09/24/09

New York WITHOUT Attitude?!

by shoog

MIXY checked me out. I didn't get that barking command to empty my own basket--unlike one major grocer whose name I will mention because they're so NOTORIOUSLY RUDE, Food Emporium, avoid the 3rd Ave (they are the worst)--but rather MIXY chirpily emptied my items scanning quickly, and carefully handled fruit and delicate items, placing them gently aside to load on top of the hard items. I couldn't believe it. I realized I have become so accustomed to rudeness and have low expectations generally, that I would find her handling of groceries amazingly thoughtful. I must sound ridiculous, but it's so refreshing to go to a grocery store and NOBODY HAS NO ATTITUDE PROBLEM. That's saying a lot for NYC. The management is excellent. Hats off to them!

• Pros: Best Service in a grocery
• Cons: NONE

03/03/09

Great Gourmet Goodies

by hungrycouple

We live a block away so this store is a constant temptation. It's expensive and crowded and the staff is poorly trained but there's a lot to choose from. On the down side, we can't seem to find a bread we like there, the hot prepared food can be so-so and the deli counter moves at the speed of grass growth. But the cold prepared food choices are better and with interesting seasonal choices. The fresh produce selections are top notch with great variety and quality. Looking for a specialty herb or unusual vegetable? You'll find it here. The cheese counter looks well stocked and dangerously delicious. Lots of prepared salads in individual containers make for quick selections for a great lunch or easy cold dinner. The white bean salad, wheatberry salad and cabbage salads are especially tasty. The line to pay is long but there are many registers and they move fast. Your trip to that register though, will take you past the dessert department with its many individually packed choices. As you wrestle with your willpower, you'll smell freshly baking pastries and look over a dizzying array of sweet choices but the flourless chocolate Gianduja is worthy of a 4 star restaurant and the mixed berry cake is another delectable favorite.

11/10/08

Impeccable quality

by Colette22

Walking into Agata and Valentina is like walking into a busy market in Tuscany. Immediatly you smell the bread from the bakery, the fresh fruit displays, any kind of cheese you could possibly imagaine, they eben make there own balsamic vinagar and olive oil. The meats and fish are fantasic. These is sooooo many products in such a small place, The only downside is all this great food there is no wine ot pair it with,

A&V doesnt sell wine. Not even cooking wine.

• Cons: congested, no wine