Truffle Smell Deters Buyers of West Side Condominium

The New York Times reported Monday that for the current and future residents of luxury building 10 West End Avenue, the stench of the store located in the base of the building has become too much.

The odor isn't typically regarded as offensive, however in mass quantities it has overwhelmed the lobby and individual condos. What is it you may ask?

Truffles. The mysterious, earthy addition to pastas or sauces, that ordinarily is associated with fine dining and luxury, has become oppressive for these uptown residents.

Christine Haughney of the New York Times reports:

"It's just overwhelming to me," said Rosalind Rodburg, who added that the lobby smell was so off-putting that it had prevented her from selling her $1.8 million apartment 21 stories above. "There's no reason for my apartment not to be selling."

Urbani Truffles, the Italian company responsible for the smell, is in the process of installing machines that will clean the air as well as a new $50,000 ventilation system. In the meantime, residents must contend with the smell and hope that any new buyers are fans of the odorous fungus.