You’ve roamed the streets of New York City, picked up an I ❤︎ NY onesie, a toy yellow taxi, and an Empire State Building snow globe. But if you really want to impress your friends and family, buy them something locally-made in the city. Here are ideas for small-batch, artisanal culinary finds that make for perfect souvenirs.
CHOCOLATE
Liddabit Sweets
Pastry chefs Liz Gutman and Jen King began their candy business at the Brooklyn Flea. Their candies are made with local and seasonal ingredients. You can now visit them at their Chelsea Market kiosk.
Jacques Torres Chocolates
Take home a souvenir from the famous pastry chef Jacques Torres nicknamed Mr. Chocolate. Buy a box from his New York collection which features NYC images on the boxes.
Website | Where To Buy
Roni-Sue
Recommended by candymaker Liz Gutman of Liddabit Sweets for the cake-inspired truffles hand-made by Rhonda Kave (aka Ron-Sue).
PICKLES, SPICES, COOKIES
Brooklyn Brine
Launched in Greepoint, chef Anton Nocito (of P & H Soda) loves these pickle makers who started out producing small batches, but now sell worldwide. You can visit their Brooklyn factory and shop.
La Boîte Spices
Stop into master spice blender Lior Lev Sercarz's boutique to shop his large array of specialty blends. He is the spice whisperer for famous chefs who keep him on speed dial.
Website | Where To Buy
One Girl Cookies
Pastry chef Pichet Ong recommends buying their crumb cake at the shop, but warns they run out by 1pm. Luckily, you can also shop online.
SLATE & KNIVES
Brooklyn Slate
Sean Tice and Kristy Hadeka produce cheese boards, trivets, and coasters in Brooklyn, but began by sourcing slate from Kristy’s family quarry in upstate New York.
Cut Brooklyn
The owners of Brooklyn Slate are fans of Joel Bukiewicz's hand-crafted, high-carbon steel kitchen knives.
BOOZE
Uncouth Vermouth
Made in Red Hook, Bianca Miraglia uses seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients for her untraditional vermouths -- such as Apple Mint, Pear Ginger, and Butternut Squash. Chef Angelo Romano calls it "truly thoughtful and unique."
Cacao Prieto Rum
Organic chocolate maker and distillers located in Red Hook. Bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana calls their shop beautiful and likes their rum because it is made using sugar from the family farm in the Dominican Republic.
Sorel Liqueur
Recommended by bartender Sother Teague of Amor y Amargo, "It's a garnet red hibiscus and island spiced liqueur that has origins in the Caribbean. It pairs naturally with rum, but I've also been using it with tequila and gin."
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