Hidden Gems

In NYC there are hundreds of hidden gems amongst the millions of stores that make up this huge city. Sometimes all you need to do is look in your own backyard and you will find them. Yesterday, I found 3 great stores all within walking distance of my office. One of them I found on my way to another gem that a co-worker told me about. And the other, Herbelicious stumbled into on his way back to our office from Macy’s.

Carrie (yes all gay boys have a friend name Carrie- just like Sex in the City), Herbelicious, and I happened upon the 5th Avenue Chocolatiere while on our way to the Amish Market.
Ironically (like rain on your wedding day) 5th Avenue Chocolatiere is NOT on 5th Avenue, but rather is on 3rd Avenue between East 43rd and 44th Street. It’s a 30 year-old family owned shop that sells chocolates, truffles, fudge, and the usual goodies, as well as Ice Cream (that looks homemade).
But what I like about this shop is that they sell chocolate in almost every shape you can imagine. They have over 6000 chocolate molds--the largest collection in the country, and each piece of chocolate is handmade and completely solid. Because of their selection, you don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day or Easter to get chocolate in fun shapes, you can have them for any occasion (I sound like a commercial). Carrie, Herbelicious, and I had a fun time visiting this tiny shop. We were immediately greeted with a free sample of the most delectable truffles you have ever tasted. A one inch cube of chocolaty heaven that just melts in your mouth. After the free sample, we browsed the wondrous chocolate creations. They have stiletto shoes, telephones,
cell phones, animals, dogs, cats, and even dinosaurs; office supplies, cars, sports balls and statues, you name it, I’m sure they can make it. Everything ranges between $16 to $25 (some things a little more). Is this making your mouth water for chocolate? I’m eating a piece right now! You only need 10 minutes out of your busy day to enjoy this sweet spot.


The Amish Market is a small chain of stores in NYC (5 in all), where we headed for lunch after eating sweets at the Chocolatiere. One of them is tucked away on East 45th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.

They sell a variety of organic fresh fruit and produce, and imported coffees and pastries.
We haven’t quite figured out what makes this the “Amish” market, but we love it. Carrie and Herbelicious especially love the selection of imported cheeses. I’m lactose intolerant, so cheese is boring to me.
They have two aisles decorated with flags from different countries with their perspective cheeses below them. Herbelicious practically got moist over the goat cheese.
There is also an olive bar, where you are welcome to have samples, as long as you obey the sign and not stick your dirty fingers into the bins, but rather to use the spoons.

A variety of imported and hard to find products from all over the world can also be found. Herbelicious picked up some “Blood Sugar Friendly” granola while I was intrigued by the “popcorn you can pop off the cob”.

They also sell fresh pastas and ravioli (yum!).

Their food bars are amazingly diverse. On their hot bar they have everything from chicken teriyaki (yum!) to corned beef and cabbage. On their cold bar- buckwheat noodles (soba), seaweed salad, guacamole, and couscous. They even have handmade pizzas and breads that can be made into sandwiches.

Even more delectable than the food are the hot boys who work there, and the hot men in suits dining there for lunch! Eye candy everywhere!



The Last little gem is the Cosmetic Market on 37th street between Madison and 5th Avenue. It is a drag queen’s wet dream! Cosmetics galore, with brand names like Clinique, being sold for well below normal cost. They also carry a variety of stationary, and odds and ends. Lipsticks and make-up line the aisles in a rainbow of colors. Herbelicious and I found our favorite colognes there for only $19.99 (Kenneth Cole Reaction and Kenneth Cole Black- don't go wearing these colognes boys, they are OUR scents!) which would usually cost $59! For you gay boys worried about wrinkles, all of L’Oreal’s Men’s skin care line and Clinique starting at $5.99! and for people like Herbelicious (who love their hair)—Salon Shampoos and styling products starting at $2.99! There I go sounding like a commercial again.

You know, you could create awesome (and Cheap) gift baskets just from these 3 stores alone. What fashionista, woman, or gay boy wouldn't appreciate great food, fine chocolate, and cosmetics? I know I wouldn't mind. These are the quaint kind of stores that make shopping in NYC so much more exciting than any where else.