Union Market: Delish But No Bargain
Given Clinton Hill’s limited selection of gourmet food (L’Epicerie, that’s it), we decided to head over to Union Market (at Union and Sixth Avenue) in Park Slope on Saturday to shop for a dinner we were giving that night. We had a great experience–decent cheese selection, great meats, not too crowded–until we got to the…
Given Clinton Hill’s limited selection of gourmet food (L’Epicerie, that’s it), we decided to head over to Union Market (at Union and Sixth Avenue) in Park Slope on Saturday to shop for a dinner we were giving that night. We had a great experience–decent cheese selection, great meats, not too crowded–until we got to the cash register. Ouch! $1.79 for an Emmi yogurt? Manhattan prices to be sure. But the pork loin that we seasoned with just a little garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper and threw on the grill turned out great so we weren’t complaining. Guess you get what you pay for!
I think babs is correct. I have lived in France and other countries and not everyone interacts in the same way. And yes, they do warm up to regulars, especially if you try to speak French to them… It’s not considered rude in their country to not be overly effusive with hellos and chit chat. That is reserved for closer acquaintences and friends. Just a bit of a different culture. Same with the English to a degree.
Maybe the people at l’Epicerie aren’t unfriendly, just French. If you’ve ever lived or shopped in Paris especially you’ll know what I mean. Merchants seem to have a different idea of customer service — it’s not about being all lovey-dovey with the customers, just providing them with capable service and quality merchandise. They’re friendly with their friends and do eventually warm up to regulars.
I think the backlash at the original poster who said he or she hoped that l’epicerie would shut down because the owners were not friendly to her was because that poster implied it was a racial thing, which does not appear to be the case from other poster’s experience. Some think they are nice, others thing they are rude to everyone, black or white or green. Whatever.
In any event, a new store on Lafayette and Grand would be great. Any more news on that?
I’m very happy to hear that something new might be in the works in Clinton Hill. I’m also looking for a Fresh Direct/L’Epicerie alternative–I agree that the latter’s owners are bizarrely unfriendly, though I also shop there several times a week (and if I were any whiter, I’d be albino).
>>Then again, if you have a chip on your shoulder about some French (white) people running a gourmet grocerie store in a formerly all black neighborhood…>>
defensive much?
I shop regularly at L’epicerie and I agree it is an important asset to the neighborhood. However, in my experience, the owners can be taciturn. Though I shop there if not weekly, bi-weekly, it is a rare instance where I am not the first to say hello to the owners, no matter how un-busy they are. And I’m neither black nor white, so there.
Also, word is that there is a new upscale, possibly French grocery being built on Lafayette on the corner of Grand Ave. In addition to groceries, they’re supposedly going to offer 3 hot entrees a day, with one common table for people to eat at. I haven’t been by lately, but for a while there it looked like they were in a hurry to get it built i.e. carpenters working until late at night. But I haven’t seen any action lately.
Exciting notion, though, no?
It’s called l’epicerie. The owners of l’epicerie are actually nice if you try to speak with them. Then again, if you have a chip on your shoulder about some French (white) people running a gourmet grocerie store in a formerly all black neighborhood…
You are right about the attitude of the wait staff at A Table though. Service was not their forte.
l’epicure is gross. they are the same people who owned a table, who were rude, especially to people of the “non majority” race. i am SO happy that that closed down and i hope l’epicure does too.
sahadi’s is the beyond wonderful and worth every little cent since the prices are reasonable. it’s worth the very long wait!
btw, sorry about the “you’re” for “your” spelling mistakes above for those sticklers out there
To SA,
You want compassion for your true story about the coop? You sound like one of those idiots who sue someone for falling down the stairs while they are robbing the place. Btw, because you “refused” to put back the groceries, some poor guy doing his workshift had to do it for you. If you don’t care to work and are willing to pay top dollar for your groceries, why don’t you just go to the many grocery stores and gourmet shops everyone has been pointing out above? I’m not a facist co-op’er, but am like the other person who does my duty for a great selection of groceries at cheap prices, but you sir with you’re story really need some professional help if you think you and you’re wife were somehow in the right.