By Emma Barhydt
Everyone knows that New York City is a foodie place, there’s something there to eat from every culture for everyone. But when you’re coming for a day trip or vacation, or bringing someone else to NYC for the first time, it can be a little overwhelming deciding where to eat or what to show them. That’s where Tasty Tours comes in.
A unique venture that combines the love for food with the richness of history, guiding locals and tourists alike through some of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods. Founded by Ryan Watts, an Australian expat with a fervent passion for culinary exploration, Tasty Tours has quickly become a beacon for those eager to dive into the vibrant food scene of the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Greenwich Village.
Watts’ mission is simple, but packs a big punch; to showcase the culinary delights and historical narratives that paint the city’s neighborhoods with a palette of flavors and stories. By selecting small, local eateries that resonate with the spirit of their communities, Tasty Tours not only promises an unparalleled culinary experience but also supports my favorite kind of people and businesses– the ones you can’t find anywhere else.
At the core of Tasty Tours’ philosophy is a deep-seated commitment to the local community. By partnering with small restaurants known only to those who call New York home, the tours not only provide guests with an insider’s look at the city’s food scene but also support these cherished local haunts.
That’s where I came in, getting the opportunity to take Watts’ Greenwich Village Tour with one of my very best friends on a mild Sunday morning in February. From the outset, Ryan Watts demonstrated meticulous attention to detail. The confirmation email not only provided the essential meet-up information but also came equipped with an FAQ section advising on everything from attire (comfortable shoes were a must) to what essentials to bring along.
Our journey commenced outside Bagel Bob’s on University Place. There, Watts was waiting for us with a bag of mini bagels in hand, schmeared with light and airy whipped cream cheese all from Bagel Bob’s. Watts took the time to greet everyone and ask a few questions, getting to know all of his tourees. Once the last person had arrived (which wasn’t me, for once) Watts doled out the bagels and told us about the history of Bagel Bob’s, its place in Greenwich Village, and even the reason why NYC water is famously known for making the best bagels.
The bagel was a great bagel, light and fluffy, and had an almost sweet taste that made me wonder if bagel bob’s boils their bagels in honey water. The whipped cream was light and airy, it was the perfect way to start off the morning.
From there, we were treated to some of the best falafels I’ve ever had. The crunch of the exterior gave way to an interior bursting with flavor, accentuated by a tahini sauce that was both smooth and rich and was further accompanied by hot sauce so fiery, that one drop was more than enough to make my mouth numb.
Next on our gastronomic adventure was the arancini at a tucked-away traditional Italian deli. I had never had arancini before, I’d never even heard of it, but I am a fan of pretty much any carb with cheese so I was all in. Encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating, the rice and cheese concoction within melted in the mouth– this dish was an unequivocal hit.
The journey continued at Bleecker Street Pizza. I know what I just said, but even though it is a lauded combo of carbs and cheese, I’m actually not typically a pizza girlie. However, Bleecker Street Pizza is a shop I would definitely visit again. White cheese, strips of basil, and globs of tomato sauce all on a thin, perfectly crispy dough– a great slice of pizza.
The journey through flavors continued with tacos from Taco Village NY. I enjoyed a steak taco and my friend had a nopales taco, which is made of cactus! We both thought that the tacos were well cooked and well seasoned, both the tortilla and the fillings. Does this sound like a lot of food yet? Hold on because there’s still one last spot.
It was Molly’s Cupcakes that provided a sweet finale to our tour. Molly’s Cupcakes won Food Network’s first season of Cupcake Wars with their Peach Cobbler cupcake. I had the peach cobbler, I had to taste the winning cupcake, and my friend chose the carrot cake cupcake. Both were delicious! The balance of flavors and textures in each cupcake was nothing short of perfection.
The tour meandered through the village, stopping at more than just food spots. As we explored, Watts peppered the journey with historical insights, leading us to the apartment once inhabited by Mark Twain, rumored still to be haunted by the literary giant; Washington Square Park; Taylor Swift’s old apartment on Cornelia Street; the Twin Houses of Commerce Street; and even the Friends’ apartment. With a grace that felt both practiced and effortless, our exploration oscillated between the realms of culinary delight and historical discovery.
Watts’ ability to seamlessly blend the history and culture of each place we visited for food, with the culture and history of the streets around us made for an exciting and enriching day. Beyond that, Watts’ thought through the portions of what you eat on his tour so you’re getting a good mix of walking and food, with enough food so you’re full and satisfied at the end, but not too much food who you fall into a food coma after the tour.
Tasty Tours ensures that there’s something for everyone. As Tasty Tours continues to flourish, Ryan Watts’ vision of connecting people with the authentic flavors and stories of New York remains at the forefront. Tasty Tours is an invitation to experience New York City through its culinary delights, an adventure that promises to leave guests with a satisfied palate and a deeper connection to the city’s unique culture and history. It’s a journey of discovery, one bite at a time, into the very soul of New York City.
