Original Greenwich Village Food and Culture Tour

We enjoyed this tour very much. Lots of tasting. Lots of local history. Lots of Fun.

I went on this tour a few years back with my adult daughters and loved it so much that I insisted my husband go on it also during our recent visit to NYC. We had a great time. Very informative, great food, didn't get to spend as much time at Chumleys this time, but still a fun old "speak easy" to visit, with pictures and autographs of great old writers on the walls. Great variety of food to taste. The pizza was wonderful. Loved the chocolates at Ambrosia's. Cannoli's were to die for at the italian bakery. The cheese wasn't as good this time, but the olives were good. Bread could've been better. The meat in the pita bread was excellent - try the red sauce - VERY HOT! New cookie store - yummy! I loved the rice balls. Enjoyed hearing about all the different buildings, restaurants, their history, etc. GO ON THE TOUR - YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Being a first-time visitor to New York, I prebooked a tour to discover tastes I might not find on my own. I chose the Greenwich Village food tasting and cultural tour conducted by Food Tours of New York (www.foodsofny.com). The fantastic, three-hour, small-group tour weaved its way through America's most famous Bohemian neighbourhood and our knowledgeable guide enlightened us on the area's rich history and distinct architecture. We stopped at fine food shops and sampled a different treat at each place, such as cannoli at Rocco's Pastries, a tubular-shaped pastry stuffed with sweetened ricotta; fried risotto balls at a fabulous food store called Faicco's; and Turkish-style donair at Yatagan Kebab House. One of the most interesting stops on the tour was at Chumley's, a former and famous speakeasy -- now a legitimate bar -- established in 1922. Many famous authors, such as Ernest Hemingway and T. S. Eliot, sipped cocktails there. Eric Akis, Victoria Times Colonist Food Writer

We had a great time and did things that we never would have done on our own. We saw several places that we would like to go back to. I think the tour guide should spend a little time aquanting the group with each other. This should be done at the start of the tour - thus doing, everyone finds a comfort level with each other and makes for a more pleasant tour.

My husband and I went on this tour this past weekend (7/1/06) during our first visit to New York, and we had a great time. Some friends of mine had gone on the tour a few months back and had highly recommended it. Boy am I glad I listened. We had a wonderful time exploring the Village and learning about its history and varying culture. The tour guide, Marie, was very insightful -- even though she had only been conducting these tours for a couple of weeks. She showed us things and places that a mere tourist would never know existed. The food samplings were plentiful and delicious. We would definitely recommend this tour -- and, as a matter of fact, have already recommended it to several friends who are planning on visiting the area throughout the year.

Booked as more for the food tour than the cultural tour. However enjoyed the cultural part more than the food portion. Enjoyed the behind the scenes areas of the neighborhood that would not normally be seen by just passing by. Had newer tour guide that depended more on notes - but sure she will get more comfortable as time goes bye. Was a little disappointed with the food portion - food was good but nothing out of the ordinary.Will try the Chelsea tour next visit to New York.

Kurt was an excellent tour guide - knowledgeable about the architecture, culture and history of the Village in addition to the foods we sampled. Better than the Chelsea tour - we spanned the Village and learnt a lot more about New York. Great foods selection - left full and happy!

Our tour guide was rather new, so she didn't have as much experience in Greenwich as I would have liked, but she was hard working. Food was great!

We had a beautiful day and the tour was everything we hoped it would be. It gave us a mini tour of Greenwich Village as well as introduced us to many of the restaurants. The "tastes" were fun and varied, and several other restaurants were also highlighted for future reference. We enjoyed the history and architecture side of the tour. It was just a special afternoon.

I enjoyed the tour very much. However, because it is a 3 hour tour, I would recommend a designated bathroom break at one of the locations. When I asked where to go, our tour guide suggested that I go to the next place (Rocco's bakery), and they would catch up. Apparently, the guide came into Rocco's for a very brief stop to pick up tarts and the group didn't stay long at all. I got left behind, and it took me about 15 minutes before I could track the group down. I didn't take very long at Rocco's either. Other than that mishap, I thought it was great. In the write up, you might want to mention that it is a food tour with local history of the area thrown in.