One of my best childhood friends lives in New York City and she is the ultimate hostess. Every time I stay with her or even plan to just spend a morning or afternoon with her she is prepared with a list of activities, events, restaurants and bars she thinks I might like. She even keeps an eye out for extra special experiences she knows will make great blog posts. I mean, what more could a girl ask for in a friend?
This past Saturday we went together to the Hester Street Fair in the Lower East Side. Much like the SOWA Open Market in Boston, the Hester Street Fair is an outdoor market bringing the best vendors in art, fashion, jewelry and of course, food.
As you walk down Hester Street toward the fair location you can spot the entrance easily because it's flanked by two fashion trucks.
Having experienced the glory of the Fashion Truck in Boston and the ARTichoke Truck on the Cape, I knew I wanted to pop into the Nomad truck as soon as I saw it.
The Nomad truck is decorated like a full blown boutique. When you're inside you forget you're in a mobile shop.
Every single detail is so thoughtful - the mirrors, the hat racks, the jewelry displays and my favorite, the antlers!
As soon as we stepped into the truck I zeroed in on a black and silver sweater. I was magnetized to the hanger and the shop owner convinced me to try it on. Of course I loved it and rationalized that I'd wear it as party of my holiday party circuit. It's gorgeous and I love the flecks of silver glitter in the yarn.
A few steps away is a vintage fashion truck based out of an Airstream-like trailer. I loved the pink flamingos out front.
Inside, the fair is rows and rows of pop up white tents. They are set up beneath the most gorgeous trees.
In the center of the rows and rows of tents is a ping pong table. I like that they really encourage people to stay and hang out.
Of all the vendors, I was most impressed by Yak Blak Sunnies, a sunglasses company. Their branding is genius and the sunglasses are all super chic and fun.
After a full lap around we were ready for some food. My friend got a Thai ice tea. This booth was tremendously popular. All over the fair you saw people carrying these teas.
We each ordered a sandwich from the Deviant Chef. There weren't a ton of food options that day so this was the best bet.
My friend chose the bulgogi, an Asian version of brisket topped with fried shallots and slaw.
She said the sandwich was amazing. The meat was juicy, the slaw was nicely seasoned and the bun was perfect for the Asian themed dish.
I got the portabello mushroom sandwich which came topped with lettuce, tomato and pickles. They allow you to put on your own sauces and I covered mine in sriracha mayo.
To be honest, the sandwich was underwhelming. I don't know what it needed, but even with the kick from the sriracha it was still tasting bland.
We also popped by the Artisan Taste booth and ordered a batch of their sumac French fries. I have no idea what sumac is, but holy crap is that delicious. We inhaled these.
I really enjoyed my first visit to the Hester Street Fair. I always love exploring the Lower East Side (hello, Economy Candy) and this was a fun way to mix it up.
The Hester Street Fair is open every Saturday from 10:00am - 6:00pm, April - October. You better hurry, there are only two weekends left in the season - today and next week!
