After their blockbuster debut last Saturday, the Hester Street Fair was settling in to the neighborhood today. There was a steady stream of shoppers coming through the front gate – but nothing like last weekend’s crush of humanity. Lots of new vendors today. I followed my nose to the aromatic spice and tea merchant, pictured above. That’s Bruno – who along with his cousin Francois – has been selling exotic spices at New York fairs and festivals for three years.
Oraganizer SuChin Pak was thrilled to have found them at a market on the Upper West Side. The business started in Italy a century ago, and was based in France for many years. They don’t have a brick and mortar store, a web site or a Facebook account. When one Fair-goer asked where he could find them in the future, Bruno shrugged, “I’m here right now!”
Coming up tomorrow, there will be a tarot card reader… empanadas and Sigmund Pretzels returns. The Fair will be open from 10-6. High temp: 87!
