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Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
Tickets must be purchased in advance as tours sell out ahead of time. To maximize your chances of snagging the date, time, and number of tickets you want, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, AMEX, or Mastercard from this site or over the phone. Cash is accepted on-site with prior arrangements. top
If a tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
We do not provide a waiting list. If a date is sold out, there is always a chance that we will add an additional tour. Please contact us to let us know what date you are interested in. top
Why do we taste Hell's Kitchen?
Rum & Blackbird founder Moira Campbell decided to lead her first guided tasting tour in Hell's Kitchen, her own bustling New York neighborhood full of artisanal bakeries, delis, barbecue joints, and taquerias. Over a span of five years, Moira has fallen head-over-heels in love with New York City and adores Hell’s Kitchen. Its gritty western avenues and crowded restaurant blocks keep her on the streets, seeking out delicious food in unlikely places. top
Is this tour associated with the show Hell’s Kitchen with Chef Gordon Ramsay?
Sorry tasters, you wont be yelled at by Chef Gordon Ramsay on this tour. top
Is the tour close to other attractions in New York City?
The Hell’s Kitchen tour is in walking distance to Times Square, Lincoln Center, Broadway theaters, Central Park, the Intrepid Museum, Rockefeller Center, The Fashion District, and Herald Square. top
Can I shop on the tour?
We ask that you return to shops after the tour so that we can stay on schedule. top
How much food is served on the tour?
There are seven tasting courses on the tour. Enough food is served that most people feel very satiated and lunch is not necessary. Make sure to leave room in your tummy by not eating too much before. top
What types of foods are served on the tour?
Tasters sample Druse cuisine from Israel, Italian biscotti, Asian sandwiches, creamy milkshakes, Greek pastries, Mexican tacos, and Latin American specialties. Food-tasting locations can change without notice. top
What establishments will we taste on the tour?
Xie Xie, Poseidon Bakery, Empanada Mama, La Rosita, Biscotti Di Vecchio, and Gazala Place. top
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please be sure to alert us if you or anyone in your group has a dietary restriction when purchasing your tickets. We can easily accommodate vegetarians or non-pork or beef eaters as long as we know well in advance. If we do not find out about special needs until the day of the tour, it is difficult for us to adjust the tasting in time and we ask you refrain from those particular tastings. There are some tastings on the tour that are very difficult to replace depending on what each food shop offers. Finding a substitution for a diabetic in a pastry shop can be challenging. We will always do our best to accommodate each person's needs. Please email us before booking if you would like to confirm ahead of time that your dietary restriction can be accommodated. top
I’m a picky eater, is this tour for me?
We’re picky eaters too – that’s why we choose the best Hell’s Kitchen has to offer. We don’t try outrageous things like bugs, or animal entrails and internal organs but we also don’t stick to chicken tenders and plain pasta. top
Are there any beverages served on the tour?
Water is provided during the tour and a milkshake is served on the route. You can also purchase beverages throughout the tour as desired. top
Are wine tastings included on the tour?
Currently, we do not participate in wine tasting during the tour. top
Do we only walk around and taste food?
Rum & Blackbird Tasting Tours reveal the flavor of Hell’s Kitchen through culinary exploration as well as through intriguing neighborhood tidbits: the streets teem with little-known stories of a violent past full of speakeasies, gang leaders, and dangerous mobsters. top
Where does the tour finish?
The tour does not finish at its starting point. Each participant is provided with the exact starting and ending point after completing your ticket purchase. You will also receive specific direction details and a map at the beginning of the tour. Both locations are in close proximity to the subway. top
Does the tour leader accept gratuities?
Gratuities are greatly appreciated and not included in the ticket price. Tips are usually 18-20% in New York City. top
Are tours offered only in English?
Yes, we only offer tours in English at this time. If you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour, please email us. top
How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
We are on our feet for approximately 3 hours, walking at a moderate pace for 1.8 miles. We sit down at least once during the tour, and twice during the warmer months. Please wear comfortable shoes and attire. top
What happens if it rains?
The tours are held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. You should still dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions. top
Are the tours held on holidays?
Tours do not operate on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. top
May I bring my dog on the tour?
Due to the various food establishments we visit, pets of any kind are not allowed on this tour. top
Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, both wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. top
Does this tour have anything to offer a native New Yorker?
Many of our tasters live right here in the Big Apple. Locals often attend to learn about the neighborhood and city in which they live. We mainly stay off the beaten path, avoiding crowds of tourists and revealing unknown gems of the neighborhood. top
Are gift certificates available for the tour?
Gift certificates are available for all Rum & Blackbird Tasting Tours and make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays, new comers to New York City, or any other occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, please email us. top
How is my gift certificate delivered? Can I print it out now and give it to the recipient myself?
Yes, when you purchase your gift certificate online, you will be presented immediately with your gift certificate so that you can print it out and deliver it. If you buy it over the phone, a link to your gift certificate will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is completed. top
Can the gift certificate be emailed to the recipient instead?
Yes, when you purchase your gift certificate, just select the option to have the certificate emailed directly to the recipient and provide their email address. You'll even be able to decide whether you want the email sent immediately or if you'd prefer to schedule it to be emailed on a future date. If you want to buy it today so you don't forget, we can wait to email the recipient until their special day. top
Can I book a private tour?
Yes, private tours are available. To inquire about a private tour, please send a detailed email. A Rum & Blackbird representative will contact you within 24 hours to inform you if the date and time requested is available. top
Do you offer discounts for travel agents?
The standard travel agent discount is 10% for up to 4 people. This discount is valid for travel agents who will be attending the tour, and requires the agent to provide a business card at the start of the tour. To use this discount, please email us and provide your travel agency's name and contact information. top
What about taking children on the tour?
We happily offer children’s tickets. There is a lot of standing and walking in small spaces. Please use discretion to decide if this tour is right for you and your family. top
Do I need to purchase a ticket for an infant or very young child?
If you are bringing an infant, or a child below the age of 7, and they will not be participating in the tastings, you do not need to purchase a ticket for them. Please email us to let us know if you will be attending with an infant or young child when you purchase tickets. top
Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at selected tasting locations. top
Are cameras allowed on the tour?
Yes. Cameras and filming are allowed and strongly encouraged during the tour. You may even submit them to our site if you wish. top
Is there parking nearby the tour meeting point?
There is extremely limited parking located near the meeting point. Specific parking details are included in the meeting location directions after purchasing ticket(s). top
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