situeating

You know the quote: “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day – teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Well it’s probably not going to work in this case. But by patronizing the following establishments you will indeed learn something about their craft – to appreciate it. And while you may be ready to go home and start pulling your own candy – you’ll be back watching in awe (and popping sweet treats) marveling at how the masters do it.

LITTLE ITALY
Papabubble
[380 Broome St.] [212.966.2599]

This delightful laboratory churns out brightly swirled lollipops, teensy hard candies – even fancy ring pops. Best of all you get to watch as the magic happens. Stop in when then the chalkboard outside reads, “making candy” and watch as molten sugar is cut, stretched, pulled, looped, and rolled into marvelous confections. If you’re looking especially mesmerized they may let you try a piece of hot candy.

LOWER EAST SIDE
Saxelby Cheesemongers
[120 Essex St.] [212.228.8204]

In her charming “A Day A-Whey” series Anne Saxelby, the sweetheart of American farmstead cheese, designs fieldtrips to her favorite local farms for an up close look at the cheese making process – and a picnic (of course.) And while the trips certainly gives you the full lesson – frequenting her stand in Essex Market is always a sure way to pick up tips – and wonderful cheese.

ROVING
A Razor, A Shiny Knife
[Roving.] [No Phone.]

Billing itself as “an educational, social and theatrical culinary experience” – A Razor, A Shiny Knife is a dinner club (of sorts) that takes its form from whatever idea, location, event, or ingredients are closest and most interestingly at hand. The education comes in participation – you can see protein butchered, techniques broken down, masterful meals replicated – and a totally different mix at the next pseudo-secret meal. Sign up for the newsletter to see what’s coming next.