34 replies to this topic

[Fat Guy]

What's your neighborhood grocery store? Let's compare notes on the good, the bad and the ugly. I've just moved in next to a Fine Fare, which I'd never heard of before but apparently it's a 60+ store regional chain, with a website and everything. I'l l need to do some exploring. It actually looks kind of nice from outside.

[greigm]

Funnily enough, the first supermarket I went to regularly as a kid back in Scotland was called Fine Fare. Was a fairly big chain at the time (early 80s) but is now defunct.

Down here in the Financial District, we go to Jubilee Market on John Street most days. Some items are pricey (although often not as bad as the local Gristedes). It's small, but always seems to have what you need. The butcher is pretty decent (esp the Italian Sausages, not sure if they are made in house or not). I've had less luck with the fishmonger - the chap is grumpy and the fish is often not the freshest.

[johnder]

I luckily can do most of my shopping at the Red Hook fairway, but I do have a Associated food market about 2 blocks away that is great to pick up odds and ends. I would never buy any of their meats, but they do have a good selection of mexican products, specifically dairy and produce.

[janeer]

When I am in my son's neighborhood, I go to Amish Market.

[lancastermike]

Living here in Lancaster County Pennsylvania I see lots of Amish. I looked at the website for this place and I can tell you that the Amish here have nothing like that. Those NYC Amishmen must be from a different sect or something. Those Anabaptists are a diverse lot I guess.

It seems like the kind of place I'd be happy to shop at. I hope these Lancaster County Amishmen open someplace like that soon.

[slkinsey]

Since they built a Whole Foods on Columbus and 97th or so, I guess that's my local now. I still mostly prefer Fairway, though. Maybe I'm spoiled that I'm used to buying fish and seafood at Fairway and Citarella, but the WF product is distinctly inferior.

[KennethT]

I have a Food Emporium across the street. It's awful... Simply awful. If you're ever looking for a bright green/sprouting potato, this is the place to go. I also have a Gristede's downstairs in the building... it's even worse...

[Country]

Mine's the Yellowfront Grocery.

[sct4a]

Down here in the Financial District, we go to Jubilee Market on John Street most days. Some items are pricey (although often not as bad as the local Gristedes). It's small, but always seems to have what you need. The butcher is pretty decent (esp the Italian Sausages, not sure if they are made in house or not). I've had less luck with the fishmonger - the chap is grumpy and the fish is often not the freshest.

Jubilee is terrible and their meat I would put about one step above Gristedes and still 10 steps away from my plate. If you’re up for an extra couple block walk from there a new place that opened up in battery park called Battery Place Markets (http://batteryplacemarkets.com/) they have some pretty great stuff and some extremely hard to find ingredients. They finally started stocking raw meats to include amazing kobe and wagu from snake river farms. I’d def check them out if your downtown.

[weinoo]

What's your neighborhood grocery store? Let's compare notes on the good, the bad and the ugly. I've just moved in next to a Fine Fare, which I'd never heard of before but apparently it's a 60+ store regional chain, with a website and everything. I'l l need to do some exploring. It actually looks kind of nice from outside.

My sympathies. We have a Fine Fare in our commercial strip, owned by our co-op and with about a 25 year lease. They tend to be in the marginal neighborhoods, or neighborhoods that at least once upon a time were considered marginal.

The interesting thing is, of course, that they charge higher prices to the poorer people.

[Mjx]

. . . . We have a Fine Fare in our commercial strip, owned by our co-op and with about a 25 year lease. They tend to be in the marginal neighborhoods, or neighborhoods that at least once upon a time were considered marginal.

The interesting thing is, of course, that they charge higher prices to the poorer people.

What?! Openly? How? Please explain.

[David A. Goldfarb]

A long standing NYC phenomenon--Few decent grocery stores in poorer neighborhoods, so less competition and higher prices in the places where residents can least afford it.

[weinoo]

A long standing NYC phenomenon--Few decent grocery stores in poorer neighborhoods, so less competition and higher prices in the places where residents can least afford it.

Beat me to the punch, David. Fine Fare is the only grocery store within 1/2 a mile...the other store farther east on Grand St. is a...Fine Fare.

[Mjx]

A long standing NYC phenomenon--Few decent grocery stores in poorer neighborhoods, so less competition and higher prices in the places where residents can least afford it.

Beat me to the punch, David. Fine Fare is the only grocery store within 1/2 a mile...the other store farther east on Grand St. is a...Fine Fare.

Ah... thanks.

Where I stay in NYC, when I go back there these days, there's Landau's (which has a far more extensive selection than I'd anticipated), and a Shoprite (which is the size of a hangar, so perhaps a bit beyond the concept of 'grocery store').

[Dave the Cook]

A long standing NYC phenomenon--Few decent grocery stores in poorer neighborhoods, so less competition and higher prices in the places where residents can least afford it.

Beat me to the punch, David. Fine Fare is the only grocery store within 1/2 a mile...the other store farther east on Grand St. is a...Fine Fare.

There's nothing peculiar to NYC about this. It happens in pretty much every urban area in the country.

[Fat Guy]

It's a complex issue. Running an inner-city grocery store presents challenges. Were it the road to riches the better chains would be clamoring to get in. Not to mention the history of organized opposition to better supermarkets.


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[greigm]

Jubilee is terrible and their meat I would put about one step above Gristedes and still 10 steps away from my plate. If you’re up for an extra couple block walk from there a new place that opened up in battery park called Battery Place Markets (http://batteryplacemarkets.com/) they have some pretty great stuff and some extremely hard to find ingredients. They finally started stocking raw meats to include amazing kobe and wagu from snake river farms. I’d def check them out if your downtown.

I might have to check that out, but its almost a mile further away than Jubilee. I'd almost be as well getting the subway to W4 St where there are really good options.

Since I made my earlier post, and after years of loving the Italian sausages from Jubilee, they have gone downhill the last two times (very gristly). I'll need to ask them about what changed (not sure if they are made in house or not).

Obviously they don't do Kobe, and are not a top notch meat purveyor. But for standard fare like ground beef, Bell & Evans chicken, etc, they do a decent job. I guess they suit me fine but everyones's tastes and standards vary. I will say I have always been impressed by the skirt steak (which I think they claim to be prime). So have plenty of family and friends I have served it to, although I will take some credit for my prep

Meanwhile, the Gristedes here only has meat pre-packaged in styrofoam vacuum packs, so I doubt I will ever try those. Have you tried Zeytuna's butcher or fishmonger? How do they stand up?

[gfweb]

. . . . We have a Fine Fare in our commercial strip, owned by our co-op and with about a 25 year lease. They tend to be in the marginal neighborhoods, or neighborhoods that at least once upon a time were considered marginal.

The interesting thing is, of course, that they charge higher prices to the poorer people.

What?! Openly? How? Please explain.

Happens in every big city. The one store in a poor neighborhood has no competition, and anyway nobody comparison shops with food stamps even if there was a place to do it. The store cites higher expenses from theft and vandalism as rationale. They may have a point (up to a point). You see the same thing with gas stations.

Its an everyday example of the value of competition in keeping prices down.

Edited by gfweb, 27 April 2011 - 07:22 PM.

[melissafitz]

Brooklyn has union markets popping up like mushrooms, incl my neighborhood and I guess it's where I do my shopping. Not my veg (veg stand across the street). Or my meat (butchers -- Los paisanos or staubitz). Or my pantry items (fairway -- really, I had to walk out of UM when I was asked to pay $15 for a roll of tin foil. $15???!?). How is it that I'm in there daily?! Milk and the only baguette my son (who pretty much only eats baguettes) will eat. There ya go.

[sct4a]

Jubilee is terrible and their meat I would put about one step above Gristedes and still 10 steps away from my plate. If you’re up for an extra couple block walk from there a new place that opened up in battery park called Battery Place Markets (http://batteryplacemarkets.com/) they have some pretty great stuff and some extremely hard to find ingredients. They finally started stocking raw meats to include amazing kobe and wagu from snake river farms. I’d def check them out if your downtown.

I might have to check that out, but its almost a mile further away than Jubilee. I'd almost be as well getting the subway to W4 St where there are really good options.

Since I made my earlier post, and after years of loving the Italian sausages from Jubilee, they have gone downhill the last two times (very gristly). I'll need to ask them about what changed (not sure if they are made in house or not).

Obviously they don't do Kobe, and are not a top notch meat purveyor. But for standard fare like ground beef, Bell & Evans chicken, etc, they do a decent job. I guess they suit me fine but everyones's tastes and standards vary. I will say I have always been impressed by the skirt steak (which I think they claim to be prime). So have plenty of family and friends I have served it to, although I will take some credit for my prep

Meanwhile, the Gristedes here only has meat pre-packaged in styrofoam vacuum packs, so I doubt I will ever try those. Have you tried Zeytuna's butcher or fishmonger? How do they stand up?

Yea i've tried zeytuna's butcher and fishmonger. They are ok but nothing I'd really go back for or write home about. It just seems like jubilee, zeytuna, and obviously gristedes don't really care or care about their products much and it really shows. The new shop battery place market the guys seem to really care about their products and you can tell from the results which is why I like them. Aside from that in the area whole foods tribeca is the only other decent option.

[Lindacakes]

I spend way too much time shopping for food because I enjoy hunting it down. I rarely go to the grocery story any more -- most of my food is coming from fruit and vegetable delivery from Urban Organics, basics from Trader Joe's, and certain items from the Union Square Farmer's Market. At least once a week I add a favored specialty shop into the mix -- Kalustyan's, Titan, Coluccio's, Buon Italia, Patel Brothers . . . I also order certain items online like candied ginger and grits and Rancho Gordo beans. If it's not food, it comes from Costco.

But recently I discovered a Bravo half a block from my house, which is the grocery store nearest to the projects. When I need to go to a grocery store, like for cat food for the landlord's cat, I go to the Bravo. They have a very interesting meat section and a panoply of "ethnic" foods. Like the jelly roll cakes that have guava jelly.

I can remember that it really wasn't that long ago that access to any sort of food in New York outside of Key Food or Associated and the 24-hour Korean deli/vegetable stand wasn't possible.

If I had to go back to doing weekly shopping in a regular supermarket (which I once did at the A & P in Washington Heights) I'd be very unhappy.

[FoodMuse]

I'm a Fresh Direct girl! Most of what I buy from them is cheaper than my local Key Food grocery store here in Brooklyn. The quality of meat is also superior. The boyfriend could tell if I bought the meat from Key. It was always gristle or rubbery. I've stopped buying from them. :) Oh, except for the fact that they carry D'artagnon brand meats, which are fantastic.

It's crazy to find myself living in a city where it's cheaper to have food delivered than schlep it home myself. I guess Fresh Direct can reduce the prices as they don't need to pay rent for a store fronts.

I'm in Park Slope so I also have access to great Mexican grocery stores on 5th Ave around 9th St.

I also have my very own fish monger on 7th ave between 4th and 5th st which is amazing! The fish is top notch and the staff are so nice. They also stock lots of asian products/condiments/noodles. They have sushi grade fish which is fun for sushi night. There is another fish place one block away near 6th that is horrible. The quality isn't as good and the staff is surly.

edited to add the link in case anyone wanted to try them
www.freshdirect.com

Edited by FoodMuse, 28 April 2011 - 12:48 PM.

[SobaAddict70]

The bulk of my food shopping occurs at Union Square Greenmarket, so that doesn't count. Closer to home is Citarella where I usually get meat, fish and some spur of the moment purchases on my way home. Daily incidentals like milk and OJ are from the Associated across the street from my apartment.

As far as Associateds go, it's a far cry from the supermarkets of my youth. You have to remember that I grew up in Jersey City, Bayonne and suburban New Jersey when I was a kid. The grocery stores that I remember aren't these squished into small spaces that seem so common in New York City.

There are many advantages that City grocery stores have over their suburban counterparts but space is not one of them.

[SobaAddict70]

A long standing NYC phenomenon--Few decent grocery stores in poorer neighborhoods, so less competition and higher prices in the places where residents can least afford it.

Beat me to the punch, David. Fine Fare is the only grocery store within 1/2 a mile...the other store farther east on Grand St. is a...Fine Fare.

There's nothing peculiar to NYC about this. It happens in pretty much every urban area in the country.

I haven't been to a Fine Fare in years.

Like since the late 1970s.

[patrickamory]

I have a Food Emporium across the street. It's awful... Simply awful. If you're ever looking for a bright green/sprouting potato, this is the place to go. I also have a Gristede's downstairs in the building... it's even worse...

Kenneth, I'm going to guess that you're a Murray Hill dweller like myself? That Food Emporium actually has the best produce in the neighborhood, though as you point out that's not saying much. That basement Gristede's is truly awful. I'm closer to the two D'Agostinos up the street, and they are even worse in their selection, although the freshness can be OK (with the emphasis on "OK").

Finding quality meat is another problem. I work downtown, so I get to the excellent West Village butchers when I can, but of course all of them close at 6, so it's nearly impossible to get there after work.

For many ingredients (but not produce), Todaro Bros on Second Ave. is a lifesaver. Also Grand Central Market (but again, not for produce, and emphatically not for meat at Ceriello's either).

[Fat Guy]

I have slowly been exploring the stores within walking distance. I'm actually pretty pleased with what I've found. I wouldn't want to be totally dependent on the local shops, but I'm not. For filling in the gaps in our larger shopping trips to other neighborhoods and outside the city, the local places are unexpectedly decent.

Fine Fare is the closest in terms of footsteps. While it is not the world's greatest store, it is new and clean and the sales are compelling. It is hardly the awful inner-city supermarket one would fear.

The next closest is a place called Central Markets, which is not related to the Central Market company in Texas. I was very surprised at the offerings. Clearly targeting an audience of people with taste. Prices are not great, but again if you shop the sales you can do well.

Finally, the six block walk gets me to a place called Best Yet. This store would be impressive in any neighborhood, I think. I need to do more exploration but my initial gander left me with a great impression.

I have to figure out what there is around here in terms of greenmarkets and such. That season will soon be upon us.

[weinoo]

Fine Fare is the closest in terms of footsteps. While it is not the world's greatest store, it is new and clean and the sales are compelling. It is hardly the awful inner-city supermarket one would fear.

What's interesting is that over the 7 - 8 years I've lived in this neighborhood (lower east side adjoining Chinatown) our Fine Fare has actually gotten worlds better as the neighborhood has gentrified a bit. It's cleaner now, they offer organic products (at truly outrageous prices), the produce manager does a nice job, etc. etc.

What hasn't changed much is the "service," and the unwillingness of many of the cashiers to even look one in the eyes and say hello. I counter it by always saying hello and asking a question or two along the lines of "How are you?" when I get up to the register. It has changed a bit since management outlawed the use of cell phones by the staff at the registers.

[KennethT]

I have a Food Emporium across the street. It's awful... Simply awful. If you're ever looking for a bright green/sprouting potato, this is the place to go. I also have a Gristede's downstairs in the building... it's even worse...

Kenneth, I'm going to guess that you're a Murray Hill dweller like myself? That Food Emporium actually has the best produce in the neighborhood, though as you point out that's not saying much. That basement Gristede's is truly awful. I'm closer to the two D'Agostinos up the street, and they are even worse in their selection, although the freshness can be OK (with the emphasis on "OK").

Finding quality meat is another problem. I work downtown, so I get to the excellent West Village butchers when I can, but of course all of them close at 6, so it's nearly impossible to get there after work.

For many ingredients (but not produce), Todaro Bros on Second Ave. is a lifesaver. Also Grand Central Market (but again, not for produce, and emphatically not for meat at Ceriello's either).

Yep... I actually know those D'Ags pretty well - I used to live on 36th and they were the closest thing. Back then the food emporium was actually pretty decent, but their produce quality has gone downhill over the last few years. The selection is ok, if you can find something in the pile that's actually good. A few things in the Gristede's are ok - their herbs are ok because they're constantly being misted. Basically the only things we get from these are paper towels, etc... or emergencies...

I have a friend who frequents Todaro's - although to tell the truth I haven't spent much time there... my impression was that they were overpriced, but had decent quality, with a limited selection. Grand Central market is ok for certain things - at least we have a Murray's Cheese pretty close by... the produce guy has some relatively hard to find things sometimes.

Lately, we've been using Fresh Direct a lot which is really good. And the uptown Fairway can be on my way home from work, which is awesome! The only thing I don't like about FD is the huge amount of waste with the cardboard boxes. I understand using it for people who don't buy from them on a regular basis. But if you buy from them once or twice a week, I wish they had some type of recycling option - using plastic milk crates of some kind? Who knows.. but I'd gladly store a couple of plastic crates until next week to get rid of all the boxes.

[Country]

The only thing I don't like about FD is the huge amount of waste with the cardboard boxes. I understand using it for people who don't buy from them on a regular basis. But if you buy from them once or twice a week, I wish they had some type of recycling option - using plastic milk crates of some kind? Who knows.. but I'd gladly store a couple of plastic crates until next week to get rid of all the boxes.

Could the cardboard boxes be returned to FD for use again? Heavy, well made, cardboard boxes stand up pretty well and when finally they're beyond more use FD could flatten them and have them picked up by a recyling company. Too many people might find other uses for plastic milk crates and not return them, unless there was a deposit on them.

[patrickamory]

Back then the food emporium was actually pretty decent, but their produce quality has gone downhill over the last few years. The selection is ok, if you can find something in the pile that's actually good.

Too true. And they had a real butcher counter with pretty high quality aged steaks. Now no butcher counter.

I have a friend who frequents Todaro's - although to tell the truth I haven't spent much time there... my impression was that they were overpriced, but had decent quality, with a limited selection. Grand Central market is ok for certain things - at least we have a Murray's Cheese pretty close by... the produce guy has some relatively hard to find things sometimes.

Todaro's is excellent for sopressata, salame, all the salumi and its cheese is surprisingly good too, even though much of it is plastic-wrapped. Good selection of dry pastas as well. The meat is not bad either, though it is definitely on the expensive side.

I really miss Koglin's German Hams at Grand Central - that place was one-of-a-kind. It's good to have Murray's and Penzeys. Murray's Greek olive oil is my standby.

Btw - for cheese, the counter at Artisanal on 32 St. cannot be beat - that's very close to you. High-end of course, but I think it's actually less expensive than the Murray's in Grand Central for many cheeses, and it may be the best in the city (competes with Saxelby's Cheesemongers and Di Palo's I supposed, but those are more specialized shops).

Lately, we've been using Fresh Direct a lot which is really good.

Fresh Direct is actually good for produce? I ordered when they first opened - maybe I'll give it another try. It scares me when I can't actually pick out fruits and vegetables with my own hands & eyes.