Little Ireland, Little Italy, and Chinatown History and Tasting Tour

There's no better place to be on March 1. That's because during this time, fresh on the heels of Chinatown's New Year celebration, the Lower East Side also celebrates Little Ireland's Irish heritage to honor St Patrick's Day, and Little Italy's devotion to St Joseph Day (also in March).  And what better way to enjoy a neighborhood tour than to take bite out of it as well -- YUM!! We'll explore sites associated with the tribulations and triumphs of the American immigrant, and along the way, sample some of Chinatown and Little Italy's ethnic specialties.  We'll start in the former Little Ireland, with stops at Printers Row, The Tweed Courthouse, and the once notorious Five Points. Then off to Chinatown and Little Italy with stops at the Church of the Transfiguration; Confucius Plaza; the residence of Dr. Sun-Yat-sen; Mare Chiaro; Mulberry and Mott Streets; sites associated with Frank Sinatra and Enrico Caruso; and a spot for St Joseph's pastry. There is only one time a year that Little Italy prepares pastry in honor of the saint — and this is it! 

Please note the cost outlined here is just for the tour itself. Cost for food tasting portion is additional and out of pocket on the day of the tour. Stops will be made at food establishments, but you only pay for the food you wish to buy, if anything. Traditional stops are made for spring roll, dumpling, pizza and Italian pastry. Most food stops are CASH ONLY establishments, so please bring cash. Also note that each establishment may come into contact with peanut and nut oils, so please keep in mind when making your food orders.

2:00pm tour. $30 per person. Advance reservations required by Thursday, February 27th at which time they are considered final sale.

The group will meet at the statue of Ben Franklin at the corner of Spruce Street and Park Row in Lower Manhattan. The statue is in front of Pace University entrance and to the right of the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge. Closest subway:  4,5,6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Station