NEW YORK GROCERIES
Wholefoods, 95 East Houston at Bowery +1 212 420 1320; 250 7th Avenue, Chelsea +1 212 924 5969; 4 Union Square South, +1 212 673 5388; 270 Greenwich St, Tribeca +1 212 349 6555
Wholefoods is a helpful place to head if you’re looking for a diverse range of quality items under a single roof. It’s the biggest (and most proliferous – there are half a dozen in Manhattan) market you’re going to find in New York, and among the basics, sells speciality cheeses, chocolates, coffee beans in hessian sacks, orchids, seasonal produce and a quality organic and local selection. Don’t miss the gluten-free vegan bakery section, and the New Yorker’s favorite, 10 different kinds of bagels.
Trader Joes, 138 East 14th St, Union Square +1 212 529 4612
What began as a humble Los Angeles corner store has now grown to 280 stores in 23 states and moves more produce than all other kids on the block. Trader Joes kicks ass for price, quality, and efficiency. If you aren’t someone who likes or has time for cooking, you’ll find a large range of pre-prepared items, organic fruit and vegetables, speciality and gluten free food here, with change left over for alcohol at their Trader Joe’s Wine store next door.
Earthmatters, 177 Ludlow Street, +1 212 475 4180
A favorite for health-conscious folk on the Lower East Side. A convenient and homely place just around the corner from the iconic Katz deli. Organic beef burgers and organic, preservative free wine alongside raw vegan chocolate and organic cleaning products. You can also pick up incense, cruelty-free sunscreen & face and body products, as well as organic produce, dairy (or non-dairy), loose grains and vegan snacks, among other delights. Go for chicken soup and vegan chocolate chai brownies in the winter.
St Mark’s Market, 21 Saint Marks Place, East Village +1 212 253 7777
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this place boasts tidy shelves and a pretty array of reasonably priced flowers and breads from Balthazar and Tom Cat Bakery. They offer fresh sandwiches people rave about, clean and fresh organic produce, plus an extraordinarily comprehensive ice-cream collection and storefront stools to watch the wildlife pass by the tattoo parlors and frogurt portals. A little larger than a corner store, but smaller than a supermarket, you’ll find all the stuff you usually find at both. It’s the middle man. And a very friendly one at that.
Fresh Direct
Fresh Direct is an online grocery delivery service, who after discounting you $25 for joining their service, offer a wide variety of items online and charge an extra $5 (plus tip) to deliver to your doorstep. The produce is literally fresh and direct, it comes straight to your house from the farms, dairies and fisheries of your area.
By Sophie Ward
