
thanks for ruining my love life
