food shops

Perhaps the Lower East Side's most revered food institution, appetizing store Russ & Daughters has been in business since 1914. Today a new generation of the Russ family sells a wide variety of smoked salmon, sturgeon, herring, sable, etc....

Chocolate covered bacon! Need we say more? Roni Sue Kave creates a wide range of interesting chocolate-based morsels in her shop at the Essex Street Market. 120 Essex Street, near Delancey 212-260-0421 Hours 11am-7pm Web site

Mark Bello says he can teach anyone how to make perfect pizzas at home, from scratch. Individuals can attend regularly scheduled pizza workshops or you can book a private event for a group (of up to 16 people). The...

The only kosher pickle store in the former "pickle district," Alan Kaufman's small shop has it all: new pickles, sour, half sour -- plus picked tomatoes, olives, peppers, mushrooms, etc. You can pick up a snack to much on...

Kossar's is the oldest bialy bakery in this country -- in business since 1934.  Closed for Shabbas, the shop opens after sunset on Saturdays to catch up -- and keeps the ovens running late into the night. No charge...

They come from far and wide to sample Mark Israel's delicious artisinal doughnuts. But how to choose? Creme brulee? Tres leches? The blackout?  Oh just order one of each. 379 Grand Street, at Essex 212-505-3700 Hours Tue-Sun, 6:30am-7pm (or when sold out);...

This vegan bakery is famous worldwide for its moist cupcakes and other baked goods. 248 Broome, near Ludlow 212-677-5047 Hours Sun-Mon, 10am-8pm; Tue-Thu, 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-11pm Web site

There's always lots of kvetching about Yonah Schimmel, "not what it used to be."  But they're still doing what they've done since 1910 -- churning out soft, handmade knishes -- 14 varieties to suit every taste. 137 East Houston, near...

Magnolia Bakery alums Debbie Weiner and Peggy Williams run this laid back cupcake cafe on Rivington Street. The pistachio and red velvet varieties are our personal favorites. Cupcakes cost $1.50 each. 126 Rivington, near Essex 212-995-1960 Web site

Cusine: CoffeeAddress: 221 East Broadway (at Clinton)/mapPhone: 212-876-8065 Hours:  Mon-Sun; 7 a.m.-4 p.m.Menu/web siteReservations: n/aDelivery: yes Jamie Rogers and Lisa Fischoff run this community-oriented coffee shop on East Broadway.  They serve Stumptown Coffee, a selection of baked goods (many...