Dowel Quality Products
Address: 91 First Avenue (5th & 6th Streets)
Phone: 212-979-6045
If a stroll down Sixth Street's Little India, a.k.a., Curry Row, leaves you yearning for something a bit more exotic, try this place. Here you can buy every spice and seasoning you'll need to cook up your own Indian feast. They also sell incense, Indian beer and a few other dining accessories.
East Village Cheese Store
Address: 40 Third Avenue (between 9th & 10th Streets)
Phone: 212-477-2601
This little shop carries over 200 varieties of cheese. While a few folks complain that the quality and service here are not up to par with the likes of Murray's, this is by far the best selection and quality you'll find in this neighborhood.
First Avenue Pierogi
Address: 130 First Avenue (7th Street and St. Marks Place)
Phone: 212-420-9690
The name says it all. These fresh Polish/Ukrainian style dumplings are made with a variety of assorted fillings. They also carry hearty soups, blintzes, stuffed cabbage and other central European specialties.
Match Catering
Address: 611 Broadway (between Bleecker & Houston)
Phone: 212-673-7705
Website: matchcatering.com
Best known for handling large gala events, such as film premiers or corporate galas, they also do the occasional smaller job or two (provided the profile is high enough). They offer a huge range of styles, themes and menus.
Otafuku
Address: 236 East 9th Street
Phone: 212-353-8503
This Japanese take-out shop only sells two things, takoyaki, which is made from the privates of an octopus and okonomiyaki, a pancake with shredded cabbage and your choice of shrimp, beef, pork or squid. People who have the nerve to try it once, tend to come back for more (and bring new converts as well).
Saffron 59
Address: 59 Fourth Avenue (9th Street)
Phone: 212-253-1343
This caterer and event planner is best known for her outstanding selection of far-eastern dishes. The chefs are largely influenced by Thai, Vietnamese and other southeastern styles. With an emphasis on pan-Asian fusion with a new American orientation, this place gets raves for innovative cooking along with outstanding service and presentation.
Saffron 59
Address: 59 Fourth Avenue (East 9th Street)
Phone: 212-253-1343
Website: www.saffron59.com
This caterer and event planner is best known for her outstanding selection of far-eastern dishes. The chefs are largely influenced by Thai, Vietnamese and other southeastern styles. With an emphasis on pan-Asian fusion with a new American orientation, this place gets raves for innovative cooking along with outstanding service and presentation.