The Meat Packing District has been a popular nightspot for awhile now but popularity during the daytime hours is certainly on the rise. With the Gansevoort Hotel in the heart of the MPD and the opening of the Apple Store on 14th Street, its no wonder this area is thriving during the daylight hours as well as at night. The meat industry has been overshadowed in recent years by the trendy bars, restaurants, and retails stores that have emerged in the loft style buildings that dominate the area. I was a frequent visitor to the district when I lived in the city, eating or socializing at many of the great places like One, Vento, Son Cubano, Gaslight, Highline, just to name a few favorites. But Saturday afternoon, Darren and I swung by the meat packing district and there was a whole different feel. We walked the cobblestone streets, browsing through the Chelsea Market and all the great shops including bakeries, delis and seafood markets. The market is certainly worth a walk through if you are in the area. You won’t be disappointed.

While walking around the area, we stopped in at The Diner on the corner of 14street and 9th avenue for an improptu brunch with our friend Jill. The restaurant which is open most of the day and night was busy but there wasn’t the usual line out the door. Their menu is filled with yummy choices for breakfast or lunch including omelettes, pancakes, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches and their lunch menu consists of some comfort food like mac n’ cheese, sliders or grilled cheese. While this restaurant is mainly geared toward adults, they do a nice job of serving up kid friendly food too. Every dish that came out from the kitchen looked fabulous and the portions were very generous. The prices were quite reasonable too. We all had eggs served up in a variety of ways and were very pleased.

The Diner isn’t the only place for breakfast/lunch in the area. Stop in at any of the trendy night spots like Pastis, One, Son Cubano, Vento and you will find the place alive with visitors and locals who are exploring the day life in this area. After a great meal, be sure to browse in Scoop or Jeffrey or any of the other trendy boutiques and check out the latest fashions. The meat packing district isn’t just nightlife anymore.