Coming away from a semester abroad, I've turned into something of a street fair junkie. My best time in Prague? Easter Market. The go-to spot in Paris? Richard-Lenoir. Where I fell for Barcelona? Boqueria. So far New York, bless its fast-paced soul, just hasn't been scratching that itch. Something about setting aside a prime piece of real estate to hawk spices and fresh pig feet doesn't seem to appeal to this city. But then I heard about Hester Street Fair.
Actually, I was lured there to sample the wares of the Macaron Parlour (for if there is one thing I miss more than markets, it is the sweet, sweet taste of a true macaron). Talking with the charming Simon Tung at the booth, he explained to me how his girlfriend and co-founder Christina Ha studied at Pierre Hermé back in Paris. Biting into a candied bacon maple cream cheese, Thai chili or red velvet cookie, it's easy to see her training in the unexpected but addictive flavors.
I found myself clamoring for more, but was soon distracted by other offerings— the sign of a good fair. Guerrilla Ice Cream had plenty of top-shelf ingredients and cheek, brûlée-ing bananas for my Libertação-inspired sundae. Other popular food vendors include Luke's Lobster Roll, La Newyorkina and Sigmund Pretzels.
Tearing me away from my path of raging hunger was the impressive vintage selection. No doubt it's tiny, but with plenty of YSL, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, retro glasses and chunky jewelry to make it worth the trip. And if you're way up, up, UPtown like me, the fair often holds Stylist Tent Events to bring in even more temptation. Just like any real market, it's a living, breathing organization made-up of the people who come and go— so move quickly and return often.
Hester St. Fair
Hester & Essex St.
Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
http://www.hesterstreetfair.com/
http://www.macaronparlour.com/
http://www.guerrillaicecream.com/
Photos courtesy of Hester Street Fair and Macaron Parlour.
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