Brooklyn Specialty Food

Good Selection

1. Sahadi's

The freshest nuts and dried beans I know.  The staff is very charming as well.    Don't touch the olive bar; it is not self-serve.  Mymouna Fig Jam.  Delectable.  Good international cheese selection...

2. Bierkraft

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

Well, maybe it was hyped a bit too much for me.  It's just not going to cut the five star mustard.  Good selection of beer, by all means.  But regarding those microbrews I can pick up at the bodega...

3. Santo's Farm

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Carroll Gardens

with their good selection of groceries and fresh & organic fruits & veggies.  Also reasonably priced fresh cut flowers.  Santo's offers pre-made foods and plenty of ingredients for tasty healthy meals...

4. Bedford Cheese Shop

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Williamsburg - South Side

Their selection of European cheeses is however what you're likely to be going for. They have a truly yummy olive ficelle (skinny baguette) if you don't go too late, plus some pretty good chocolate...

5. Blue Apron Fine…

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

not to mention great selection of cheeses, condiments, pastas, oils, and locally baked breads....

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Good Value

1. Nick's Lobster &…

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Marine Park

Wow. I'm surprised to see this place listed.  Not because it isn't good (it's great), but because it is far out way down in Brooklyn.  The seafood here is a good value and really fresh.  Get...

2. Ten Ren Tea Time New…

Neighborhood: Manhattan/Civic Center

a day and still be good after a month.  Also, you can get a 'frequent tea' card that you can fill up for a free tea (up to i think $3 value) after 10 visits.  I haven't tried their snacks at all because...

3. The Chocolate Room

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

and other chocolatiers. I've sampled many of the truffles - Rosewater, Raspberry, Lavender, Caramel with sea salt, and felt that they are very competent and good value for money. While clearly...

4. Cocoa Bar

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

are a better value for what you get.  The coffee is very good, too.  Sometimes it can be hard to find a seat.  In the summer the back patio is relaxing.  There are books and board games available...

5. Pumpkin's Organic…

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope

to come to mind. I'm most definitely a fan of neighborhood groceries, but they need to offer the right balance of value/product/experience to impress me. Pumpkin's does.  It's easy to overlook...

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