No longer is the World Trade Center area considered NYCs ghost town, but instead a revival of life, gourmand presence and promise. There has been a huge increase in residents due to an influx of new eateries, mega-foodie markets and notable chef restaurants flocking to the scene. Not to mention, major media power house Condé Nast, set up shop at 1 World Trade Center.

A prominent example of revitalization is Le District – a bustling French cuisine centered marketplace offering coveted pastries, charcuterie, indigenous ingredients, and other provincial gems from the city of lights. Housed in Brookfield Place, guests can plan an all-inclusive visit by tasting Parisian delicacies, or try bites from the Blue Ribbon sushi and Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque outposts (among others) in Hudson Eats. Then treat his or herself to retail treats at Saks or better yet, DVF.

But this is just the beginning. Veterans such as the Odeon and North End Grill, are the catalysts since they have claimed stake in the area far ahead of the curve. Now names such as Mario Batali, Starr Restaurant group, April Bloomfield, and beloved Wylie Dufresne plan to get in on the action within the next 12 months. And the list keeps growing!

Anticipating more patrons, surrounding dines have changed their menus, entrées, and hours to meet the interests of the people: the Odeon added a breakfast service, newcomer Racines NY (Chambers St.) incorporated a refined lunch selection, highlighting flavorful yet light selections to attract local Condé Nast editors, and Warren 77 has recently noticed more customers during happy hour.

With a child-like hope and excitement for the near future, chefs, restaurateurs, and epicureans salivate for what’s to come. At such potential, Battery Park City explodes with life and culinary wonder. At such a time as this, it’s worth the journey and discovery to be downtown bound.