My nasty Gristedes burnt down a few months ago. I didn't see it as much of a loss. The market was a grubby dump that had a few canned and bottled staples that I'd deign to purchase from time to time. It was really a deplorable grocery store. Heck, its longstanding nickname in the 'hood was "Gross-stedes."
But now, like a phoenix, the Brooklyn Heights Gristedes has risen from the ashes, reborn with a major scrubbing, smart renovation and official grand opening. Taking the place of the once scorned, smelly pit of substandard provisions is a brand-spanking new supermarket with streamlined aisles and glistening cases, where I'd gladly shop -- and already have.
How could I possibly resist the allure of "new supermarket smell," a seductive mixture of Windex and freshly ripped cardboard boxes from the likes of Procter & Gamble, Stouffer's and The Jolly Green Giant? What a heady perfume!
It might not be a Whole Foods, but damn if this isn't a major improvement. We're talking about a produce section that doesn't look like a long-forgotten dark alley of despair, cheeses and deli fare aplenty and even a section devoted to British comestibles (pictured above). I have no idea if I'll ever have a yen for Branston Pickle or Salad Cream, but it's nice to know it's easily obtained, if ever the situation calls.
I never in a million years thought I would say this, but...YAY GRISTEDES!
Most Gristedes are in the borough of Manhattan, including Roosevelt Island. There is also one in Brooklyn.
Posted by: Keril | July 25, 2020 at 05:58 AM