Best rye bread in Manhattan?

[sarahf]

Hi Chow!

I'm sort of a new transplant to Manhattan--I moved here in June, but being a medical intern at one of our city's fine hospitals, it seems like I've barely been outside in the past ten months.

I'm going home to visit my parents soon. They asked only that I bring back some rye bread. Boring, no? So I hoped you pros might be able to recommend the BEST around. I appreciate any and all ideas!

Thanks so much,
Sarah

[apples]

Believe it or not I think Zaro's has a great one. They havea location in Grand Central Station and I am sure a few other spots across NYC.

[penthouse pup]

In the East Village, Moishe's, 2nd Ave and 7th Street makes two kinds (the corn rye is unusual); East Village Butcher at 2nd Ave and 10 th Street has all kinds of packaged rye from a small bakery in Queens specializing in Eastern European kinds of breads. The Union Square market has several bread makers, one with an excellent German rye (I can't recall which stand.) Orwashers uptown on the East Side makes excellent rye. Citarella carries several kinds of well-made rye breads.