The answers were repeatedly “Yes” and “Yes”.

If you don’t live in New York or you live under a rock Eataly is Mario Battali and partners’ just opened 50,000 square foot shrine to all things Italian.  The space is a mix of restaurants and food counters surrounded by a gourmet food market.

The selection of Italian imports is amazing and I was grateful to get my first taste of parmesan cut fresh from a wheel.  But other than the mixed organization of market, restaurants and finding the entrance, the experience isn’t Italian.  It’s Ceasars Palace married to Whole Foods…just much better looking.

The fact that I’m not a fan of slow moving crowds or paying $25.00 for a bar of imported Torrone didn’t help.   And with an Abercrombie and Fitch like line out the door I’m pretty sure I won’t be back for a long time.

This place will do great with neighborhood residents and workers needing more lunch and dinner choices as well as visitors who will include it as a must see destination.

But if you can’t get to Italy you don’t need to go to Eataly to enjoy Lavazza coffee, fresh paninis, mozzarella, gelato, Napolitano pizza or Italian chocolate.   There are plenty of other great spots in the city to shop, eat and enjoy all things Italian.

Sorry no pictures of Eataly, but these are a few of my favorite Italian spots from my archives and a few recent shots from my iPhone.

Enjoy!

Leslie

I’ve been wondering how I’m going to catch up if I keep taking pictures.  My goal last week was to slow down the shooting… which was the case until lunch.

I’m not a salad person, I prefer warm meals, but my oven died just before my trip and given the 90° (32°C) temperatures I haven’t been too concerned about it.

As you can imagine I’m on the NO visiting the bakery diet (even for pictures, it’s too dangerous) but these salads looked so nice I couldn’t stop myself…I had to shoot them.

What do you think?  Hungry for lunch yet?

Enjoy!

Leslie

The exception to this rule is holiday weekends, when most New Yorkers are away and a seat at the bar is almost always guaranteed.

Enjoy!

Leslie

The commute to my office is now a few feet from where I sleep. The upside is I have amazing office views. The downside is my interaction with colleagues has been significantly reduced.

But a business associate and I have found an enjoyable way to correct this problem.

We have become “regulars” at our extended office Macchiato.  A sleek Italianesque Midtown expresso bar with Vespas parked out front and a large Italian clientele.

This is our spot for morning meetings, people watching, croissants, and cappuccino. And although we haven’t tested them the sandwiches and salads look pretty good too.

I’ll be back for “wide angle” photos but for now here is a “detailed” glimpse of our morning ritual.

Enjoy!

Leslie

During one of my iPhone expeditions I also had my SLR with me and was jumping back and forth between cameras…bad idea.

I made a major setting mistake with my SLR and my photos came out a very cool blue which I thought was a brilliant mistake until I took a closer look.

So I spent some time in the digital darkroom with the images…

I’m not thrilled with the color but I keep looking at that wide angle composition.  Not bad.

Enjoy!

Leslie

Her images tell a story.  My images focus on details and usually a single moment.

I have a difficult time shooting at wide angles.  I just want a detail.

To enjoy Maria’s images click on this link to visit her flickr page.

Enjoy!

Leslie

However Subject No. 2, the view from my window, is not only available at all hours, it never looks the same.

What I love most about these shots is I don’t use a tripod or a flash and am usually holding my breath to keep the camera still for a very long 1/4 of a second.

Funny how that works.

Enjoy!

Leslie

I’m slightly subject challenged, however I have two backup subjects available at almost any time.

This is a glimpse of Subject No 1, Mickey (Michaela if you want her fancy name).

Not as fun as shooting children but as a model she is relatively cooperative and excellent at the leave-me-alone-already look.

Enjoy!

Leslie

In this case I hope so.

Because if you haven’t yet visited Delectica to see my exhibit here is some of what you are missing out on…

Please spread the word, all images are for sale.  Custom sizing available.

Bon Appetit!

Leslie

Delectica – 564 Third Avenue (@ 38th St) T: 212.986.1616

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Open 7 days a week. M-F: 7am-6pm Sat-Sun: 8am-5pm

However, my iPhone and are thankful that the rain has stopped and the sun is finally shining again.

The lush green colors are beautiful.

And there are also a few pinks and not just in the flowers.

Enjoy!

Leslie