Eataly Opens On August 31

Eataly, the Italian food hall and emporium created by a favorite Italian trio -- Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Lidia Bastianich (plus partner Oscar Farinetti) -- opens on Tuesday, August 31.

With 50,000 square feet on two levels, Eataly is located at 200 Fifth Avenue, diagonally across from the Flatiron Building at 23rd Street, in a building that once housed the International Toy Center.  It's big, audacious, and abbondanza.

Reminiscent of the first-of-its-kind and inspiring Peck foodstore in Milan but actually the second outpost of a grocer by the same name in Turin, Eataly is a combination of groceria, specialty shop, espresso bar, restaurant and all-Italy inspiration.  You can buy salamis, prosciutto and other cured meats; cheese; groceries like canned tuna and salt-cured anchovies; bread and pastries; fresh and dry pasta; fresh meats and poultry; lots of wine; and fresh produce.  Everything is imported except the meats and produce, which are local. 

The place celebrates Italy and unabashedly promotes Italian tourism, media, culture, and lifestyle.  And why not?

Among the grocery shelves are 7 mini-restaurants and 14 food stations so you can have a light meal and eat it there at one of the many little tables.  But the message from the place is to buy ingredients and take them home to cook.

In a few months a rooftop microbrewery will open, featuring Italian beers.

No phone or website yet nor are the hours of operation yet posted.

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