Lines of people anxiously awaiting their Piggies.

Story by: Nikki Pepper, Edited by: Michaela Guzy

A beautiful spring day in New York City means one thing: everyone is outside. Little ones in strollers, couples on park benches and lots of dogs! It’s the haven between frigid winters on slippery, snow-covered sidewalks and suffocating summer subways. So when 70 degrees and sun appear, New Yorkers flock to the streets, parks and bridges to people-watch, sunbathe, walk…and eat. Smorgasburg in DUMBO, Brooklyn is wedged between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Ahe market features dozens of vendors and is set up in an old tobacco warehouse.

I walked through the brick archway and was immediately greeted by one of my favorites: People’s Pops. I tried the peach yogurt pop– featuring fresh fruit and a mild flavor for $3.50 USD. My top recommendation is the sweet blueberry peach flavor. Try for yourself at the Highline, Park Slope or East Village locations.

Peach yogurt People’s Pop.

Then came the Schnitzel. Schnitz‘s Schnitzel was a savory experience on pretzel bread. The thinly sliced chicken was lightly breaded and fried to a delicate crisp, but what really made this schnitzel standout was the spicy mustard sauce.

Schnitzel on my picnic blanket.

Pizza Moto was worth checking out just for its set-up: a mobile pizza oven. Talk about food on the go! I watched them knead the dough, add sauce and fresh mozzarella, and slide right into the oven. The drizzle of olive oil they add after baking is the perfect touch. For $10.00 USD you get a whole pie, which is large enough to share, especially after Schnitzel and a pop! A Red Hook, Brooklyn location is coming, but until then, food markets are the only way to experience a Pizza Moto pizza.

Pizza Moto in action.

When I picked up my pizza I couldn’t help but buy a garlic dill pickle for only $1 USD at McClure’s Pickles! Delicious- juicy, flavorful and not too heavy on the garlic. McClure’s Pickles are no Brooklyn secret. You can pick some up at retailers over 30 states, including Whole Foods and Williams Sonoma.

Small batch marmalade. Credit: Anarchy in a Jar.

I wanted to end my food market adventure just how I started it: with something sweet. I walked right up to Anarchy in a Jar and sampled two of their small-batch specialties: a blueberry preserve and triple berry jam. Both were fresh and not-too-sweet, with a rich fruit flavor.

If you’re mouth is watering, don’t panic; Smorgasburg takes place every Saturday in Williamsburg and every Sunday in DUMBO, Brooklyn.