Looking for something very NY centric to send to co-workers in other states. Ideas?

[vvv03]

I have a few people I manage in other states and I'd like to send them something for the holidays that you can only get in NYC. I will pass on bagels and Junior's cheesecake is also cliche, but do you happen to have any other ideas? I saw someone on another thread mention a place called Kee's Chocolates. Maybe something there? what's great there if that's a good idea? Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!

[Chuck Lawrence]

Babka from Russ and Daughters, you won't get that outside of NYC. They have lots of other delicious treats like chocolate covered orange peel, rugelach, dried fruit, etc. They'll ship.

[LeahBaila]

William Greenberg Desserts makes the best 'black and white' cookies in the city, IMO. You can order them here: http://wmgreenbergdesserts.com/STORE/...

[MRS]

Elenis cookies makes NYC cookie sets that are really adorable and depict all sorts of NY things. You should check it out. I've sent them to out-of-towners who really got a kick out of them.

[Anne]

I grew up in NYC, but now live in the Midwest. The ONE food I miss most, and most associate with NY, is the knish. Specifically, the square, potato-filled ones sold at the street carts. Gabila's will ship---you'll want the "Coney Island Square" knish, although I'm sure the others are good, also.
http://gabilas.com/

[Motosport]

I am sure Katz's will ship out a care package of Salami, Knish's and Pastrami!!

[valerie]

Not sure if it's only in the NY area but I just bought Gabila's knishes at Costco.

[Anne]

Pretty sure it's only in the NY area. My Mom in Queens gets them from her local supermarket when I'm coming to visit. :) However, I live in IL, and no one here even knows what a knish is!

[Motosport]

How about bialys? When you get away from the East Coast most people have never tried a good bialy. I reccomend Kossar's as the best in town!!

[downtownchica]

I know you said no bagels, but the Russ & Daughter options offer way more than that: http://shop.russanddaughters.com/stor...

[thegforceny]

Just reading this - full of unique ideas:

http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2012/1...

[imthemole]

Check out the Made in NY site for local artisans. All sorts of stuff.

http://www.holiday.madeinnyc.org/

[barberinibee]

Another vote for black and white cookies. As a gift, I would prefer getting the mini black-and-whites instead of the huge discs.

That said, I no longer live in NYC and the only unique item I ever look forward to eating when I am visiting, simply because I have never found them anywhere else, is Choward's Violet "mints". I adore the floral taste and I associate them with underground NYC subway kiosks. I even love the retro violet foil wrapping and lettering.

http://www.chowardcompany.com/mm5/mer...

But they might make a very puzzling gift, so I would go with the black-and-whites.

[Barcelonian]

Levain cookies - yum

[BonVivantNYC]

Agree with Zabar's. Chelsea Market also has some great NY-themed baskets.

[Cookbug]

Zabar's has some fabulous gift baskets filled with all sorts of yummy, NY centric things.

[iluvcookies]

Salami from Katz's travels very well.
Zabar's has many gift basket options... lots more than just bagels.

[foodieX2]

"Send a salami to your boy in Army". I know many people think Katz has gone down hill but I still love that place.

[kathryn]

Kee's doesn't ship and her chocolates are fragile. Some even need to get eaten within 24 hours.

I would do black and white cookies, Mast Bros chocolate, Momofuku Milk Bar cookies. See also:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/858472