Eating Gluten Free/Vegan Through NYC in 2023 (#2)

Our next stop was just a short walk from the bakery. We were headed to the historic Essex Building – advertised on it’s webpage as “A Vibrant Slice of Old New York.”. A building bustling with two levels of fresh food markets and cafes and people, lots of people.

Our destination: Riverdel The Original Vegan Cheese Monger. We found it on the first level, a vegan cheese shop! First words out of my mouth, “So it’s all vegan? Really?” Bradley just smiled and said “Read the sign, Mom.”

Remember what I said in my previous post about the bakery and all of the options? I was living it again, but this time in a cheese shop. The woman at the counter asked if she could help me. I replied, “You’re just going to have to give me a few minutes to take this all in. It’s been years since I could have cheese.” Again, it was a bit overwhelming. I wasn’t limited to a couple choices. There were wheels and blocks of cheese, some covered in herbs or nuts. Herbed cheese, chili cheese, smoked cheese, cheese spreads… and I could eat any of them! Kevin and Bradley just stood back as I took it all in. This was wild, no restrictions, no dietary warnings.

I ordered a cheese flight. Five flavors! I picked a ‘Seasonal Horseradish Dill’ – which was as good as it sounds! It was my favorite. Next ‘French Onion’ (Bradley’s choice), which was more of a spread. ‘Smoked Gouda’, a favorite of Kevin’s. ‘Cheddar’ covered with almonds. (It reminded me of a cheese ball, which I haven’t had in years.) Lastly, ‘Colby Jack’, a regular staple in the Halfman house.

We took the box with our chosen cheeses, and gluten free crackers, to the second level of the building where we could overlook the shops and watch the hustle of the people as we enjoyed our cheese flight.

It’s been over a dozen years since I’ve had cheese and I thought I was kind of over it. But the bursts of flavors along with the different textures brought back my days of being a cheese lover. I think I could be a cheese lover again.

Bradley has been talking about this place for over a year and has been chomping at the bit to get me there. I’m so glad we got there on this visit. This was fun!

Check out the pics!

That’s right. It’s loaded up with vegan cheese!
Our flight of vegan cheese. Be sure to request gluten free crackers if needed!
Kevin and Bradley enjoying the flight!
Essex Market

Links to Riverdel The Original Vegan Cheese Monger and Essex Market can be found below my disclaimer.

Thanks for stopping!

Enjoy.

Brenda

Disclaimer:                                 

These recipes and tips are not guaranteed to work or be safe for everyone. Allergies are extremely complicated and vary for each individual. It is still your responsibility to read labels to ensure your safety. I cannot be held liable for any ill effects from using my tips to avoid your allergies. (Sorry guys, I don’t foresee any problems, but Momma’s gotta cover her backside, ya know?) Just read your labels! Do your research!

https://www.riverdelcheese.com/

https://www.essexmarket.nyc/