The making of Hudson Yards’ Spanish market: Meet the team behind Mercado Little Spain

Hudson Yards, the newest neighborhood in New York City, is a hub for luxury living, dining, and shopping. One of the most exciting attractions in Hudson Yards is Mercado Little Spain, a massive Spanish market that spans over 35,000 square feet and features some of the best food, wine, and culture from Spain. In this article, we’ll explore the making of Mercado Little Spain and meet the team behind this exciting new addition to Hudson Yards.

Origins of Mercado Little Spain

Mercado Little Spain was born out of a collaboration between renowned Spanish chef José Andrés and the Related Companies, the developers of Hudson Yards. Andrés, who is known for his innovative cooking and philanthropic work, wanted to create a space where people could come together and experience the best of Spanish culture and cuisine.

The Team

The team behind Mercado Little Spain is a group of talented chefs, designers, and artisans who share Andrés’ vision for a vibrant, immersive Spanish market. Some of the key members of the team include:

1. José Andrés: As the founder and head chef of ThinkFoodGroup, Andrés has been at the forefront of the culinary world for over two decades. He has received numerous awards for his cooking and humanitarian work, and has been a driving force behind the Spanish food revolution in the United States.
2. Ferran Adrià: Adrià, who is often considered one of the best chefs in the world, is a culinary advisor for Mercado Little Spain. He is known for his avant-garde approach to cooking and his work at the famous El Bulli restaurant in Spain.
3. Juli Capella: Capella is the lead designer for Mercado Little Spain, responsible for creating the vibrant, immersive environment that transports visitors to the streets of Spain. He is known for his innovative work in architecture and design, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and Architectural Digest.
4. Albert Adrià: Adrià, who is Ferran’s brother, is the head pastry chef for Mercado Little Spain. He is known for his creative and innovative approach to pastry and dessert, and has been named the world’s best pastry chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

The Experience

Mercado Little Spain offers a fully immersive experience that celebrates the best of Spanish culture and cuisine. The market features three full-service restaurants, 15 food kiosks, and two bars, as well as a retail space where visitors can purchase Spanish wines, olive oils, and other products.

One of the most unique features of Mercado Little Spain is its attention to detail. From the hand-painted tiles to the authentic Spanish ingredients, every aspect of the market is designed to transport visitors to the streets of Spain.