We got this from a new resident to Kensington and thought we'd ask for your help.
Any helpful hints for a newcomer in terms of finding a well-stocked, somewhat large supermarket? I've found a few small to medium sized grocers near my apartment (Ocean Parkway bet. Caton and Albermarle) but nothing sizeable -- nothing that even boasts a butcher.
Here's what we suggested (and you can comment on others). We're huge fans of Golden Farm on E4th & Church Ave for veggies, hummus, soy milk, and even a few organic items they stock. We stop in Foodtown for chips or cookies and bread or wraps and find it to be satisfactory. Other then that there is the Food Co-op on Cortelyou Rd. (which is not technically in Kensington even if CT. Muffin thinks so) though we find it crowded and the stock so so. Unfortunately, the truth is we'll go with a friend to Fairway for our boxed goods and travel to TJ's for cheap cereal (Trader O's) and olive oil ($6!). The new option starting in June for veggies, fruit, eggs etc. is the KWT CSA which is really affordable and cool since you're supporting a local farmer. Any other suggestions?
10 comments:
I second the Golden Farm & Foodtown suggestions, but the thing with living in Kensington is that you sometimes have to travel to a couple different places to get the goods you need.
For a butcher, I highly recommend the Halal butcher on the NE corner of Dahill and Church Avenue (across from Dahill Pizza) - I have gotten great baby leg of lamb there, and they cut it to your specs. Also Dan's Meat on Church bet. E2nd and E3rd has good and fresh packaged meat - better quality than Foodtown I think.
Haven't tried the other butchers around that corner, but they're worth a shot.
If you want to travel a bit into Boro Park, go to Friedman's on 13th Ave and around 40th street. It's all Kosher all the time, but they have great deals and have everything under one roof, like a full service supermarket - bread, veggies/produce, 10 varieties of hummus, great dried fruits/nuts selection, kosher meats, and locally baked bread, pastries, etc.
try some halal, it wont kill ya.
Ditto on the travelling. For a large supermarket I go to the Shoprite on Ave I and McDonalds. It's open pretty late (maybe 24hrs?) and it's often crowded. It's pretty big, and you can always find a deal. There is a large parking lot behind the store with access to an indoor parking lot in the basement. - You'll always find a spot.
For fresh fruit and veggies I go to the place on Ft. Hamilton Pkwy and 65th street.(Not the circus fruits on 60th) I think it's called 3 brothers. The price is right and the fruit is delicious. Parking is a bit of a pain around there- but you'll find a spot. It's also generally crowded.
We're on the same block, and don't have a car, so here's what we do:
1. Fresh Direct for every 2 weeks or so for anything you want. Great meat and produce, organic stuff, etc. It can be an expensive habit, but it's all good stuff.
2. Golden Farm if you need to get something Polish, Chinese, organic, etc. without too much of a walk. And, it's open 24 hours.
3. The store on Caton between Ocean Parkway and E. 7th Street (can't remember the name). It's small, but they cram alot in. Boar's Head deli, good produce, more groceries than you would expect, and a good selection of organic foods.
We used to live closer to Foodtown, and that was our regular store, but with the above selections, we mostly don't bother with it. With the above three selections, you can pretty much get anything you want.
I usually shop for produce and groceries at fairways. They are a bit pricey and you do need a car to get there but for me they have everything i need in one spot. Plus their stuff is usually very fresh. I used to use fresh direct but contrary to the name i found most of the produce was not fresh LOL. For meat i like united meats on prospect park west (right near farrell's). The meat is very fresh, the place is spotless and they have nice selection of organic meats and poultry.
become vegetarian
The Golden Key Supermarket at the corner of Newkirk and Westminster is selling organic milk and soy milk 1/2 gallons for $2.99 each to thank customers for supporting them after their recent fire (they unfortunately did not have insurance). They also have organic eggs and will carry more organic products if enough people request them. Last week they were selling organic bananas for .49/lb. Unfortunately they are now sold out!
They are nice people (he is from Pakistan and she is from Sri Lanka) who have been through some tough times and have appreciated the commmunity shopping at their store as they rebuild!
The Golden Key Supermarket at the corner of Newkirk Ave. and Westminster Rd (across from the front entrance to PS 217 just over the Kensington border) is currently selling Amish Country organic whole milk for $2.99 a half gallon. Their regular price is $3.99 for organic milks and $2.99 for organic soy milk (1/2 gal) and organic eggs (dozen).
Really nice people who are trying to offer what the neighborhood wants, so please drop by and let Molly know what you would like to see them carry!
always check expiration date if you shop at foodtown. they were voted among the top five worst supermarkets
I agree about the Golden Key Supermarket at the corner of Newkirk and Westminster Ave. Sort of the far reaches of Kensington but the best prices we have found for organic milk, soy milk and eggs. And yes, very nice people run the store. Thanks for the tip!
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