This week I attended the opening party for the newly minted marketplace located at Pier 17 in lower Manhattan. More than 1,200 guests including culinary masters and influencers joined me to celebrate. The 53,000 square-foot building houses six restaurants, six fast-casual counters, four bars, a private dining room, a central grocery, pantry shops, and so much more. There were entertainers and performances at every turn - chefs on stilts, a Shamisen violinist, Japanese artists, and an opening scene of "newsies" who greeted attendees with Tin Building newspapers.
It was the party of the year at the reimagined Tin Building! Enjoy these photos.
I was so happy to attend the opening of the Tin Building by my friend, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Here we are posing for press photos taken in front of what is called a “step and repeat” – a banner printed with a repeating pattern showing the event’s hosting brand logos. (Photo from BFA)
The Tin Building is based within what was once the location for the Fulton Fish Market, which operated in this district from the mid-19th century until relocating to The Bronx in 2005. The design of the structure includes a corrugated metal façade with decorative two-story sheet metal pilasters. Chef Jean-Georges says It was one of the first places he visited when he came to New York City in 1985. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
On Wednesday, Chef Jean-Georges and The Howard Hughes Corporation marked the Tin Building’s official grand opening. This fish inspired art installation hanging from the ceiling is a nod to the building’s history. It is by Michael Murphy of Perceptual Art and features a school of fish. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
The building’s interior design by Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors takes a lot of inspiration from early 20th century New York City style. Here is the fish counter filled with the freshest foods – a raw bar, crudo, fried clams, and of course, fish and chips. This photo and several others were taken by our own Kevin Sharkey who accompanied me to the opening. Follow him on Instagram @seenbysharkey.
Tin Building showcases many different shops. This is an Asian food boutique called Mercantile East where customers can find salts, soy sauces, chile oils, teas, spices, and much more. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
This is Taquito, a taco window located upstairs at the Tin Building. Among the menu favorites – shaved beef a la plancha tacos and roasted chicken tacos. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
Hard to miss the colorful Spoiled Parrot – a pink candy store filled with artisanal chocolates, candies, and other sweets for both the young and the young at heart. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
In another corner, the T Cafe offers guests coffee and pastries. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
Seeds and Weeds is another sit-down eatery offering seasonal, vegetarian plates. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
And here is one of several cocktail bars in the Tin Building – there’s something for everyone. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
This is the Chinese restaurant House of Red Pearl, which serves a variety of regional and traditional Chinese dishes. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
And there’s T Brasserie, where customers can order steak tartare, burgers, ribs, charcuterie, or rotisserie chicken. (Photo by Nicole Franzen)
Soon after entering the marketplace, I was greeted by “newsies” holding copies of Tin Building newspapers announcing the opening. I hope you caught my photo on my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48.
And here I am with one of the chefs on stilts.
There were performers in every corner of the market. (Photo from BFA)
Back at the Mercantile, a performer hid under a lampshade – also inspired by entertainers of the 1920s and 30s. (Photo from BFA)
The music filled the space with energy and excitement. (Photo from BFA)
All the opening night bites were fantastic. Of course, I couldn’t pass up the caviar.
I stopped for a photo with celebrated fashion consultant, Fern Mallis.
And here’s a fun photo of me with Anne Dexter-Jones and Brooke Shields.
The Tin Building is an amazing culinary experience for everyone, and a great source for delicious foods and food items from around the world. Congratulations, Chef Jean-Georges. Please visit the Tin Building the next time you’re in New York City – maybe I’ll see you there! (Photo from BFA)