EXPLORING NYC’S HISTORIC MEATPACKING DISTRICT
with Jacquie Ottman, “The Meatpacking Lady”
A native New Yorker and fifth generation member of the Ottman family, I have been experiencing the historic meatpacking district since my summers working there as a teen in 1968. I am forever indebted to my late father, Jack Ottman, for sharing so much about our family’s storied meat purveying firm which traces its roots to its first butcher shop in the Fulton Market in 1850. Having migrated to what is now the historic meatpacking district (originally named the West Washington Market) in 1918, Ottman & Company went on to serve NYC’s best hotels and restaurants, and pioneered many technological innovations still used in our kitchens today. I am pride of this history, and I tell our story passionately.
Today, via my book, talks and in-person guided walking tours, I share the intertwined history of New York City’s meatpacking district — an area that embodies 400 years of NYC history — and my family’s firm. All amply illustrated by rare, archived images and numerous anecdotes passed down from five generations of family members.
I look forward to meeting you online or in the historic Meatpacking District Scroll down to learn more, and sign up for an upcoming walk or talk.
—Jacquie Ottman, The Meatpacking Lady
Images of NYC’S Historic Meatpacking District by Klaus-Peter Statz (2022)
R & L Restaurant, later Florent, New York’s Historic Meatpacking District, July 9, 2022 Image: Klaus-Peter Statz
Pastis Restaurant, 52 Gansevoort Street, New York’s Historic Meatpacking District, July 9, 2022 Image: Klaus-Peter Statz
Arts & Crafts Building located at 2 Ninth Avenue in New York’s Historic Meatpacking District. Built in 1913 by William Vincent Astor. Image: Klaus-Peter Statz
Jacquie Ottman leading a tour of New York’s historic meatpacking district, July 9 2022 Image: Klaus-Peter Statz
Our walking tours end with a spectacular view: this one, from Pier 57, after our Sept 13 2022 Evening Stroll Image: James Russiello
BOOK a Private Online Talk or In-person Guided Walking Tour of NYC’s Historic Meatpacking District
Some of the groups who have enjoyed my walking tours or talks include: The New York Women’s Culinary Alliance, The National Arts Club, Historic Districts Council, Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor, New York Adventure Club, Village Preservation, Archivists Round Table of New York, Guides Association of New York City, Docents of the High Line, Municipal Arts Society, Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York, Friends of the Upper East Side and Good Neighbors of Park Slope.
LINK HERE TO CONTACT Jacquie Ottman, “The Meatpacking Lady”
UPCOMING WALKS AND TALKS:
“Exploring NYC’s Historic Meatpacking District.” Evening Stroll. July 15, 2025 Private Event for Cornell Club.
“Exploring NYC’s Historic Meatpacking District.” Open House New York Weekend. FREE. Friday, Saturday, Sunday October 17 – 19, 11 am – 12:30 pm. Sign up on the mailing list and LEARN MORE
WHAT PEOPLE SAY about Jacquie Ottman’s Talks and Walks of NYC’s Historic Meatpacking District
“Great insider’s perspective on a piece of NYC history that was both personal and told a broader story…photographs brought the history of the meatpacking district to life.”
Jacquie Ottman and friends take in a breathtaking view of the historic Meatpacking District, Sept 10, 2022
“What a story! So interesting, the entire history of the company and evolution of the area. Loved the old pictures. So personal yet also really universal and totally relatable.”
“I enjoyed… learning not only about your family history, but heck, NYC history as well!! What a fascinating story. It’s always easy to see when people are passionate about what they’re doing – and Jacquie’s one great example of that.”
“The history of a family, a business, a neighborhood and a city all rolled into one!“
READ Jacquie Ottman’s book, Ottman & Company: Meatpacking District Pioneers, now available at Amazon in paperback and e-book
Ottman & Company: Meatpacking District Pioneers book by Jacquelyn Ottman
LISTEN TO Jacquie Ottman Talking about the Intertwined 400-year History of NYC, the Meatpacking District and Ottman & Company
READ “Memories from Ottman & Company, Pioneering Meatpacking District Meat Purveyor”, Untapped New York, May 27, 2022
READ “Preserving the Meatpacking District by Telling Its Stories”, by Jacquelyn Ottman for Chelsea News, October 28, 2022
WATCH A FUN VIDEO of Jacquie Ottman and food historian Andrew Coletti recreating the recipe for the Salisburger, one of Ottman & Company’s most popular items. LINK HERE
Tiktok Video of Jacquie Ottman recreating the Salisburger, one of Ottman & Co’s most popular items