The Secret Behind Trader Joe's

Since Trader Joe's opened in Chelsea this month, my life has changed. That, mind you, is not an exaggeration. While blissfully perusing the aisles with my boyfriend during our first visit, he asked how Trader Joe's could offer such low prices. Now, thanks to an article in Fortune, I know.

I witnessed the effect of high-turnover last night when I couldn't find regular all-purpose flour. After tracking down an employee, (note that the employees after 8pm are not as chiper as those working earlier in the day), she managed to find the last sack of flour hidden in behind the whole wheat flour, at the far back of the shelf.

However, between Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, the Green Market, the Limelight, and the soon-to-open Eataly, I am quite happily situated in the middle of a gastronomic paradise.

Florent, Queen of the Meat Market, on Parisians, French Fries, and Forgiveness

Florent Morellet, best known for his eponymous 24-hour diner, is the subject of David Sigal's documentary, "Florent: Queen of the Meat Market." The film, which highlights Florent's role in social activism and the downtown scene, premiered at the New York City Food Film Festival, winning Best Film Made In New York and The Feature Film Award. Amidst the premiere's festivities, I had a moment to chat with Florent about how and why it all started and what he plans to do next. To read more...

BK Rooftop Garden Taking Root in Queens

The Brooklyn Grange, a 40,000-square-foot produce-growing rooftop farm, will be in Queens. But no, the pro-Brooklyn five partners behind the venture aren't changing its name. To complicate matters further, the soil is from Pennsylvania. The produce will be grown in Pennsylvania soil, in Queens, but on the Brooklyn grange but consider "local" exactly where?

Hydroponic Gardening

Don Foley / Courtesy of FastCompanyRooftop gardens are springing up all over New York, however, thanks to a recent Eater article, I learned that the first inspired by a martian garden model is breaking ground--err, roof--in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Jennifer Nelkin, co-founder of Gotham Greens, New York's only rooftop hydroponics operation, is using her knowledge of designing sustainable gardens on Mars or the South Pole to produce high quality produce for local markets, grocery stores, and restaurants. Ever the scientist, Nelkin is waiting for data before telling people this is a more environmentally friendly option than conventional farming, but I'm convinced. The 12,000-square-foot greenhouse is slated to produce 30 tons of produce annually. I can't wait!  

Kitchen For Closet

Elion Paz / Courtesy of the New York PostI know people love clothes. And I know people need places to put said clothes. Closets can be covetable (see: Carrie's closet in Sex in the City). But would you trade the use of your kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, and even your stove for sartorial square inches? According to the New York Post, the answer is an unapologetic yes in the city where space is a premium.