Why Foods of NY Tours Is the Best Food Tour Company in NYC
There are five parts in this blog series so far. If you haven’t read Parts 1–4, please start there before reading Part 5.
Part 5:
Now it’s getting interesting!
A True NYC Food Adventure:
If you want to know what makes Foods of NY Tours the best food tour company in New York City, you need to experience the city like a true local. Here’s a story from the owners adventures in NYC, one of many days that shaped my love for the city’s neighborhoods, food, and culture.
Exploring NYC: The Real Streets, people, and Flavors
I decided to head into NYC solo, giving myself the freedom to explore at my own pace. After arriving at Penn Station, I chose to walk down 7th Avenue instead of the more familiar 5th Avenue. Within a few blocks, I noticed a big difference: more garbage on the streets, a rougher crowd, and a constant need to stay alert. Instead of strolling, I found myself walking extremely fast.
The sidewalk game three-card monte was everywhere. This was a classic NYC scam that drew lots of people to lose lots of money. Watching for a while, I realized the “winner” was always working with the dealer. Most people lost $5-$10 and moved on, never realizing the setup. It was so interesting watching the scammers and the people that thought they could win.
As I got closer to 14th Street, the atmosphere changed again. The card games disappeared, but I encountered people who seemed completely out of their minds, some aggressively asking for money and getting way too close. It was a reminder that NYC in the 1970s was dangerous! I picked up my pace and finally made it to Bleecker Street.
John’s Pizza: A Slice of NYC History
Making a left onto Bleecker, I spotted John’s Pizza. After the chaos of 7th Avenue, I needed a break. John’s only sold whole pies, not slices, which was fine by me, I was starving!
The coal-fired brick oven was right on the main floor, not in the basement like in Zito’s Bread Shop, so I was able to my pizza get made. Wow, it only took about two minutes from the time the pizza guy put it in the oven and took it our.
The crust was charred (which I thought back then was burnt), and the flavor was perfect. I asked my waiter a few questions and he had time to answer. How old was the oven? I had been there since 1929. And I asked if John was still the owner. He said that John Sasso sold the pizzeria in 1954 to Joe Vesce and he was the second owner. The regular cheese pizza was $4.00, and the soda was $0.50. What a deal, even back then!
Washington Square Park: NYC’s Changing Times
Next, I walked to Washington Square Park, where a crowd was gathered near the arch protesting. They were up in arms about the city’s crime problem. After my walk down 7th Avenue, I understood their frustration. The city was in the middle of a fiscal crisis, with thousands of police, firefighters, and sanitation workers laid off. And over 800,000 middle-class residents had left NYC in the 1970s for the suburbs. It was definitely a tough time, but it made me more aware to improve my street-smart-skills. Besides the protesting, the park was filled with musicians, people selling art, and of course the glue man selling sniffs. The park was a great spot to relax and people watch, or check out what was going on. Never a dull moment in WSP!
Rocco’s Pastry Shop: Discovering the Lobster Tail
My next stop was Rocco’s Pastry Shop for some dessert. Instead of a cannoli, I tried a lobster tail pastry. It was a pastry in the shape of a lobster tail. It has a crispy outer layer, chewy center, and filled with cream. It was even better than the cannoli! Rocco’s was too busy to speak with anyone about it so I wrote about it in my notebook. I couldn’t wait to have my friends try it!
Hudson Street & Lilac Chocolates: A few new discoveries
I wanted to explore a new area so I walked the opposite direction on Bleecker. I crossed 7th Avenue and wandered into a quiet residential area with old row houses. I soon found myself on Hudson Street, I busy street full of local shops and a true neighborhood feel. After walking up and doewn Hudson St., I decided to make a left on Christoper St. where I found Lilac Chocolates. The variety of chocolates were incredible, and I added it to my list for future visits with my friends. I bought a few chocolates and they were great!
Biggest lesson learned from my Day in NYC
- Don’t walk down 7th Avenue if you want a relaxing stroll!
By the end of the day, I had a list of must-visit spots:
- Bring friends to John’s Pizza for a coal burning NYC pie
- Try the lobster tail at Rocco’s Pastry Shop
- Get some chocolates from Lilac Chocolates
- Always go to WSP to see something interesting
What a day!
Why Choose Foods of NY Tours?
At Foods of NY Tours, we believe in showing you the real New York, its history, culture, flavors, and our favorite spots. Our guides are passionate locals who know the city’s stories and the best places to eat, just like the ones I discovered on my adventure.
Ready to experience the best food tours in NYC?
Check out our tours and book your spot today!
Thank you for reading Part 5, stay tuned for Part 6!
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Todd Lefkovic
Foods of NY Tours
Founder/Owner