travellamb

If I were visiting a city I wouldn't want Fresh Direct. It is extremely convenient but just last week I ordered from them and none of the fruit was ripe. It was fine for me because it sat on a windowsill for a few days (over a week for the mangos) but i would be disappointed if I had a short time here and ended up with that.

I have to wholeheartedly second the Grand Central Market suggestion. Its a bit pricey, but everything there is very appetizing and you can find almost everything you need. I used to live near Macy's and would stop at the market for food on the way home from work to make dinner. Just ride the subway to 33rd and lex and walk a couple of blocks. buy the heavier things at somewhere closer, or take a cab.

Also, a really nice experience is visiting the Greenmarket in Union Square on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Local farmers bring fruit, vegetables, meats and breads (and flowers). Its a nice way to spend your morning and a short taxi back to your apartment.

Finally, you'll notice that many corners (particularly as you head east and north from Macy's) have fruit stands. So you can pick up things like berries easily from those.

Enjoy your visit!

otto

taxi horns and ambulance noise reach high rises. also, i agree with trying grand central market, they have some nice stuff.

persimmondeb

I found Gekko's statement pretty funny. When we lived in NJ I had an obsessive relationship with Citarella (one on 3rd and 73rd), and would purchase goodies and then either cab it down to Port Authority, or schlep uptown on the M4 and take the bus from 175th, or call DH and have him retrieve us and our groceries. You would probably want to cab it back with your booty, but it is a really splendid store, and well worth a visit. It is not necessarily cheaper than restaurants though.

coolbluewater

How adventurous are you? While I agree that Fresh Direct seems to be your best option, there is always Han an Reum on 32nd street, in K-Town (25 W. 32nd between 5th and Broadway). You can definitely get fruits here, milk, and fun Korean snacks and food. Might not be quite up your alley, but it is just down the street from where you are staying. Have a great stay.

Gekko

persimmondeb, you lived in NJ, not Manhattan ... case closed

barbmhuber

Actually, breakfast is one of the cheapest meals in manhattan if you know where to go. Go to Guiseppes pizzaria, on the south east corner of 35th and 6th for breakfast. Coffee is about $1, and you can get french toast, pancakes, home fries, eggs, all very reasonable. They also have muffins and great bagels (from H&H). I worked right next door, and would get breakfast every day for under $5.

For lunch in that area, you must go over to 32nd and have Korean. The Mandoo bar is a must--it is on the left hand side of the street, about 5 doors down walking from 5th to 6th. The women are in the window making the mandoo fresh (dumplings)

Gekko

Lunch can also be quite inexpensive. Many "Chinese" restaurants offer lunch specials, like teriyaki with choice of meat, soup & salad for $7-10. That's a lot of food for a little.

I know many New Yorkers who basically don't know where there kitchen is. They eat out or order in all meals, every day.

cherrybomb

I <3 Gekko

Bodega coffee, etc. (same sold any deli, pizza joint, corner whatever), is among the most disgusting things in the world--think dirty dishwater strained over old grounds in a cup 1/2 filled with milk and about 1/4 cup of sugar.

Please don't take the advice to buy this "coffee," even for a dollar. Nescafe tastes better. Buy coffee and make it in your apartment.

You do not need earplugs and NYC is not filled with the sounds of sirens and cab honking at all hours--especially if you are in a high-rise.

bugswife1

Not sure what day of the week or what time you are arriving, but maybe you could make an outing of the grocery shopping. Ask the apartment owner if they have a wheelie cart in the apartment.
There are several farmers markets in the city, some open weekdays, and some open weekends. I think the best one is on Saturday at Union Square. You can take the subway from Macy's with the cart folded up. On the return you can either put the bags and the cart in the back of a cap, or walk the mile back to the hotel with the cart (very doable and I do it all the time). You will find fresh fruit, granola, baked goods, organic milk, eggs, yogurt, fresh flowers, salad ingredients, jams, honey---everything you need.
Walk around the square first and enjoy the scene, and get the groceries at the end of the day so the dairy doesn't spoil. Anything you forgot or missed can be picked up at half a dozen Korean grocers on your way back uptown.

otto

just my experience after working here and living in nyc for the better part of 12 years.

dmlove

I think the best one is on Saturday at Union Square.

And while you're there buying stuff to make "at home", stop in at a wonderful relatively new cafe called "Tisserie") (opposite corner from Starbucks). Excellent pastries and sandwiches.