Ana Inciardi, an artist who hails from Brooklyn, has been installing print vending machines across the country for the last three years. A machine recently opened at Artists & Fleas in Chelsea market, a perfect location for the Italian American artist who celebrates food, community, eating, and accessibility. We knew we had to take a visit! Usually, the Friday photo gives us a chance to appreciate art displays, but this week we got to take the art home with us. All you need is four quarters to get a surprise print. Inciardi said the inspiration for the machines came from a sticker and temporary tattoo vending machine at the supermarket where she grew up. One week when she was short on quarters for the laundromat, she realized she could use the format of those childhood vending machines but put a twist on them, filling the machines with her prints to make art accessible for people across New York. The idea has been a massive success, and now her linocut prints can be found across the country. We were excited to bring home our New York themed images of a hot dog, ice cream, bagel, and Italian spritz, some of the best treats for a New York summer day!

As long-time employees of Daryanani & Bland, we have both visited the nearby Chelsea Market (on 9th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets) many, many times. It's quite a busy spot, however, and tourists swarm with good reason—Chelsea Market boasts over thirty-five vendors; the High Line is right outside; and there are sample sales going on all the time (something that’s proven to be an unfortunate blow to our savings account).

While we are very excited to hear about new lunch options in our neighborhood (hello, Gansevoort Market!), we set out one week to review some of the lunch spots of Chelsea Market (including vegetarian options). Our comments are geared toward the busy (and budgeting) work person—you’ll find no discussion of ambiance or mood here, but rather about what tastes good, what’s cheap, and when best to beat the crowds (even though really, you can’t).