Grand Central Market favorites: Which ones would you save?

Within minutes of the news breaking that Grand Central Market was going to be undergoing a major face lift, our own Jonathan Gold tweeted: “If they touch Roast to Go, I’ll be down there with a machete.” As someone who has been eating and shopping at the market for more than 20 years, I know the feeling -- and I’m sure many of you Daily Dish readers do too.

As much as we embrace the idea of the downtown landmark getting a general upgrade, there are some spots we regard as next to holy. Walking through the market Thursday morning, I made a checklist of my “Don’t Even Think About Touching These” spots.

Of course, Roast to Go is on my list (love their gorditas, and besides, who am I to argue with Mr. Gold?). But for me, Tacos Tumbras a Tomas is at the top (tacos a trompas FTW!). I would also fight for Sarita’s Pupuseria.

I was sad to see that my favorite chile vendor – Del Rey Spanish Foods – appears to be boarded up and its phone disconnected; when did this happen? Fortunately, the stand that appears to be called Moles Chiles Secos is still going. Can you imagine the Grand Central Market without chiles?

And, of course, it would be utterly unthinkable to do away with Economy Meats. They’ve got terrific pork, and besides, you just never know when you’re going to need a whole sheep’s head.

What about you? What is on your list of Grand Central Market untouchables? Let us know and we’ll take the list to the managers.

ALSO:

Josie escapes again on ‘Top Chef’

Campo Mammoth opens at the ski resort

Gadget porn: Check out that graph on that iGrill!