By Michelle Gross

Recently, I had the opportunity to be a guest at a taping of the Food Network show, “Emeril Live.” As you can imagine, being the foodie that I am, I was beyond excited just to have the opportunity to see my culinary idol up-close and live. Little did I know the Food Network recently moved their studios to the equivalent of food heaven: The Chelsea Market.

Don’t let the name mislead you, The Chelsea Market is by no means a grocery store. Located on Ninth Avenue, between 15th and 16th streets, the market is home to numerous food shops, bakeries and unique kitchen supply stores, as well as the new Food Network studios. While waiting to see Emeril, I contemplated how to make my way through the food Mecca. My brother was my companion on this journey and we were set on conquering.

I decided that we should start our day with a freshly made bagel from Sarabeth’s Bakery. Yes, I know it’s just a bagel and I can get those anywhere in New York, but I had the opportunity to watch them actually make it and then eat it piping hot out of the oven. For some reason, bagels just taste that much better when you know they are fresh, not to mention when they have cream cheese melting out the sides. Sarabeth’s (and yes, there really is a Sarabeth) has numerous locations of both restaurants and bakeries throughout the city. She is known for her fresh-baked pastries, muffins, breads and homemade jams. Sarabeth’s restaurants are also well known for their extensive brunch menu.

After watching Emeril, it was time for lunch and we were hungry. Emeril had the owners of the Lobster Place as guests on his show. I decided that if it was good enough for Emeril, then I should give it a try. Who am I question his judgment?

The Lobster Place is like no other fish market, selling both fresh and prepared fish to wholesale clients and hungry customers. The Lobster Place has a huge variety of sushi that is made daily in the store. This way, you know your spicy tuna roll is made only with the freshest catch of the day. However, I knew I had to go with the namesake: lobster. From fresh lobster bisque to classic New England lobster rolls, there certainly was a decision to be made. I went with the lobster salad wrap. Large pieces of cut up lobster, mixed with just the right amount of herb mayo and a squeeze of lemon wrapped in a flour tortilla definitely hit the spot.

If seafood isn’t your thing, not to worry, you won’t go hungry. There’s Thai food, Italian food, soups, salads and so much more for you to choose from for your meal. With food from any of these places, you are bound to be happy.

Now the trip would not be a success for me without checking out two bakeries I had been longing to try ever since I had heard about them. The first, Fat Witch Bakery, specializes in brownies. With eight different varieties, Fat Witch makes full sized brownies for those who have a big sweet tooth and Brownie Babies for those who are looking for a little satisfaction. The brownies are incredibly chewy and moist. The “Java Witch” is a chocolate brownie, filled with chocolate cappuccino chips and is incredibly addictive. If you are feeling like a brownie before noon, then try the “Breakfast Witch.” It combines oatmeal, walnuts and coffee in a brownie. Ah yes, the breakfast of champions.

The last stop on my adventure was Eleni’s. Eleni’s specializes in hand-painted cookies and buttercream topped cupcakes. Their cookies come in every shape, size and color imaginable from handbags to fruit to a special edition Breast Cancer Awareness cookie. I decided to try one of the 18 combinations of cupcakes they offer. Each is named after a different street in New York City. I went with the “Horatio”- a chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting and sprinkles. The smell of the frosting through the bag was enough to make me happy, so you can only imagine how the rest of it tasted! I think my brother summed it up best when he asked, “Michelle, are you going to eat the bag too?”

I can’t help it, I have a special place in my heart for cupcakes; they are such a happy food.

For me, “Emeril Live” would have been a thrilling experience on it’s own, but let’s face it, the smells, sounds, and certainly the tastes of the Chelsea Market topped my day. The Chelsea Market is located at 75 Ninth Ave. in Manhattan. The Web site is www.chelseamarket.com.