Open Thread Wednesday 1/21/09

Hot Bagels. Are they under new management or new ownership, or have they just hired some new hands?

There’s a white woman behind the counter, who’s been there the last few weeks, every time I’ve visited. And about a month ago, there was a white guy taking orders (who messed mine up), but I’ve only seen him the one time. If her sweatshirt was any indication, she’s from Texas; I’m not sure about him.

And forgive the racial delineation here, but it’s the most straightforward way of describing them, and they’re the only white employees I’ve ever seen working there.

Any info on these two? They’re both very friendly, though she’s somewhat slow and deliberate, and also seemingly frustrated by the usual NYC speed of transactions, which makes things a bit awkward sometimes. Very fish out of water.

Here’s the calender
http://tinyurl.com/8t5uzu

But it wouldn’t have done you any good this morning, as street cleaning was suspended yesterday and today for snow removal (!!).

NYC.gov will list unexpected changes on the front page, and 311 will list them in a recording.

Issue: Gristedes

Although I do the bulk of my shopping at Trader Joes, occasionally I stop into Gristedes to pick up milk or eggs. After picking up some milk I wandered up and down the empty aisles checking prices. I can say with confidence that every item I looked at was more expensive at Gristedes than at Trader Joes. For me this vast difference in prices just reinforces the idea that Gristedes is just a place to do supplemental shopping.

I wonder how many people are of a similar mindset. And are there people who still do the bulk of their shopping at Gristedes.

Bart, you are among many who think as you do about Gristedes–or Gougestedes or Greedystedes, as it’s been called.

I for one only buy stuff there only in “emergencies,” and then in the smallest possible quantity.

Perhaps the graffiti-writers can put their talents to good use and tag the store with one or more of the above epithets.

Just joking, just joking!

Bart:

This dead horse has been beaten in many past posts. I’ve axiomatic that Gristedes is a high priced convenience store impersonating a supermarket.

Observer, what’s Two for the Pot? Is that the small store off Atlantic (Hicks maybe?) that has teapots and coffee supplies in the window? I’ve always meant to drop in there…

GHB: Two for the Pot is on the west side of Clinton just north of Atlantic. It’s well worth a visit.

With the loss of the Blue Rose store and maybe others on the way, just wondering how Montague’s stores and street in general fared during previous recessions. Were there a number of empty spaces that went unrented for long periods, etc? Also wondering whether the emergence of Smith Street and Dumbo as alternate close destinations may make this downturn particularly perilous for Montague during this recession.

Peter, as saffron is generally costly, and (thus) because its packaging is small, it’s often kept apart from other spices.

I’d love to dish Gristedes for being paranoiac, but….

What is going on with the construction on Henry St in the North Heights? I find it very unpleasant to hear the loud jackhammer at 7:30 in the morning.

re:food shopping~

Two for the Pot is a great store – their (his) English Breakfast Tea is truly the best blend I’ve ever had.

As someone who lives over Gristleturdies, we avoid it like the plague. Not to imply that one can catch it there. {8-)

Finally ~ what are some of the best times to shop at Trader Joe’s? It’s a great addition to the nabe, but the neighbors are always there in vast crowds, whenever we’ve gone (both times). Is there a trick, since I’m now hooked on exotic dried fruit like dragon fruit and pomelo?

Found caffeine-free Typhoo Tea (80 bags) for $15 at Gristede’s; it’s only $11 at Myers of Keswick, the Brit foods place on Hudson Street in Manhattan. I admit to buying several half gallons of Smart Balance Lactose-free, fat-free milk at Gristede’s ($5.49); normally I go for the LF FF milk at Trader Joe’s where it’s $4.29. But surprise! they’ve run out of the stuff at Gristede’s, so that’s that. Did they just stock a lot of stuff they’re not going to resupply, just to impress the neighborhood? That would be more Business as Usual for them.

Two For the Pot has lots of good Brit food items, and their McVities Ginger Nuts are actually cheaper than you can get them at M of K.

Times to shop at TJ’s: never on weekends, and it can get pretty harrowing around 5pm.

Hi posters – this may have been hit before, but I can’t seem to find it on the site. My fiance and I are getting a puppy and could use a recommendation on a good vet. We don’t have a car, so something local would be helpful. Does anyone have a good (and inexpensive – but that’s definitely secondary concern) recommendation? Thanks everyone. Stay warm.

Wow, Andrew, that is quite a discrepency from MOK, where I always get the impression that the pricing includes the air-fare from London.