Free Eats Weekend: This Just In

Your Saturday Free Eats tips from local urban samplers:

(Sent by Emily via SMS)
2:30pm
Free Turkey Meatballs
Food Emporium
10 Union Square East

(Sent by Chris from The Skint via email)
1:30pm

As I was doing some grocery shopping today, I thought of sending you these places in Park Slope...

Blue Apron Foods, while a tiny shop, has a good cheese and olive selection, and usually something sweet at the front counter to sample. I don't think they have a website, but here's some more info:
http://notfortourists.com/ListingDetails.aspx?city=NY&listingID=788747


Union Market also has olives and pickles, as well as a cheese or two to sample. And on weekends, there's often a representative from some supplier offering samples near the cashiers.
http://www.unionmarket.com/
(one on Union St & 6th Ave and one on 7th Ave & 13th St)

Grab Specialty Foods will let you sample the tapped beers they have for sale, as well as the cheeses & meats behind the counter. They're not always spread out for the taking, so it may require you to ask.
(7th Ave bet 14th & 15th St)http://www.grabspecialtyfoods.com/

Send your free eats tips and photos to CourtneyNYC@gmail.com and be featured on my blog!

Free Eats Weekend: Free Roast

On Friday, I docked three hours of free Wi-Fi usage and a free sample of house blend java at the new-ish West Village coffee roasteria, Roasting Plant Coffee Company. Still only four months old, these roasters are anxious for newcomers to try each of their blends so don't be shy in asking for more than a few samples.

As I see it, there are many cool features about this coffee shop beyond their patented roasting system, which shoots beans from the on-site roasting plant, through overhead tubes (think the bank teller type) into the brewing station and ending in a frothy finish.

Other fun details include ergonomically excellent seating and plugs at every table, perfect for typing on your laptop. Gigantic touch computers screens replace menus, on which there's Greek yogurt sold by the ounce and cookie dough sold by the shot. Genius. Another notable feature is RPCC's proximity to St. Vincent's Hospital. What does that mean to you? Well, two things: if a stray bean happens to escape from the tube, ricochet off the touch screen, and hit you in your eye, you can probably still negotiate your way across 7th Ave with your one good eye and get patched up.

But more importantly, the Roasting Plant is an ideal place to meet New York's most eligible doctors. MDs+long hours=coffee. And during my three hours at the Roasting Plant, I watched a constant flow of scrubbed up cuties mosey in.

Weirdest thing about Roasting Plant? This lady...the travelling perfume saleswoman. She busted in at about 3pm with an insulated lunch bag of Britney Spears Fantasy and D&G's Light Blue knock-offs. Next thing I know, she's stinking up the joint with her "free" perfume samples. So much for the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee...

"Eat Me, I'm Free"

Music inspired by my favorite Fresh Prince episode.

Free Eats Day 9: A Tasty Update

I've passed my one week mark, still feeling good, and finding a plethora of diverse snacks to satisfy almost all of my cravings. I'd still love to find a nice fat eel and avocado roll, but hey, Free Eaters can't be choosers! Health-wise, last week's diet ran the gamut. On the nutritious side, I've eaten locally grown apples, organic corn salad, braised fennel, hummus and even freshly pan-seared tilapia.

On the more glutinous side, well, the list is long: Dark chocolate, gelato, pizza, artisinal cheeses, cured meats, chips, brownies, and to-die-for bread pudding. I think my fat intake has even been upped this week, despite the small portions! I haven't bought any groceries, ordered takeout or paid for a restaurant tab in nine days, allowing me to put more money towards my looming college loans.

Although I began this experiment out of curiosity, I'm saving a heck of a lot of cash-o-la and may not shutting down my Free Eats operation any time soon. Through this week's research I've discovered dozens of free and cheap specials around the city, and will continue to share my tips as the list keeps growing.

As any New Yorker can attest, New York City is a miserable place to save money. Those who choose to reside here often sacrifice savings to pay astronomical expenses, but we do it to experience the magic of the greatest city in the world. Free Eats Week was a reminder to myself that, with a little perseverance, creativity and an open mind, there are alternative ways to save...and have delicious fun in the process!

Free Eats Day 8: Yes, I'm still free eating

Yesterday, Metro NY contacted me at around lunch time to schedule some photo coverage of my experiment. Technically my first week ended on Sunday, but as Day 8 got underway it was clear I'd have no trouble erasing my case of the Mondays with some gourmet freebies.

I met the photographer at Chelsea Market for some bread and Sicilian extra-virgin olive oil at Buon Italia. Their bread basket was the fullest I'd ever seen it and their olive oil prices are moderate for the city. After that nosh, it was on to Chelsea Market Baskets for several pieces of dark chocolate. My camera battery ran out of juice at lunch, but you should be witnessing the photo evidence in print this week if Metro runs the story.

At about 7pm I was tipped off by one of my oldest childhood friends via Facebook:
Westside Market on 15th and 7th (my local grocery store) - Not sure if you are still looking for free food, but they always have little nibbles there, cheese, chips and guac, drinks..etc....You would prob get lucky there! -Lisa

Westside Market 15th St. and 7th Ave. 8:00pm
Free Eats: Too much bread pudding and Magic Pops with roasted pepper hummus
Normal Price: I was so mesmerized by the Magic Pops machine that I forgot all about prices.
Method: Sample, take a lap, sample, sit down in the dining area, sample, exit and re-enter, sample, etc.
Food Groups: Packin' on the carbs
Free Thoughts: The bread pudding is better than sex. If I never ate another Magic Pop, I'd be just dandy, but I want that magic machine for my bedroom. Some people count sheep, I'll count Magic Pops...

Free Eats Day 7: Salsa y Chips

My social life, has been rather non-existent this week. Despite putting several invitations out there, none of my girlfriends are jumping at the chance to have a free sample soirée. And I haven't quite perfected my dating strategy yet...

Date: Hey Courtney, would you like to have dinner this week?
Me: Uhh, sure, Wendesday at 5pm is perfect. Whole Foods...in the produce section...I'll bring the ziplocs, you bring the sporks.

Date: Errr...ummm...(click)


But on my seventh night (Sunday) I had long-standing plans with a dear friend to listen to Chris Washburne's afro-cubano band at my favorite jazz club, Smoke, in Harlem. He was totally open to joining the free eatathon so I hit Deal Feed and other recession special sites in search of a dinner deal a la Dell'Anima. I stumbled upon these threads for free chips and salsa, which led me to Mama Mexico on Broadway and 102nd St.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/222601
http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2008/02/29/getting-a-chip-off-my-shoulder/

Cheap drinks, NO! Festive free toonage, YES, and what looked like incredible guac, but I'll have to try that on my next visit or maybe never...it's $11 a pop!!

Free Eats Day 7: Pineapples, But No Penne

On Day 7 I hit Balducci's in the afternoon for some pineapple chunks and Rembrant cheese. Next I attempted to free eat my way through a business lunch at Via dei Mille in Soho, where I drank one glass of prosecco that bubbled straight to my unfed brain. Free crusty bread and olive oil took the buzz away but I still hoped for a repeat of last Sunday's free penne pasta.

When the pasta never arrived I asked VDM staff what happened and they admitted that feeding nearly 100 rowdy table-dancing brunchers each a personal plate of pasta was a logistical nightmare for the kitchen. Grrrr

Free Eats Day 6: Greenmarket Report

Martin's Pretzels 14th on south end of square
Free Eats: 1 and a half crispy hand-rolled "Salted Special" pretzels
Normal Price: $3 for 1
Method: Samples given to those who ask, but for sanitary reasons not left out in a basket.
Food Groups: Bread - 1 pretzel 75 calories
Free Thoughts: These pretzels pack major crunch. Bags of broken pretzel crumbs are sold for $5. Erik, your friendly neighborhood pretzel guy, offered to connect me with his friend's Freegan roommate to get more info. I read that there's a N.Y.C. trash tour for people and tourists who want an inside look at the Freegan lifestyle.

Breezy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill Union Square West
Free Eats: Fuji and Mutsu apple slices
Normal Price: $1.50/lb
Method: Free Samples...Everyone's doin' it!
Food Groups: Blessed fruit...the food group most lacking this week
Free Thoughts: Felt great to get some healthy, locally grown eats!

Locust Grove Fruit Farm Union Square West

Free Eats: Mutsu apple slices and 1/3 cup of hot apple cider

Normal Price: Apples $1.50/lb, cider $2/cup

Method: Ask to try the cider!

Food Groups: F to the R U I T
Free Thoughts: Friendly fruit farmers

WHAT? No free bacon samples??

Oak Grove Mills Union Square West

Free Eats: cup of hulless popcorn

Normal Price: $3/1lb. bag

Method: Bucket o' samples

Food Groups: Vegetables

Free Thoughts: Any popcorn described as "tender" and "revolutionary" is ok with me. It even inspired this free form pop-art.

IS WINE 8th Street & MacDougal
Free Eats: pre-Oscar tasting flight of three wines
(Sparklng Blanc de BlancsPaul de Coste Brut,Viognier Pennautier, Tempranillo Cotoval)
Normal Price: approx $14 for tasted wines
Method: Free Tasting every Saturday from 4-7pm
Free Thoughts: My old neighborhood wine shop is a welcoming Greenwich Village retreat. Exposed brick and beams make for cozy browsing and tasting. Ask for Lauryn, a fellow Italophile, with lots of wine knowledge and no pretense. Go for the Tempranillo Cotoval - excellent value at $14, and nicely complemented by my Garden of Eden pita chips.

All unsold goods from the greenmarket are donated to City Harvest or other organizations!!

Free Eats Day 6: A Lap Around The Greenmarket

Union Square Greenmarket

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
8am-6pm

Free Eats Day 6: Free Advice at Union Square

Free Eats Day 6: The Garden of Eatin'

Garden of Eden 14th St. & 5th Ave.
Free Eats: Garlic pita chips, baba ghanoush, hummus, tomato bruschetta (pronounced bru-ske-tah), brown rice salad, baklava. All products from Oasis, based in Chicago.
Normal Price:Two containers of Oasis hummus on sale now for $3.00.
Method: Linger and distract Mo' The Sampler with questions
Food Groups: Bread, veggies and a whole lotta' Mo
Free Thoughts: Strong performance, Mohammed. You like your job, it shows. And for that, I like you. Excellent salesmanship, exquisite Vanna White gestures and your wink...I've watched it on repeat for the past hour while crunching on your nearly disposed of garlic pita chips for dinner. Perhaps your sample supervisor has a rule on chip dimension...smaller than 1'' no good for dipping? I won't accuse you of wastefulness. That might be hypocritical, as we have all wasted something in our lives, whether it be money, food, energy or love and we can all be more conscious of it. I will say thanks, Mo, for being part of my curious experiment in self-discipline and New York generosity...and for giving me major garlic breath from all those pita chips.

Fortunately, I got some free toothpaste at the dentist last week!

Free Eats Food for Thought: Surfing the Waste

"Dumpster diving isn't for everyone. It's more of an attitude that you take...also, I really like free stuff, and anything that I don't have to do any work to get is really great. And when there's so much stuff like that lying around, there's no reason not to..." Excerpt from Surfing the Waste: A Musical Documentary About Dumpster Diving in Montreal

Watch the whole thing. Important message, incredible finds, syncronized dances and bicycle blending. Entertaining and informative from beginning to end.

See more on CitizenShift

For more on dumpster diving in New York City check out:

Slumdog, New York-style
Freegan.info
Not Buying It

Free Eats Day 5: Cheese Overload

A word of caution to fellow lactose intolerant free eaters. Bring your Lactaid Fast Act . Free cheese is by far the most common eat in the city.

Amish Market 9th Ave & 50th St. - buttery Dutch Beemster cheese and overly sweet strawberry cheesecake samplesVinter Wine Market 9th Ave. and 46th St. -- 6 types of artisanal cheese and 1 fig cake sample (they don't allow photos inside)

Balducci's 8th Ave & 14th St. -- Finally, they had some cheese left! Huge spread of bread with cheesy crust, too (used for mustard sandwich).

Free Eats Day 5: Lunch & Dinner from Dell'anima

This condiment sandwich (midnight snack) paled in comparison to the free eats at Dell'anima's afternoon aperitivo, number two on Blackbook's list of top 1o bars with free snacks. And although I wasn't breaking any Free Eats rules of engagement by purchasing one glass of wine in return for the freebies, it felt odd to be a paying customer for anything after so many days of leaving the wallet behind. Finding free food is much more gratifying than shelling out cash. Dell'anima 8th ave & Jane St.-4:00pm

Free Eats: 3 plates of braised fennel in orange, chili, and mint; marinated olives with bay leaf, black pepper and olive oil; 3 heaping plates of ceci (chickpeas) seasoned with preserved lemon and parsley and a dozen crostini

Normal Price: Dell'anima appetizers range from $5 for one bruschetta to $17 for the Fregula Sarda (gulf prawns, tomato, mint, urchin, jalapeños).

Method: Order one drink to qualify for free eats. I opted for the cheaper of the reds, Sicilian '06 Nero d'Avola at $13. Treated myself to seconds, thirds and loaded up my Ziploc with crostini for dinner. Clinton, 24-year-old bartender, threw me a sturdy take-away Tupperware for the fennel and chickpeas. Score!

Food Groups: Fruit, vegetables, Bread

Free Thoughts: I want the braised fennel recipe. Outstanding! Staff was very friendly, or was that the vino going straight to my head? Aperitivo happens Friday-Sunday from 4pm-6pm. According to Clinton, Friday is the least crowded, i.e., more food to go around. When asked what happens to the food if no one eats it, Clinton responded, "it gets put to use." As an ex-waitress, that's code for, "the staff snacks on it in the kitchen."

Free Eats tips from Dell'anima staff & customers:

Saar (finance guy with an affinity for Magnums and European business trips):

Grillachef.com not only gives free cooking advice and recipe handouts outside the 10th ave entrance of Chelsea Market, but free samples to too. Friday's special: Mediterranean tuna salad. Check them out from Thurs-Sat.

Clinton (Dell'Anima bartender):

Free olives and other small Spanish samples at Despaña on Broome St (between Centre St & Cleveland Pl). Part gourmet shop, part tapas and sandwich bar, no waiter service. Yelp reviewers confirm the freebies.

Free Eats Day 5: You can bank on snacks...

...at TD Bank. I hear they even have treats for your pets. On Day 5, only lollypops at Times Square location.

Free Eats Day 5: Tricks and Tips

I see a Midtown road trip in my future. Check out Jeremy's comprehensive free lunch plan.

This midtown tip was also sent to me from John C. via Facebook:
Head to the Amish Market on 9th Ave b/w 45th and 46th. There's an olive bar in the back - unlimited free samples (and nobody watching). The aisle all the way to the right has hummus, dips, olive oils, etc. all for the tasting...with bread! The butcher's counter (left side of store) usually has prosciuto or jamon serrano samples. They also have a bakery and pizza counter. It's pretty much heaven!

Sounds like there's a good possibility of dumps for lunch in Flushing tomorrow, although I may try recreating the experience in C-town.
Oh, if you're also looking for more free samples and are in the mood for Asian, check out some of the Asian stores in Flushing on the weekends. Samples of dumplings, soups, soy milks, noodles, etc. Definitely check out the large Assi Plaza (Koran Market) and Hong Kong Market.

Caryn at 89th and Broke knows her stuff. This tip came from her yesterday:
Oh, and if you go to the Chocolate Bar in Henri Bendel, you can get a free brownie from 3p.m. - 8 p.m. every Monday through Thursday this month. Just say the word “Bailout”.

Midtown Lunch tip off:
She could also get a whole free brownie at Certe (on 55th btw. 5+6th) if she has a business card.

Send me your free eats pix and tips!!

Free Eats Day 4: Bleecker Street Tastes Great

Follow this Free Eats Bleecker Street walking tour and be treated to dark chocolate, nuts, cheese, gelato and Italian cured meats.

GROM Bleecker St. & 6th ave - 3:30pm
Free Eats: 1 spoonful of Ciocolato all'arancia (flavor of the month) and 1 spoonful of nocciola.
Method: Sample and run (loosely based off high school ring and run habit...mom always said it was just a phase)
Food Groups: Sugar Sugar...ohh honey honey
Free Thoughts: GROM vs. l'Arte del Gelato...ding ding ding. Round one: NOCCIOLA
Yesterday's nocciola sample at l'Arte del Gelato was double the size of today's GROM spoonful. Flavorwise, point also goes to Arte del Gelato. Price favors ADG, too...it's a landslide.

Murray's Cheese Bleecker btwn 6th and 7th - 3:35pm
Free Eats: 4 small chunks of Le Gruyere and 4 bites of Emmentaler
Normal Price: Too busy sampling to notice
Method: Played the lactose intolerance card, i.e., if I eat anything bigger than a free sample, I won't be feeling so hot.
Food Groups: Straight up dairy
Free Thoughts: I never miss a chance to take a lap around Murray's. It's a New York fixture and the staff is great. Check back frequently for Pâté and dark chocolate hander-outers.

Faicco's Pork Store Bleecker St (next to Murray's) - 3:35pm
Free Eats: Thinly-sliced soprasatta (two hot and two sweet)
Method: Ask the butcher for a taste
Food Groups: Protein
Free thoughts: My best free eat to date. Sliced on the spot, packed with freshness and flavor. Faicco's has some of the freshest soprasatta and sausages in Manhattan and is a festive place to stock up on all Italian essentials.

Pure Dark Bleecker St. btwn W. 10th & Charles -4:00pm
Free Eats: 1 cup Striking Slab 57% dark chocolate with roasted caramalized nibs, 1 raspberry acai chocolate piece, 1 cup of Subtle Slab, cherry, cashew and cranberry mix, 5 cups of water
Normal Price: Chocolate is $2.75/oz
Method: Free Samples
Food Groups: Fruit, Legumes
Free Thoughts: Delicious atmosphere and high-quality products. The young staff is highly knowledgable and encourage you to sit and enjoy their abundant free samples in the back lounge area. A most zen free eats den. After over-dooing it on the GG olives and scarfing down spicy soprasatta their ice cold water cooler was a lucky find.