If you find yourself in midtown Manhattan now through December 23, 2014, be sure to stop by the Hester Holiday Market at 1 Penn Plaza. Nestled in a pedestrian alley between K-Mart and some smaller stores and right next to Penn Station this is a centrally-located, quaint holiday market from the same people that bring you Hester Street Fair every summer. I used to work right above Penn Station so I was pleasantly surprised when I learned about this holiday market.
Smaller than other New York City holiday markets, such as the one in Bryant Park, I was happy to see that there were a number of gluten-free options in the vendor tents. I also loved so many of the gift tents that I had to resist spending all of my money on the artisan offerings.
This is a very limited run market so be sure to stop by this week for some delicious gluten-free treats and unique items for those on your gift list this holiday season.
Some of my favorite finds at this holiday market include:
- Squish Marshmallows: gluten-free options of “marshmallows of magnificent magnitude.” I don’t usually like marshmallows but I love anything rocky-road. The rocky-road marshmallow hand-toasted by the owner of Squish was so yummy. I would definitely go back for more! Not all flavors are gluten-free so be sure to ask at the booth which are GF!
- Shop B2: funky pillows plus sweatshirts with french fries equal a fun shop to buy novelty gifts this holiday season.
- Macaron Parlour: macarons are usually made from almond flour so many of these flavors should be naturally gluten-free. There was no one in the booth when I stopped by so I didn’t get to ask if all were gluten-free. Please ask before you buy!
- Frittering Away: serving up both hot and cold drinks, this is the perfect place to get a warm beverage while you shop in the chilly New York City air.
- Kizmet Kitchens: raw, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free chocolates, sunflower seed butter, and raw cocao mix. Some of the bars contain GF oats, so be sure to ask which ones are without if you cannot tolerate oats.
- Cafe Patoro: gluten-free Brazilian cheese breads also known as pao de queijo. Baked on site, these warm, little breads are naturally gluten-free and so delicious!
- Dempsey & Gazelle: I loved all of the funky rings, earrings, headbands and more at this booth. I wanted to buy at least 10 things in the shop, but resisted. I will definitely need to return before the market closes. They also sell their funky items online.
- Mr. Ellie Pooh: their tagline is “conservation through innovation” and these products are certainly innovative, so say the least. All of the paper is handmade from recycled paper and elephant dung. Yes, that’s right, Elephant POO, hence the name of the shop. It’s not as gross as it sounds and they have some really cute items. I love elephants!
