You might like to peruse the following store, and eat at the following restaurant, which is my favorite in all of Manhattan. (The restaurant only takes cash.)

ABC Carpet & Home (http://www.abchome.com/) (There is a very nice lunch place contained within - a French cheese and bread and dessert and sandwich place.)

Via Emilia (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7087455/new_york_ny/via_emilia.html)