Practicing artist, student of tech and computer art. Have lived in New York for going on 8 years. I love how I keep finding cool treasures in the city. I’m from Texas. I have been giving tours of art and architecture for 10 years, working at modern art museums as well as New York City guided tours.
Join us on this downtown food tour where we visit the historic Lower East Side with vestiges of its strong immigrant history from Jewish, Polish, Italian, Chinese and Mexican - LES represents. Each stop allows affordable options starting from $2-5 with many things being shareable. You will also learn about other famous eateries in the area, both old and new and the rich history of the neighborhood. Currently hipster central - the neighborhood is chock full of thrift stores, cool shops and murals.
We will try foods specific to New York starting with the Knish, a classic jewish potato dish eaten with mustard. We will see historic Russ and Daughters where you will have the chance to have bagels or bailys or go all the way with some salmon. We will also pass by the famous Katz’s deli.
Next up, early dessert, sampling gelato at one of the best gelatarias in the city with some interesting rotating flavors like cheddar cheese, red bean, and avocado as well as the classics like coconut, chocolate and pistachio as well as sorbet.
Stops include: Yonah Schimmels knish shop, Il laboratorio Gelato, Trapizzino’s, Vanessa’s Dumplings, Donut Plant and other surprises along the way including Mexican tamales.
We will make stops at different vendors with a focus on smaller affordable hand foods. All stops will have vegetarian options. Some food sample examples include an order of dumplings in Chinatown for $5, a small gelato with 2 flavors $6, a baily at Russ and Daughters for $2, a chicken mole tamale for $5, rissoto balls for $5. $20-25 would provide you with a good sample of different treats in the area. Ideally bring friends for sharing! Food cost is not provided with the tour.
Come Hungry!
Meet outside Yonah Schimmles Knish Shop !
The knish is a New York super food which is essentially a mashed potato in a crust! (traditionally eaten with mustard)
This century old Jewish deli specializes in lochs and bagels. Suggested samples include : bagels, bailys, and herring salad in dill sauce.
The king of the pastrami and brisket sandwich, this legendary Jewish deli also offers potato pancakes and pickles! Larger groups will be able to share one of the oversized sandwiches.
My favorite gelato shop in New York City, flavors vary from the traditional like pistachio, strawberry, chocolate and coconut to the more unusual like black sesame, cheddar cheese and lavender.
This Chinese joint specializes in dumplings either vegetarian or pork for about $5. Other delectables include hot and sour soup, sesame pancake beef sandwich are also around $5.
This place specializes in trapizzini, you could say an italian hot pocket, in flavors like oxtail, meatball and chicken. Also risotto balls $5 .
These tamales are the real deal and come in a variety of flavors including chicken mole, and vegan! Among others! For around $5 each.
The best donut shop in the city as the most Lucious cake donuts with flavors like pumpkin and double chocolate, you’ll die and go to heaven!
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
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