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Public food market returns to Seaport

By Justin Rocket Silverman, amNewYork Staff Writer
More stories | jsilverman@am-ny.com

December 10, 2007

For the first time since the Fulton Fish Market moved in 2005, a public food market will be doing business at the South Street Seaport. But instead of cod and salmon, the Wintermarket will feature wild greens, local wines and organic beef in the former fish market's historic building, for one day only on Dec. 16.

"Until two years ago, there was a functioning food market in that area of Manhattan since 1642," said Jill Slater, co-founder of New Amsterdam Public, the market sponsor. "We believe that four centuries of history is not something to throw away, and we want to bring it into the 21st century."

As such, the Wintermarket will be stocked with sustainable, locally grown produce, which reduces its negative environmental impact. Although the Wintermarket will only be open for one day this year, organizers hope to plant a seed for what will eventually become a permanent fixture in the Seaport.

"This would be a civic institution," said Slater, who has been lobbying the city to convert the fish market building into a permanent food market, perhaps one similar to the Essex Market on the Lower East Side.

"There are 12 subway lines that stop within a few blocks of this spot, yet most of us never travel there. What better way re-welcome New Yorkers downtown and to the to Seaport?" she said.

In an effort to make the Seaport into more than just a tourist destination, city planners have discussed a significant expansion of retail and residential spaces. No firm development plan has yet been made public.

The Wintermarket will be open next Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the site of the old fish market. See newamsterdampublic.org for more information.