Reported for the Flatiron Hot! News by Katherine Jin; edited by Tod Shapiro and Julie Kaplan

Embedded in the heart of the Flatiron District and just a block away from NYCSCC is the highly anticipated bi-annual popup food market, Madison Square Eats. Now in its tenth year, the event brings some of New York’s most popular restaurants and well-respected chefs into one of Manhattan’s most bustling areas and draws flocks of hungry neighborhood residents, workers, and tourists. This year’s outstanding lineup features newcomers like Burger & Lobster, CousCous and Top Hops Beer Shop, as well as old favorites like Gotham Poke, Mr Bing, and Roberta’s. Savor doughy Russian dumplings at Daa! Dumplings, build your own Korean and Mexican wraps, rice bowls, and salads with Korilla, or satisfy your sweet tooth with Ice and Vice’s exclusive ice cream flavors. With 25 vendors covering a diverse palate, there is truly something for everyone.

My first time visiting was during the Tuesday lunch rush. For a market that boasts 25 vendors, it appeared rather small from the outside, and likely would not have caught my attention were it not for the bright red designs on the exterior and the hordes of people heading there. However, upon entering, the market suddenly seemed bigger and more exciting, bustling with activity and aromas.

After making a round of all the options, I decided to try the Aloha rice bowl from Gotham Poke. This signature bowl consists of a choice of protein (I picked grilled chicken teriyaki), grain

blend, house greens, napa cabbage slaw, pineapple pico de gallo, avocado crema, scallion, and white sesame. I wanted something healthy and filling, and this was right on the money with its crunchy veggies, chewy grains, well-cooked meat and delicious sauces. The pineapple was the icing on top, adding a perfect touch of refreshing sweetness. Their portion size is large compared to what I typically eat for lunch, so I ended up slightly bloated. The delectable flavors and textures were well worth it though! Gotham Poke’s menu also offers kale & quinoa salad, nachos, and customized poke bowls. As I was waiting for my order, I noticed a bowl of salmon poke being held up for an Instagram photo, and my mouth instantly began salivating. Next time I visit, I’m definitely trying the customized poke bowl with salmon!

For dessert, I picked up a two-scoop cone from Ice & Vice, a shop I’ve been dying to try for several months. They are an experimental ice cream shop offering edgy and innovative ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt flavors, and their alluring Instagram posts always leave me craving a scoop (or a few). At the market, they are offering four ice cream flavors, two ice cream pie options, and an ice cream sandwich which they lovingly call a “sammie”. I went with two of their classics, “Milk Money” with toasted milk, sea salt, and chocolate ganache; and “Basic B” with Mexican vanilla and black lava sea salt; on their birthday cake cone, and it did not disappoint! The ice cream was extremely creamy and smooth, and every lick was bursting with flavor.  I dare say that this is the best ice cream I have had to date!

The seating inside the ring of food stalls gets very crowded at lunchtime and after work, but feel free to take your food into Madison Square Park, where there are plenty of benches available, as well as a hauntingly beautiful public art instillation titled Delirious Matter. (View the blog post on the art installation here.)

Mad. Sq. Eats is located at Worth Square, a small triangle of land between 24^th and 25^th Streets at the intersection of 5^th Ave and Broadway. It runs daily until June 1^st, from 11am to 9pm. If you visit, don’t forget to snap a pic and post it on Instagram with the Hashtag #MadSqEats!

For a full list of vendors, visit urbanspacenyc.com.