|
Garden of Eden - a NY Gourmet Grocery Store Destination
 Gourmet grocery stores are designed to sell food AND entertain by providing imaginative decorating schemes, unusual products, and atmospheres that makes shoppers feel like royalty.
New York's gourmet groceries are truly wonders of beauty, especially the Garden of Eden chain (locations). Whether you have a lavish budget or are watching every cent, you can easily find under-$10 treasures, with crusty buns or bakery for less than a dollar. Best, while in the store, you can enjoy a peaceful hour of browsing, then snack on your treasures (such as cheese, sandwiches, candy, specialty drinks, and fruit) elsewhere.
At the 7 E. 14th Street Garden of Eden, near 5th Avenue and Union Square, I was mesmerized by a display of high-cocoa chocolate bars that appeared to include 50 or so varieties. That said, how could I resist a $5 bar called Sexy, "chocolate in stilettos." The secret ingredient in this 73% cocoa bar is hot ginger. One or two small squares are extremely satisfying, which means that chocolate like this can provide days of satisfaction!
East Coast products are especially prevalent in New York gourmet grocery stores and I recommend "treasure hunting" to find them. During my last trip, for example, I found New Jersey's Certified Organic French Vanilla Syrup by Flovorganics ($7). While this can be used in coffee or sparkling water, as well as over ice cream, for a thrifty gourmet treat, take it with you when you dine out for breakfast. Use it, instead of those horrible syrup packets that are often served with pancakes or French toast, to start your day with pleasure.
Questions? Just ask!
Karen Little
Article and photo by Karen Little. First published on 5/28/2007. All rights reserved by www.Littleviews.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
