Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has a vision. For quite a while now, the culinary grapevine has been buzzing with activity and it centers on Bourdain's dream to bring an Asian night market experience to New York. And where exactly does he plan on setting this market up?
It may come as a surprise to some, but a dimly lit pier building along the Hudson is the place to be at once his dream is realized. Bourdain just confirmed that he and his partners are subleasing the main concourse and mezzanine of Pier 57 on 15th Street.
It is one of the largest piers on the Hudson. It is here that Bourdain Market will rise and offer to curious locals and tourists an experience like no other, the New York Times reported. He envisions over 100 retail and wholesale food vendors from here and elsewhere to join in.
Everybody from fishmongers to butchers to bakers and even artisans are more than welcome to be part of the Market. Eventually, he also wants a full-service restaurant to serve his patrons. But the "beating heart and soul" of the market will be a Singapore-style hawker market, NJ reported.
This type of market has communal eating spaces surrounded with food stalls offering dishes and specialties from all corners of the globe. "If you want some fine Spanish ham and a glass of cava, you can get that." He adds, "But there will also be China Straits noodles."
The Spotted Pig, The Breslin, and The John Dory Oyster Bar will run prepared food stalls in the planned market. Australia's Victor Churchill butcher shop is also expected to join. Sabina Bandera, operator of La Guerrerense tostada cart in Ensenada, Mexico, has also confirmed her slot, as has Singapore's Geylang Claypot Rice, the NY Eater reported.
In addition to the global food bonanza, the market on Pier 57 will also host karaoke and film screenings. It is reported as well that Roman and Williams are creating the space and will cost about $60 million to set up.
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