My third day in New York City dawned with sunshine in the sky and in my heart, for I knew in mere hours I’d be meeting my eponymous twin at the New Amsterdam Market. Many of you already know her as Hannah Kaminsky, the incredible vegan blogger, photographer, and three-times-cookbook-author behind Bittersweet Vegan, but to me she is first and foremost my inspiring, courageous, and gorgeous sisterfriend.
When I woke, I knew not that my path to Hannah would be littered with foot-obstacles of the my-new-shoes-hurt-how-about-I-buy-some-cheap-flip-flops-en-route-then-look-down-one-block-later-oops-so-much-blood-mad-dash-for-a-pharmacy-plaster-feet-in-bandaids-running-late-there-she-is-made-it! variety, but even if I had, it wouldn’t have slowed me down for a second.
Luckily, Hannah forgave my delay and led me, with a sparkling smile, straight to the New Amsterdam Market, where the first stop of our day was Pushcart Coffee for glorious iced coffee. Nothing like Starbucks’ dessert creations, these iced coffees were simply wonderfully strong yet smooth coffee, iced, and perfect to counter the humid heat of New York’s summer.
Conveniently located at the next stall was Taza Chocolate, where I indulged in both chocolate and a rapid-fire conversation with the chocolate men, ranging in topic from my hummingbird earrings to Semitic swinology to playing piano in Israel.
Look! Snozzcucumbers!
Elsewhere in the market, Hannah and I discussed whether I could get away with eating an entire jar of kimchi and/or sauerkraut in one night (consensus: no, for the sake of my heart), swooned over delicious fried tempeh, and tried zingy intense ketchup that I almost bought in order to eat with a spoon.
Of course, Hannah and I discussed a great many other things, but they remain our secret.
Look! Bubbles on the street!
After becoming mind-boggled at Bodies: The Exhibition and filling in every available second with Hannah-squared words, we got back on the subway and found ourselves saying good-bye.
No, not good-bye. À bientôt.
Thank you, Hannah, for a most gorgeous Sunday. I dedicate these plump-shining raspberries and this effervescent kombucha to you.
My fourth day was also my last in New York (for the time being, at least), and I spent it quietly, contently. If “quietly, contently” means “with a good deal of limping”, that is.
Just an enormous inflated rat with pustules on the back of a car. Nothing to see here. Carry on.
Wow, I’m really not sure how to segue away from pustules. More kombucha, anyone?
Yes, that’s better. Dear me, I do love kombucha, even though every single bottle I’ve bought in America has exploded on me upon opening.
Having grown up in a tomato-allergic household, the Union Square Greenmarket’s array of heirloom tomatoes took my breath away. I didn’t know tomatoes could look like this.
Now I know that not only can tomatoes look stunningly gorgeous, they can also make a tasty and hefty afternoon snack at three-quarters of a pound in weight.
However, as enjoyable as the tomato was, there remains a small part of me saddened that I didn’t buy these raw Oreos before my flight to Chicago the next day.
Ah well. Next time.
Oooh! I saw that rat when I was there in May! Due to my love of rats I was strangely drawn to it.
How surprising that the dark Taza chocolate is dairy- and gluten-free. Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnot.
WE HAVE TROD UPON THE SAME GROUND. squealitysqueality. squeeeeeee. squee!
Squee to the teehee!! Hurrah for us and our trodding powers of wonderment!!
I still find Taza a bit too sweet, but then again I haven’t tried their 80%+ bars yet. One day!
I recently had the 87%, I believe. I liked it, my companions did not, but they’re not enjoyers of overly dark chocolate. It seemed a bit dry, but I thought it was pretty good if you didn’t try to savor it too long.
Have you ever made hot chocolate with it? They tell you to do that, right?
Hmm, I suppose yes, that would be good. I’m not much of a Ho Cho person myself, so I haven’t done that.
It’s really rainy here right now, and that last sentence might have just convinced me to watch an episode of Gilmore Girls
SO lovely you to got to meet and chat! I am so jealous of all your adventures. Safe trip to Chicago- can’t wait to see what other shenanigans you get up to!
Thank you Gabby! I had the most wonderful shenanigans yesterday; can’t wait to post (though I have to find time to do so). However, Cedar City is sorely lacking in Starbucks. Boo.
Look after those feet … Travellers need good, sensible shoes!
Oh, and I should say, not tomato allergic but tomato intolerant but boy, those are SOME tomatoes!
And, loved the rat … Hmmm, or not, as the case may be.
I LEFT MY BRAND NEW SHOES IN CHICAGO AAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!
I am the most stupid person ever. But it’s just possessions/money, right? In the scheme of things, I shouldn’t care.
Aw, no photo of you two beauties together? How I would’ve loved to be there hanging out with both of you!
You would have been most welcome! We were too busy talkingtalking to remember about photos
I love New York – their farmers markets are to die for.
Now re the shoes…I know this is going to sound daggy BUT I have a few nice pair of CROCS ballet flats that I take traveling. They are light weight & comfy (the soles are like pillows). I put a bit of baby powder in them to make sure they don’t rub and off you go. You can get ballet flats that are kinda holey…good for summer. Seriously…get some!
I may just take you up on this advice. I actually did buy some pretty comfortable flats in New York… and then left them in Chicago (I still don’t know how I did that; I packed so early, how did I not see them left behind in the room?!) without even wearing them once. Thanks for the tip!
Looks like such a vibrant market, oh those tomatoes. Looking forward to your next stop!
Funny-shaped tomatoes!!!! hehehehehe I’ve heard so much about kombucha but never tried it before! How does it taste like????
Like a mix between not-very-sweet soft drink and vinegar, and whatever flavours are added to it. I used to drink vinegar straight as a kid, so I love it.
Those tomatoes look great
Enjoy the windy city
So much deliciousness…. JUST as I am getting my appetite back…. and then you go an mention PUSTULES. Vomit. Ha
I like to keep you on your toes.
Your introducing to all sorts of new Veges – I mean snozzcucumbers? Wow cucumbers on steroids much!
Sounds like you had a lovely day with Hannah
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Girl, you need to read some Roald Dahl.
Did they have kale chips? Not as funky as your homeland
I’m so in market envy of you right now Angle Babe!
They definitely did! So many kale chips, but even I couldn’t bring myself to buy them when they were at least $8 for 50g
But in truth, I only had the strength to resist because I know I’ll be making them with friends soon enough 
When you miss me, just close your eyes and imagine NAKED UNICORN DANCE PARTY!
Oh, your poor feet
As someone who has had surprising amounts of blood emerge from toes (always toes) at unexpected times, I feel your pain and hope it ends soon! I’m glad you had such great days in spite of the foot situation though – I suppose you’re a bit of an expert after your previous foot challenges :S – and am awestruck by all of the food. All of it.
I left my brand-new shoes in Chicago. I don’t know why my feet hate me so much. They ruin everything.
But not really, because I found Biscoff (vegan!) cookie spread and that almond/coconut milk yesterday. SO INCREDIBLY GOOD.
Yeeeeeeeee… I think you’d be a great travel partner for me because hitting the local markets is one of my fav things to do when I go around too… LOVE the fact that you’re still able to blog even though your life is so hectic so we can be updated (and stalking) you wherever you go kekeke…
Teehee! Now that I’m staying with friends, I don’t quite know how often I’ll be able to post, but I think I have a few almost-finished drafts to keep things going for a bit
It would be super fun to travel with you!
We have giant rats around here all the time. They’re just so common. As are blisters from new shoes and exploding drinks and jet-setting between large, well-known cities and lunching with famous, published bloggers. It’s all so routine.
So glad it’s all working out so well for you. I’d love to be eating that punnet of raspberries. Haven’t bought any here for so long – am waiting for their season to start and the prices to fall xx
Teehee, love you Charlie! My karmic retribution for the good times has been accidentally leaving my brand-new-never-worn shoes in Chicago. Thank heavens I didn’t buy the sparkly ones after all!
These raspberries were $2. I almost bought the entire shop’s supply; in Canberra they’re $8 even in season!
I’m glad that you had fun with the Hannahs. I was surprised at you only spending 4 days in New York. Hmmm, I’m realising more and more that I have no idea what kombucha, I just had to google it. Can’t say I’ve ever had it. Is it available here? Things I find concerning from your post- the rat, obviously, and also that the raspberries have the same sticker as the berries we get here. That is particularly disturbing. Multinationalism anyone? And when that first photo flicked up I thought that sign said tripe and onions, and I was somewhat confused. I’d give the rawreos a crack though I reckon.
New York is so expensive that I can’t justify spending too much time there in one go, but that was my 5th visit in as many years
I know what you mean about the raspberries, but California is closer right now that it was in Australia! And these were so much bigger, plumper, and sweeter than I’ve had in Australia lately. I’ve only seen kombucha in Australia once in Melbourne.
Those are some funny-looking cucumbers!
Heirloom tomatoes are the best! I can eat them on their own all day, every day! Yums!
Totally did. Well, for one day!
You are going to Chicago?! Wow girl! I am really enjoying this foodie view of the US! Please come over to Italy one day and give the markets a go! Have fun and mind those blisters. Looking forward to Chicago! Xx
Chicago done, now in Utah
I have no doubt I will one day be in Italy exploring the markets with you, dear Cat. One day. xoxo
At first I thought the rat was stomping on the 4WD and was quite amused – it seemed like a little bit of King Kong in your travels – oh well maybe he is off to stomp on some vehicles. Sorry to hear your feet are giving you grief – take it easy on them. And open the kombuchu bottle slowly, then as soon as it starts to fizz, close the lid again and let it settle – this stops fizzy drinks exploding on me most of the time! I am enjoying your travel excitement – glad it is going well.
Love your fizzy-drink tip! Will definitely remember that in future. And thank you
Someday, we shall go raspberry picking, I’ll bake you stuffed 8-ball zucchini, and we can chatter on about all things, all day. It’s just more of an incentive for you to return!
Hope your feet are healing up quickly. <3
You alone are my incentive, darling, but these other temptations are quite wonderful too. I can’t wait. xoxo
Raw oreos?? I hope you find them again and try some. I’m intrigued!
OK I can attest that eating a whole jar of kimchi is not good for you! I did that one night in Japan and dreamt of murder and blood all night. I didn’t eat it for about 10 years afterwards
Teehee, I’m so glad I didn’t then! However, I did find some in Utah and have been having it at least once a day since! (Well, I guess that’s only two days so far…
)
Those tomatoes look delicious.
Total envious babe!
I like spend a day on a market, especially when it’s sunny and nice
And this rat on a track is so cool!
Crazy tomatoes everywhere!! Yeah maybe pace out the sauerkraut…one night? Surely not possible. Surely. I did not come across that market last year…must. go. again.
Heidi xo
I had no fridge, you see, thus the one-night query. Happily, I found kimchi in Utah where I do have a fridge, so all is well and not hypertension-y.
We must always go again to the New York City. xo
I can’t wait to go to NYC again! Especially after seeing all your pictures and omg omg omg it’s amazing all the produce hehe
So nice to see that it’s so much warmer! It was freezing when I was there hehe
I’ve done NYC in winter a few times, and a heatwave too, so I know for a fact it’s fantastic no matter the climate
Ah such wonderful markets and tasty eats. Wish I had access to GT’s kombucha all the time. I miss it!!!
Now that I’m in Cedar City, Utah, I miss it too!