Sponsored Post - New Roosevelt Island Gristedes Cafe, Eat In Or Take Out.... Prepared Fresh Daily - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Buffet, Pizza Parlor, Ice Cream & More
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Thursday, March 14, 2013
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110 comments :
I have been one of the biggest complainers, over the years, about Gristedes and I have to to say that the remodeled store, so far, has been a pleasure to shop in. It's well-stocked with all the basic items one expects to find in a modern supermarket -- something that could not have said in the past, ever, about the store. It's clean, and the reduced prices are now within the normal range for many items (not jams and jellies, for some reason,) If past is prologue, I strongly suspect that the management will look for a reason to raise the prices, (or maybe they don't need a reason) but If the store does good business, it's possible that they will keep the prices down and rely on volume. If they don't replenish the stock, of course people will stay away and shop elsewhere, as in the past.
Oh, btw, Gristede's manager, we see through the marketing trick of separating the organic from the non-organic, so the consumer doesn't see how much more expensive the organic items are. It's especially annoying with the Kerrygold butter. Gristedes tries to sell it for $4.99 a half-pound. The same package sells for $2.99 at Trader Joe's, which is where I buy it. I know that Gristedes is a much smaller operation than Trader Jose's and can't match the price for that particular item, but $4.99? No wonder it doesn't move, not even taking into account the fact that it's stored in the cheese department, where it picks up cheese odors, even it were a normal price.
I have been very happy with the Gristedes remodel, but I hate that I have to walk through the cafe area to enter the store. The smell of the cooking meat is very unappetizing (to the point where, the other day, I almost turned around and left).
I went in today to pick up the last renewal of a prescription. The pharmacy department has more sundries, but Mr. C. is still breaking the HIPPA privacy law! There is no privacy when picking up a prescription. Some pain-in-the-ass woman kept looking over my shoulder while I was signing for my medicine and wouldn't back away. There's no signage and the young gal behind the counter didn't tell her to back off either. And this owner thinks he can be mayor when he won't obey the law?
Well, Mr. C is not running the pharmacy. AFAIK, it is still a quasi-independent business being run inside Gristedes. Anybody correct me if I got that wrong. Secondly, I assume the "chief pharmacist" is in charge of running that part of the store. I am very sure it would be helpful if you addressed your concerns to him or her and see what happens.
i have been living on this island for 30 years. not once in 30 years have i ever done my family weekly shopping there. i have 4 kids. because of the high prices .and i still feel this place will never change.
the prices will always be high. and the reason is this. mr. c knows that this island has has changed. there is no more affordable housing. maybe sec 8 In 2 _4 river road.he knows all the new people moving onto the island are paying high market rent.so he feels these are the type of people he wants shopping in his store. he doses not care about the people living in eastwood.i am talking about the old timers in eastwood before the great sellout job led by ron vass and the eastwood building comm. he wants the new people on the island. as these are the people who can well afford to shop there .this is why prices will always be high
I'm not so sure it is not an integral part of Gristedes. It is called Gristedes Pharmacy #517, and customers have always been able to check out with supermarket products along with their pharmacy purchases at the pharmacy. rilander should bring his/her concerns to the store manager. For almost no money, Gristedes Pharmacy could at least put a masking tape line on the floor several feet away from the Rx pickup area with a sign saying the following customer please wait here or words to that effect - just as customers at banks must wait several feet away from customers ahead of them at the teller windows for privacy etc.
Catsimatides thinks he can be mayor, and has even already written his campaign a check for a cool million to finance his effort. Look for radio and television advertising to start rolling out soon. If the campaign money runs out, he promises to write another check, and another if that runs out. It sure is convenient being a billionaire when you're seeking elected office. The incredibly un-simpatico, un-photogenic, toad-like plutocrat is quite successful as a businessman (despite his supermarket business, marked by ineptness) and should stay in the world of business as opposed to politics. Catsimatides originally wanted Ray Kelly to run, but once Kelly said no, he himself decided (rather foolishly IMO) to toss his hat in the ring. In doing so, not just will he lose his hat, but his shirt, and any remaining shreds of his dignity (of which there was not much to begin with) by the time he's knocked out of the race in the primary, probably by Joe Lhota. It will then be a case of Joe Lhota driving his campaign train into November's election, straight into the grim, determined, brick wall of Christine Quinn - doing her best to both distance herself and mirror her "boss" Mike Bloomberg. That collision will give an opening to the maverick unaffiliated Democrat, Bronx powerhouse politician Adolfo Carrion, running on Bloomberg's fusion Independence-Republican line, to possibly win an unexpected, long-shot victory, sure to send the City's burgeoning Latino population into a well-deserved, and long-awaited frenzy of alegria and ethnic pride, in the upcoming, impossible-to-predict, 3-way Mayoral race - a race whose outcome will probably stay too close to call until Election Day, but is at least certain to provide a maximum of entertainment, interest, and surprises.
The cupcake shop and the supermarket figure they can charge prices that the affluent can easily afford, and since there are now enough of the affluent on the island, they can still stay in business even if the island's poor are squeezed, or need to shop elsewhere, such as at Queens supermarkets.
You can thank Pataki for selling out the island by letting Southtown developers ignore the GDP. A Wire article from way back in 2001 gives you an idea of the steamroller-like Pataki-enabled gentrification advanced by Hudson and Related in the Southtown development, as opposed to the ideal of socio-economic integration mandated by the GDP http://old.nyc10044.com/wire/2117/stnapp.html
(Incidentally, Pataki made news the other day by endorsing Mr. Catsimatides after Catsimatides donated 25K last June to a political action committee Pataki founded to help elect Republicans to Congress. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/pataki-backs-catsimatidis-nyc-mayor-article-1.1289222#ixzz2NlbeQWmJPataki's for his campaign)
Which really makes me wonder - what was Pataki's price for OK-ing Southtown and selling out RI? Such a huge favor must have commanded a substantial donation to Pataki's campaign fund or political action committee by The Related Companies. A clue may be found in a story on how the RE industry gets around campaign finance law http://www.thenewyorkworld.com/2012/08/07/the-campaign-finance-loophole-developers-love/ using various loopholes. See too this not terribly "shocking" article on the past accomplishments of Jay Kriegel, involved in bundling donations to politicians, and mentioned in the article above in connection with Southtown developer Related. http://insideseedyhall.com/
Gristedes has hit a homerun with the renovations and lower prices~ fantastic remodel and the staff is very helpful...could not be happier and so glad to finally see it. The breakfast and dinner buffets will take off and with all the families with kids, will be a hit! We needed a good grocer !! A last we can shop on the island and not be gouged.
all prices are lowered ... stop your complaining, maybe you should go and buy your groceries there one time and see. You live to complain with every thing you post on here. Gets old.
What do you feel an acceptable price for a cupcake is? Nothing I have seen has been shocking. This is NYC afterall....
I have no idea since I'm one of those folks with their noses pressed up to the windows of the stores that cater to the rich. I can't shop at chi-chi cupcake shops.
From reading about these treats, though, someone who can afford it might spend $3-4 dollars apiece on a high-quality, "unique", artistic, or artisanal cupcake, especially if served within a fashionable, hip, cupcake shop. Patisserie is an art after all - for those who can afford it. We wish we had the quality and range of pastry available in European cities, with a long history of cafe culture.
But for the commercial-grade cupcakes the cupcake shop on Main St sells, if did not have the affluent population to buy them, then I would say they're probably worth no more than $1.99 apiece - and at that he gets a huge profit per cupcake since he can get those cupcakes wholesale at a big discount, probably for no more than 50 cents a piece. Of course, you pay for service at a store and the expectation of clean, pleasant surroundings and a helpful staff. I've heard the cupcake shop sells cupcakes for double that. Obviously there are enough affluent folks on RI now to make that price point feasible. And, he's probably smart to charge so much - he might as well peg his prices according to what the affluent can pay because the poor folks, like Cheshire - slowly disappearing from lack of cat food - can't afford a luxury like cupcakes anyway.
It's like Pier1 or Rivercross Bar - I applaud businessmen who can make it on RI even if I, as a poor cat, can't actually patronize their businesses. It's still nice to see others enjoying fine food and drink, cupcakes, tea, scones, through the window of the stores that my poor little pink nose is pressed up to.
The cupcake prices are what you would expect for a high-end bakery, not for the commercial products sold at the Sweet Shop. I think the problem is that, while the owner commendably saw a niche on RI that could be filled, he doesn't really know much about food.
None of the prices are shocking but $5 for a cup cake is more than established places like Sprinkles, Crumbs, or Magnolia charge for their products. The ice cream is nice but far from being premier.
Of course. He's in a similar position to the vendors in Central Park - he can get more for a cheap snack at his charming store a half-block away from the river, than the same item sells for a few blocks away, say at a grocery store in LIC (or even down the block at our own M&D deli).
Here on RI, we're on a picturesque island with incomparable river views of Manhattan, pleasant parks - not that different than a unique oasis like Central Park. A resident or visitor is getting value just by being on RI, just like you get the value of relaxation or enjoyment just by being in Central Park. Moreover, the cupcake store provides a pleasant setting for customers so that is an additional value right there that the customer gains just by patronizing that business. In Manhattan, you pay a little extra in Central Park to avoid having to walk a few blocks to the cheaper place on 1st or 2nd Avenue - an inconvenient trek and not as much fun as consuming the same snack in the Park. On RI, you pay a little more having a cupcake in the cupcake store as opposed to buying the same cupcake at the deli and then consuming it on a park bench. The "nice" factor rules since the deli is just as convenient as the cupcake store, of course you also have a pleasant spot in which to consume your cupcake. In the end, in both instances, you are paying a little more for the "entertainment" or "relaxation" value of having a snack in the Park or at the charming store near the river.
There are many immigrants who have made a surprising amount of money by taking advantage of this equation of being in the right place supplying cheap snacks at a premium price to those who did not wish to interrupt their enjoyment of a day at the Park or walking around in the tourist district. This feeding of leisure fantasies previously led to big bucks vending mass quantities of cheap food and thrills to beach-goers at Coney Island. Despite Coney's decline since its heyday some businesses still make a ridiculous amount of money on the boardwalk each summer.
You are the perfect representation of over-thinking things. I doubt the Sweet Shop will stay in business for too long. Even us "rich" people will refuse at some point to spend that kind of money on average cup cakes and ice creams.
you use the word " affluent " a lot on here. Would you speaking of the famlies where everyone is working and have a job? Are you speaking of the very few that own penthoused in ST? If everyone in the household has a high work ehtic they too could be " affluent " and be able to have what they need for their family. Telling the wife NOT to work so you can keep your sec 8 housing is one of the problems here in this city...Joe's 4 kids are learning how to work the system if you will and they have no incentive to get out and work and take care of themselves...they would rather just all stay at home, collect welfare and live in section 8 housing than to work and earn a living. I grew up poor, and was the oldes of 4 kids, with one parent...I am not living in section 8 housing, nor collecting money from the state to take care of myself.
Growing up poor is not excuse for going around with your hand out...you get a job and your spouse works also and together you are a team and will pay rent like most of the city does...or you become the bottom feeders and expect to be taken are of the rest of your life.
Maybe they are doing you, the poor people, a favor. With so many calorie-dense foods being cheap and marketed to the economically disadvantaged, maybe the sweet shop is trying to help you make better decisions and fight the inequality that is obesity in the poor.
Funny. Imagine if there were no cheap calorie-dense foods available - no cheap Mickey D's burgers and shakes. Then you would see a consumer revolt - that's for sure. Cheap food is a like a tranquilizer politically. If people don't have much else, at least they can have cheap food. Also, inflation would sky-rocket if all food were priced like the cupcakes at the cupcake shop. That is always bad for the economy, and eventually leads to big problems as money starts to lose value. Your idea might find favor with Bloomberg though - make all cheap sugary foods really expensive by means of high taxes. Consumers are then reminded that they pay a high price in calories and potentially harm their health if they become obese, every time they have to spend alot to buy a cheap sugary snack.
Funny how we can imagine the same thing, but your version looks like a post-apocalyptic tv movie and mine looks like one where we all healthier. No one would revolt if those things weren't available, and you would see the amount of government money spent on healthcare costs and disability payments for people who are too fat to work plumet (how can being too fat to work be a disability deserving of welfare???)
I'm not defending those that lack the self-control to limit their caloric intake and so become obese. Yes, you certainly would see health-care costs plummet if people were leaner.
The gov caloric intake guidelines (1,600-2,400 for adult women and 2,000-3,000 for men although the estimates depend on age and physical activity level http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf see page 13) should be modified to reflect the urban dweller's less active lifestyle - but that would get the ag business up in arms since it might lead to less food consumption. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the weight you want to be by 10 that should be the number of calories you want to limit yourself to daily. If you have a calorie budget, you'll want to get the best bang for your buck - that is, maximize nutrition within the calorie budget rather than blowing the budget on cheap unhealthy food. At least that's the idea. If you want to be 160 then your calorie budget is 1600. Of course if you are a lumberjack, you can throw these low-calorie estimates out the window since you will need more calories. But in general, using a budget that's your desired weight x 10 may be quite a bit less than the recommended caloric intake for adults. Yet it isn't calorie restriction either, it isn't ultra-low. You can have all the food you previously had but you have to scrupulously keep track of calories consumed and maximize the healthy calories. Eventually, you realize you have to give up most unhealthy foods if you want to still have enough calories left in your budget for the healthy foods - it forces you to prioritize healthy over unhealthy foods. The other somewhat annoying feature is literally measuring/rationing so that you know exactly (or nearly exactly) how many calories you are consuming. This better you keep track of calories, the better you know if you are within the calorie budget.
Many consumers would be surprised to know that some commercial cupcakes can have up to 400-500 calories apiece. So for a small lean cat like myself, just having 1 cupcake - which has almost no nutritional value - is like robbing myself of half my daily calories, just like that. Not only can I not afford a high-calorie cupcake due to finances, I can't afford the calories. But for kids, I suppose it's OK for them to carb out occasionally since they can burn calories more easily, tend to be more active, etc.
Incidentally, BB has just introduced a new law for consideration by the Council: Forcing businesses to hide cigarette displays/advertising behind the counter so as to cut back on "impulse" buying of cigarettes,and setting the minimum price of a pack of cigarettes at $10.50. He'll get push-back on that scheme too - just like he was defeated on the soda ban by small businesses. Maybe BB should try to force businesses to hide candy displays too. Those are all empty calories, and unhealthy if consumed in excess. If he did, he'd run up against some of the biggest names in the sugar/food/ag sector. They have huge legal departments and would certainly also try to stifle that idea. Can you imagine if they removed the candy displays - M&Ms, Snickers, Milky Way, Hershey bars - at checkout counters at supermarkets? That's exactly where kids start nagging their parents for candy "Buy me candy mommy!" No way the supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores will do that without being forced to.
Gristede's hot buffet, is way too expensive. Tried lunch today, sticker shock with $22 for a plate of food. They charge $8/lb for rice/beans and french fries. Manhattan prices are about a half to a third of that, with sushi and fresh fruit included.
There you go - Gristedes is doing its bit to keep people healthy and avoid overeating by keeping prices too high!
Seriously though, that does sound steep for the ordinary folks, although the swells or those too busy to cook will pay those prices.
Gristedes is following the same strategy as the cupcake shop: Mark prices up according to what the rich on the island can pay. Maybe not such a foolish strategy since there are more and more affluent on the island.
CK just a had a nasty tumble about an hour ago on Driggs in Bklyn - a perfect 4-point landing, natch, since I'm a kitty. Finished licking my wounds a few minutes ago but now realize I need a tetanus shot tomorrow because of the dirt in the scrapes/ground into skin. Not a happy kitty at this moment - unsurprisingly. No kitty wants to be picked up from a perfect ski-ing-down-the-sidewalk-position by kind passersby - too undignified. But thank goodness there were kind humans there and nothing was broken, only superficial scrapes.
Joe, have you and your family been on sec 8 for 30 years? I have heard you bragging on here before about how you live on sec 8 and enjoy living off the rich people..I bet you have lived in the same apartment also on this island most of those 30 years, , and not worked, or told your wife not to work so you can keep your cheap rent. You have decided to have 4 chldren also.., which I believe children are a beautiful thing, all children are gift and angels, but having a family should be planned out and if you do not have their college fund in the bank before they are born, or have a plan for their education and their life, and have a nice home to bring them up in, then maybe waiting to have any kids should be the way to go. I always wonder why anyone would choose to have huge families when they cannot afford to live and take care of their own lives first? Why does the city and state support so many that cannot afford to take care of themselves but then choose to have huge families? Why would anyone have a lot of children, bring them up in sec 8 housing and then keep expecting to be taken care of by the working public, city, state and government? The children then grow up in an environment with a sense of self intitlement and will expect NY and the US government to then take care of them the rest of their lives as that is what they learned from their parents! Most have a lax even lazy worrk ethic~ so the cycle continues. I wish the general public or half the world even would please educate children on birth control & waiting to get married to have children or at least be at a point in your life where you can support a baby and yourselves! Teaching your children also on the ways to make a resume and go on job interviews and go out in the world and make it your own and take care of yourselves and not depend on anyone to take care of you. Being responsible to yourselves and others! Working summers and volunteering will teach a young teen how to take responsibility and not live off the government.
most all buffets in the city are 6.99 and 7.99 a pound Frank. Potatoes and rice are very dense foods, and the fact that you got over 3 lbs of potatoes and rice may not have been the best choices...you could have bought a bag of potatoes and bag of rice and in 30 minutes had lunch for 5 people for about 10 bucks :)
Gristedes is NOW charging about the same prices as in Queens and even Manhattan. The hot buffet has more than potatoes and rice....it seems everyone will always want to hate Gristedes and complain and complain even when it is not warranted. It is a new day, and the fact you have distain for Casamatis that owns the store, which all of you have annoucned on here, shows and you always will. The prices on almost everything are lower, Gristedes is now providing a market that all can shop in 1.99 for a head of lettuce, 4.99 for 8 peices of chicken and some mac and cheese and bottle water could have been a healthy lunch for about 4 people all for about 15.00
the cupcake shop will not last more than a year. Prices too high and is not a place I want my children to hang out...too many drug deals go down right there outside the door, even with PSD right there. I would not allow my children to go there without me.
I myself have also asked if they could lower the price on the buffet as even in the city the prices on most buffets is 6.99 a pound for salad and hot food. If everyone will speak up about what it is our families need here, I feel that the managment will try to offer it...they want our money and spending the millions they did on the renovations, now is the perfect time to let them know what kind of store we want and need here. Those with a political or personal reason to slander the owner and staff will just continue to do so, while the rest of us save money and enjoy having a brand new store to shop in.
westviewgirl: Of course I could have made it myself, but that's not the point of grabbing a quick lunch. FYI, I had rice, sausages, vegetables, and chicken, but *NO* fries. My point about the pricing is: just on its own, the basic "cheap" starches are way overpriced (close to the point you're making). Also, if you look at the prepared hot meals (e.g., meatloaf, potatoes, etc.), they are $4.99 each for a pound or more of food. Ditto for their prepared whole chickens and prepared turkey legs: $4.99/pound. And others are $3.99/pound. In other words, it's cheaper to eat two plates of prepared foods (more food) than one plate at the buffet.
As for Manhattan prices, the competition here is Roosevelt Island prices: the Subway has set the mark with $5 foot-long sandwiches, which has brought down the deli's prices by a buck or so (from $7 to $5-5.50). There are a good number of people (I'm in this category) who are looking for a $5-6 lunch.
You say to CK "you have disdain for Casamatis that owns the store", but that is not the case for me: I don't believe Mr. C and I have ever met, my complaints have been about prices/ quality/ service, as has been this complaint. I have been a regular shopper of Gristedes, even with the problems, because (1) it is convenient and I accept that trade-off much of the time, (2) as a parent, it's an easy experience with my kids over the years as I nudge and broaden the selection of foods they like.
I doubt they spend "millions". The contractors they hired, for example, seemed quite amateurish in how they got the work done.
the meatloaf and mashed potatoes with a veg for 4.99 is delish, and the kids could split it too! :) I was just quoting your post, you said you spent 22.00 for rice and fries...well, you did * shrug *
Gristede's hot buffet, is way too expensive. Tried lunch today, sticker shock with $22 for a plate of food. They charge $8/lb for rice/beans and french fries. Manhattan prices are about a half to a third of that, with sushi and fresh fruit included.
"Gristede's hot buffet, is way too expensive. Tried lunch today, sticker shock with $22 for a plate of food. They charge $8/lb for rice/beans and french fries. Manhattan prices are about a half to a third of that, with sushi and fresh fruit included."
give them a chance, even a rotisserie chick is not 4.99, and 8 peices of fried chick 4.99...I am really impressed with what they are doing...as with any new venture, will take a while to get in a routine..for instance the cafe floor was very dirty and trashed yesterdsay, but a lot more people are coming in and eating and do not throw their trash away..they need more trash cans at the front door and cafe..and the cafe needs someone always cleaning always. I have suggested they come down on the buffet prices and the manager said they are talking about it. I feel they are trying, and really want everyone to shop there...I do
Westviewgirl: Carefully read what I said, I had lunch, it cost $22. I pointed out prices on rice and fries ($8/lb), but didn't say I ate them. I can see how you misread my comment (no prob), but my point was to highlight (essentially) the same point you were making: the high prices for simple starches (which could be made for a lot less).
The rotisserie chicken is $4.99/lb (at least it was yesterday). I am happy that they are trying, and I would buy more from that department if the prices were better, e.g., as compared to other lunch options such as Subway, but *not* compared to making food from scratch.
Unlike groceries (which you can put back when you're at the cashier checking out), you can't really put the food back into the buffet trays, so I felt obliged to pay the $22 at that point.
Like you, I complained to the manager yesterday. He thought I wanted a refund/discount (which I told him No), what I want is just lower prices in the future.
you are not competitive shopping then to try to save your family money...you should try to check out all prices at all sources. Gristedes is a lot better now.
I agree - not millions. Not a gut-renovation type job - not all new finishes. However, it must have run into the mid-6 figures-1+ mil at least.
Business is business. I don't disdain Mr. Catsimatides even if he is a fat cat, and I a slowly disappearing rather lean one. He's succeeded at his game of accumulating money. You can improve his margins by shopping at Gristedes - that is your choice. For me, with almost zero discretionary money, that is not usually an option although I do plan on stopping in someday to enjoy a coffee and see the update close-up instead of with my little pink nose pressed up against the window. It sounds like the prices are comparable to Key's in Brooklyn - where I do shop. How about soda prices westviewgirl? Have they finally come down? I certainly don't expect prices as cheap as the late lamented Pathmark in LIC which no longer exists, but at least give us occasional Coke deals. Then I might start shopping at Gristedes again.
I think the cupcake shop will last. He can carve out a Starbuck's-type niche for himself in Northtown. Even the grittiness of Main St he can turn to his advantage - may appeal to those cloyed by the unending Disney-like perfection of Southtown.
He should compete with the big S (Starbuck's) on things adults may like - coffee, or coffee drinks - maybe invent a few new drinks or flavors that might draw curious customers. More sophisticated ice-cream flavors here and there - in addition to the regular crowd-pleasing flavors, flavors you cannot find in a Baskin-Robbins or supermarket but might appeal to adventurous foodies. He could get reviewers to come in and try them. Once he gets written up in local papers or blogs as a creative ice-cream/coffee wizard, he might get people trekking in from W-burg or EV to sample his treats. Then it's only a matter of time until islanders flock to his door to try his wonderful creations. Think adding seasonal organic obscure berries or fruits from a pure farm in Upstate NY. Of course throwing in high-quality chocolate confections, artisanal marshmallows. Or even salted pretzels into rich, dense, mocha-flavored chocolate mousse ice-cream. He can certainly at least have fun trying out many different new flavors. There's a job, as a cat, I wouldn't mind being paid to do: Trying out various new flavors of delicious ice-cream.
If I had the money I'd plunk it down for creamy interesting ice-cream (although it would bust my calorie budget so I would probably have to confine myself to a small kiddie portion). I'd definitely be a coffee customer if i had the dough to spend (as it is I cannot even go to Starbucks unfortunately - only watch the humans enjoying coffee with my little pink nose and paws pressed up against the store window).
As for not allowing your kids to go to the cupcake shop without you, I wouldn't allow my children to run around unsupervised even if I were living in the most affluent area of NYC. Didn't Etan Patz get snatched in Tribeca, one of the richest, if not the richest, areas of NYC (although at that time it might not have been as rich as it later became). You must keep your eyes on your kids at all time; things are not like in the olden days when kids go out unsupervised to play or walk to school. Those days are over.
I don't think Main St is that different from other areas where the poor may try to make money by selling drugs. Unfortunately that will lead to jail. Drug selling is usually done indoors among people who may trust each other - the days of the outdoor drug supermarkets such as the ones that were once prevalent in the LES, have largely disappeared. Maybe the junkies all died off, maybe crack became less fashionable, or the crackheads also died off, or maybe it's simpler to take painkillers.
Drugs are a scourge though - just as heavy alcohol consumption is destructive. What is the difference between an abuser of alcohol and an abuser of drugs? The alcohol abuser, unless they do something really stupid and break the law under the influence of alcohol, will go home and sleep it off. The drug abuser, if caught, or if they do something stupid under the influence of drugs, will go to jail, and therein sleep off the rest of their life.
This is the problem of hot buffets. You were hungry and tempted by the rice, beans, and fries - all dense, heavy food. I've also gotten socked with paying up to $15 dollars, including a buck for a soda, for lunch at buffets (when I was working). Of course you can't return the food if you realize at the checkout you bought too much. You have to throw away the leftovers unless you want to drag buffet fare back to the office etc and then home - most people wouldn't bother though. Anybody could rack up a total like Frank's if they first fill their dish with food like roast chicken, bbq ribs, mac-'n'-cheese, rice-'n'-beans, or fries. This is why the food biz is so lucrative - transforming relatively inexpensive ingredients into meals that sell for so many times more, especially fries, rice, mac.
What you want to do next time is first fill your plate with the light-weight stuff like green leafy vegetables - non-heavy salad items, including sunflower seeds, olives, feta cheese, but excluding many tomatoes since they are heavy. Avoid any vegetables that are on the heavy side - any boiled vegetables as opposed to lightweight vegetables such as plain shredded cabbage. Anything in a sauce or dressing will weigh more. Green leafy vegetables is a value if the greens look fresh - they won't tip the scale too much so you can load up on them. Add small portions of the food you may crave such as a rib or 2, or only a scoop of mac-n-cheese. This will be enough if you have the salad items.
Avoid taking cut-up fruit slices a great way for the store to make money since you can buy the same thing in the grocery section for much less per pound and most fruit needs only minimal preparation (washing) some not even slicing or cutting into bite-size pieces (berries, apples, peaches and so forth). The fruit section of buffets are among the biggest ways the merchant makes money so if you add some fruit add only a little.
For a starch unless you absolutely must have rice or mac or fries, go instead for a whole-grain roll which they will sometimes sell at a discount instead of included in the buffet pricing, maybe at less than a dollar a roll - which would also convey the impression of cheapness or that the buffet is really a deal (although since some bread will not tip the scale that much, the store owner probably makes more money selling the rolls individually rather than selling them by weight as part of the buffet) . Butter for roll be a free condiment (the way sugar and milk is free for coffee or tea).
If you do all this, you will get away much more cheaply and still get a meal that should keep hunger away for several hours.
In order to eat for $5 or 6 including a beverage, you have to buy 2/3 or so of a pound of food at Gristedes buffet. You can still have a satisfying meal if it's centered on light-weight salad items including sunflower seeds or a few chopped up walnuts, without store dressing (you can add some lemon juice or dressing afterwards if that is permitted, although often it won't be; however, lemon packets or quarters of lemons are given away with tea & a little lemon juice makes a good salad dressing) no cooked vegetables since they retain the water from cooking/steaming, and moderate amounts of the heavier items such as roast meats/poultry, or starches. It is tough to keep from taking lasagna or mac-n-cheese when it is right there, but if you do, just make it a small quantity. The cooked noodles are heavy, as is are sauces - and will set you back accordingly.
"too many drug deals go down right there outside the door" is a serious accusation to make about someone's business. What is the precise location of the cupcake shop about which you make this claim? David Enock
I did notice that since the new opening weeks ago, they have had coke products in the 2 liters 4 for five dollars. I think that sale ends in on thursday. Large chock full of nuts coffee is 99 cents, with assortment of pastries and bagels and breakfast sands in the am. I find that whoever is making the meatloaf and meatballs is quiet a cook. .
was in Gristedes today and asked could they put some nice hot fresh veggies on the hot food bar, broccoli, corn, carrots, maybe brussel sprouts even? Certain days it would be cool if there was the meatloaf, then on another day say turkey and dressing, or pot pie, maybe lasagna? I also requested a nice cold salad bar with fruits and some veg for the spring and summer. Hot corn muffins on the hot bar would be nice ;)
during any given night summer or winter, you can see the kids or young adults standing outside the Bodega and smell the wacky weed in the air...I was no in anyway blaming the sweets shop, just that that area has a lot of lottering and young hanging out in gangs and handing small packets to each other...with summer on the way, I try to never be out after dark on either side of the street in that block. They should be putting up the security cameras they promised 2 years ago all over the island to try to stop all that type of activity. Again, I am just saying, after dark, the sidewalks right there are kind of shady and yes, the smell of pot is in the air. I hope that PSD will one day be able to stop that from going on. I and my family have seen kids walking down the street smoking the stuff sometimes at night with no care in the world. That should not be excepted at all.
Nice suggestion CK, but nothing like that at Gristedes. It seemed healthier (to me) to have more of the rice/beans and less of the fried chicken, chicken parm, and sausages. There are no lettuce/etc. options at Gristedes buffet. Today's price: still $8/pound, way too expensive.
Yes - I just walked in to Gristedes today. I didn't dine at the cafe instead checked out the renovated store. I even purchased some on sale items: A container of strawberries, a large bottle of Concord grape juice and a small bottle of pomegranate-blueberry juice. I was amazed that the above set me back less than $5! Of course, every item was on sale.
I thought the store prices overall were so-so although there were many good sales. I would consider shopping there but only to cherry-pick sale items, meaning items truly on sale not just 10 cents or 25 cents off.
It's a nice environment, better organized, although I would have redone the ceiling panels, the lighting, and the floors. Of course that would have added much more to the total renovation bill. Even so, I found the shopping experience much more pleasant than before. Overall, I'd give the renovation a B+. Catsimatides could have really scored a home run had he changed the ceiling panels, lighting, flooring, and gotten rid of the wood paneling. He went about 3/4 of the way toward totally transforming the store. It's greatly improved but still contains the DNA of the previous unrenovated store because these finishes were not updated.
Since I shun red meat and many other types of food, I wouldn't go for the buffet food. The cafe does not contain a salad bar. I recommend the store put in a regular salad bar with whole foods, whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and so forth in addition to the hot food/buffet section. $8/lb is too expensive for the type of food Gristedes sells at the cafe.
It is logical and convenient to have the cafe situated at the store entrance since it makes it easier for customers to just pop in to buy food to go or eat at the cafe instead of having to go through the entire supermarket to find the buffet.
Rice and beans can be healthy depending on the way they are made.
The salt and grease factor of buffet food can make rice and beans unhealthy. An unhealthy fat might be used by the business instead of a quality olive oil or even canola oil; likewise, white rice is used instead of brown rice.
If the beans were canned beans, they are filled with sodium even if they are drained. Will many businesses soak and cook dry beans from scratch to make rice & beans? Maybe some do but most probably use the more convenient canned beans.
Canned, instead of fresh tomatoes can be another source of sodium and even sugar depending on the type of canned tomatoes used. How likely is it the buffet will use raw or minimally processed tomatoes.
Although I rarely cook, when I do cook the only thing I cook is various kinds of rice and beans, or veg chili. I only use brown rice or other whole grains, dry beans, and fresh or frozen veg. I shun canned foods except canned tomatoes or tomato products without sugar added. Sometimes I add some salt to the beans or lentils in form of bouillon or broth which kicks up the flavor but all these dishes are perfectly fine without salt. Because a cup of cooked rice and beans is roughly 150 calories, I usually only eat 1 or 2 cups at a time. If I'm still hungry I can have a salad, a piece of fruit, or a few nuts or dates.
Hey thanks for the heads-up on the Coke! 4 for 5 isn't bad!
Nice photo!
I've never noticed this, westviewgirl. lt is deplorable and I agree cameras should be installed on Main St. I don't think this will stop the illegal drug trade since the market will simply move to areas not under camera surveillance.
They could install an exhaust fan and vent the food service area to the outdoors. The aroma of cooking meat might even attract customers much like the smell of baking brownies may attract customers to a bakery.
westviewgirl: Contrary to your perception, the sweet shop is NOT a place where drugs are dealt. PSD already has cameras on the deli and is directly viewable on the video monitor at the front desk of the PSD lobby. I agree with Director Guerra: if you see something, say something right away ... PSD hearing about a vague complaint via the rumor mill does not allow them to take timely action.
According to PSD stats for 2012: of the 2350 incidents, there were 26 incidents of "Possible Illegal Substance", i.e., about once every two weeks with the summer months being low months (surprise). That's about the same level as Shoplifting (24 incidents in 2012), Gas Leaks (20 incidents in 2012), Disabled Vehicles (30 incidents in 2012), and Animal Nuisance (30 incidents in 2012).
In other words, geese/squirrels and dead batteries EACH require more PSD attention than drugs.
It's time to recalibrate perceptions based upon actual facts/stats.
I also think the shop will last, at least as long as it is the only store on the island selling ice cream cones. The creative innovations that you suggest will never happen.
Please stop making claims unless you have hard evidence to back them up. If you are so concerned about drug dealing in front of stores here on the Island, file a claim with the police when you think you smell or see something drug related. The only thing your unsubstantiated claims do is start rumors and harm the businesses you mention. And for goodness sake get the names of the few stores here on the Island right, take a walk around and learn them.
how many feet is the deli away from the sweet shop? I did not measure, but it is a few feet away, and my perception is a fact Frank, and unlike most that start a " rumour mill " I am not one of those...I have seen the drugs being delt, as well as my family and most of you also...you just look the other way and ignore it. Tis a shame, all of you see and smell the junk that someone is bring on this island and just look the other way...I have and did call PSD when I have seen it, even outside the library in daylight. They told me at one point there is nothing they can do. Kids also smoke it down at the south point park ni the summer when the sun is going down.
All of you live in your wonderland and look the other way, the stuff is getting on the island somehow, we sure as heck are not growing it! Tell you what, next time I will stop in my tracks and take a picture of the people doing it, and also have the picture of the store or place of biz they are in front of...In the Summer time you can smell it on the Tram and redbus...wake up people, either you are in denial, or you just choose to ignore the problem. My kids will not go out at night within that block after dark.
Westviewgirl, doesn't sound like you're familiar with Island House. After the deli, there is a set of stairs that go down to the curb (typically keeps people on one side of the stairs), then there is a long storefront (cleaners), and another long storefront (stationers), and then you get to the main stairs to Island House where the sweet shop is. No one at the sweet shop can smell anyone smoking at the deli, they are far apart.
And smelling it on the tram? You probably flunked chemistry or physics ... someone on the ground somewhere on Roosevelt Island is smoking weed and you can smell it on the tram. Maybe you haven't thought about how the strength of the smell would diminish proportionally to the cube of the distance away. So one hundred feet away (say on the tram) would be at about one millionth less smell as compared to one foot away.
Cheshirekitty, show us your face.
First, let's see what you look like, post your picture. Now, If, as you say, you try to never be out after dark, how can you, on any given night summer or winter, see the kids or young adults standing outside the bodega and smell wacky weed in the air? And when is it that you see a lot of loitering hanging out in gangs and handing small packets to each other in the area of the Sweet Shop? I am often at the Sweet Shop during the day and I have never once seen anything even resembling what you claim to know is going on in the area. I frequent Trellis two to three evenings a week and have also never seen what you claim is going on any given night. Since you are not around at night you can't be actually seeing anything either. Where is this bodega you mention? You really need to gather your facts and get them straight before making claims about kids, adults and gangs hanging out and using drugs in front of the stores on the Island. I don't know if you noticed or not but the proprietors of the M&M deli are not Spanish. There are no Bodega's on Roosevelt Island! Merrium-Webster; a Bodega is usually a small grocery store in an urban area; specifically : one specializing in Hispanic groceries. All of the preceding points to a simple fact of the Twentieth Century. Out of control drug laws and their enforcement are no longer a priority. Science and time has changed our views specifically towards recreational and medical marihuana use. We now have bigger fish to fry. So, lighten up.
First, let's see what you look like, post your picture. Now, If, as you say, you try to never be out after dark, how can you, on any given night summer or winter, see the kids or young adults standing outside the bodega and smell wacky weed in the air? And when is it that you see a lot of loitering hanging out in gangs and handing small packets to each other in the area of the Sweet Shop? I am often at the Sweet Shop during the day and I have never once seen anything even resembling what you claim to know is going on in the area. I frequent Trellis two to three evenings a week and have also never seen what you claim is going on any given night. Since you are not around at night you can't be actually seeing anything either. Where is this bodega you mention? You really need to gather your facts and get them straight before making claims about kids, adults and gangs hanging out and using drugs in front of the stores on the Island. I don't know if you noticed or not but the proprietors of the M&M deli are not Spanish. There are no Bodega's on Roosevelt Island! Merrium-Webster; a Bodega is usually a small grocery store in an urban area; specifically : one specializing in Hispanic groceries. All of the preceding points to a simple fact of the Twentieth Century. Out of control drug laws and their enforcement are no longer a priority. Science and time has changed our views specifically towards recreational and medical marihuana use. We now have bigger fish to fry. So, lighten up.
correct
I never said drugs were dealt there, you just said that I did, I said, and will quote for you again.
"Prices too high and is not a place I want my children to hang out...too many drug deals go down right there outside the door nearby the deli,"
Please do not put words in my mouth. That whole block has a past history of being shady and not very safe, in my opinion, and I am entiltled to have one, opening a sweet shop in that area it may not last because of the past history of the deli and just being shady somtimes. Since PSD has a camera on the Deli a few feet away from there, I guess they have reason to believe it is not the safest place on the island either.
Wadawin - Sometimes any small urban grocery store is referred to as a bodega. I used to live in a religious/Hasidic area - Borough Park - and would call the corner kosher grocer a deli or a bodega. It's maybe somewhat humorous to refer to a non-Latino owned grocery store as a bodega but many do so. I know M&D is not Latino-owned but I might still call it a bodega. I've never noticed either pot smoking or dealing near M&D although sometimes there are kids congregating outside, I suppose for the excitement, or the proximity to refreshments? My recommendation is for RIOC to permit the deli to operate an outdoor cafe in the small park adjacent to the deli, having some seating and tables where deli patrons can enjoy a reasonably-priced cup of coffee or a sandwich if weather permits. This will give the kids that hang out on the sidewalk a place to socialize.
I disagree - Main St by the deli is safe as far as I am concerned. I've never felt unsafe walking by the deli because the PSD is only a few feet away - so all of Main St is under their direct supervision. One of reasons I moved to RI was because of its safety.
I'll send you a friend request on facebook and then you'll find out who I am. If you are on fb, that is.
Two things, M&D deli is NOT a Bodega. To call it a Bodega is a misnomer and confusing to anyone who does not come from Borough Park. And, I grew up there '36-56', and I never, ever, heard the corner deli referred to as a Bodega...but that was way before your time.
Maybe not in those days but when I lived in Boro Park, there were quite a few Latinos, plus Sunset Park - a few avenues over from BP - is a Latino neighborhood. There were quite a few neighborhoods such as along the railroad tracks of the F train that were "sketchy"/poor - might contain many different peoples. BP itself also had many Italian-Americans. The two places I lived in - 38th St and later 51 St - both had Latinos & Italian-Americans either directly across the street or just down the block. I guess you would have to refer to the Italian groceries as salumerias, the kosher grocers as delis. For the sake of convenience you could say any small grocer in an urban area is a bodega.
You could say it, but you would be wrong.
I would like to agree with you but I can't. Let's let it go at that. Best, David...and thanks, Boro Park is the correct spelling.
You are showing your age. A bodega is a very common word for all those delis around New York City (examples: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/05/25/the-bodega-a-brief-history-of-an-urban-institution/ and http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/classicnewyork/n_8153/). The word lost its original meaning, especially in our town. That's what language does - it evolves and changes. That's just the way it is.
Yes, if you use the dictionary definition of the word. No, if you use how certain words are used differently depending on locality.
Why thank you YetAnotherRIer. The last thing we should do is start a pointless discussion on word usage, then and now, here and there. Anyone remember the exasperating discussion on the variations of the color red of a few months ago? That was tiresome after a while.
OK David. At least we know we're all talking about the same thing - M&D deli! & yes - you're right - how could I forget, it is Boro Park, just as Williamsburg has no "h". We can trade stories Boro Park on fb if you wish.
If that's how you feel about it, it's fine with me. I'll probably still keep saying bodega and/or deli. Not a big deal either way IMO. Can we please resume the discussion about the pot smoking or whatever other problems there are along Main St. And does anyone know why the deli windows are always broken?
In this locality, bodega means small Hispanic grocery store.
Oh, yes -- when you were trying to convince everyone that purple is red.
I like David and who knows what the ages are of any of us on this thread. Age is relative - and in some ways, to be older is an advantage since the older person may have a longer perspective on life. Having said that, though, yes - meanings do change over time. Since generations live in their own social segments or layers to some extent, the common terminology of today may not be the same as that of way back when, and vice versa.
At most, I'll admit the bridge is maroon - but many would say it's red. But please let's not start that pointless discussion again!!!
It would be nice... we might even do it over coffee at the Sweet Shop which would make the conversation easier as opposed to this blog. Let's stay in touch.
That's a good idea! I haven't even walked into the Sweet Shop yet so having a cup of coffee and meeting you in person would both be new experiences! If you want, message me on Facebook. Or you can arrange a rendezvous here on the blog if you wish. I should say, to keep everything on the up and up, there is a TomCat in the background in my life. What about you - do you have a nice Ms. FurryFeline at home too?
If we listen to your sources, we could call the M&D Deli a Korean Grocery. The M&D DEli is not a Bodega by any stretch of the imagination. It is only a Bodega to Latinos who bring their culture with them. Eventually, I suppose that will change. And, I am extremely comfortable showing my age.
My wife of 56 years, two sons a daughter-in-law, a daughter-in-law to be and two grandchildren.
That is true, Korean groceries are in a class by themselves. The attention to detail - which of course I admire.
Good for you! Mazeltov! That's wonderful! I never ushered new kitties into the world - since I'm, in general, too laid back. Still, the Tom has an offspring by his prior mate who in turn has reproduced himself, to everyone's delight. So I get to kvell over the these young - without having put in the work!
No legs lady seems to be able to afford the new buffet, so it can't be too expensive...
You mean westviewgirl?
have you tried the meatloaf at Gristedes mpresident? It is really good and you can get the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a veg over by the deli for 4.99 ! Such a short walk for a really affordable meal on the island now.
word up
you always have such great ideas and advise chesirekitty, you seem so intelligent and wise! I love reading your sage advise on here, love it! Keep it coming girl!
When you went into the cupcake shop what did you think about your experience? Can you tell us how are the prices in there chesire kitty? You mentioned in your post a few days ago about the cupcake shop is marking prices up to what the rich on the island can pay? How much did you pay for a cupcake there and just where is the cupcake shop located anyways, what is the address? Gotta check it out.
Frank, what is your opinion on how so many are asikng that Guerra be removed from PSD? You think he is and hasb been doing a good job on RI? Are you on his side, or those wanting him fired? Please tell us? Remember, if you see somthing, say something!
David, to quote you from an earlier post 3 days ago on here, "Out of control drug laws and their enforcement are no longer a priority. Science and time has changed our views specifically towards recreational and medical marihuana use. We now have bigger fish to fry. So, lighten up."
so does that meant you are condoning anyone smoking pot on the streets of RI in front the our kids or in front of anyof us? You seem to make light of the fact that some folks stand out and smoke the crap not caring about anyone that is around them, and also that it is AGAINST THE LAW! Drug laws are nol onger a priority you said? Wow~
Why thank you! This is like catnip for yours truly...
I've never been to the cupcake shop - which is in Island House. Others have said the cupcakes are very expensive. David E. had suggested we meet for coffee there - I guess he was put off by my rather flip comments about not having had kids basically because I didn't want to go to all the trouble - so the trip to the cupcake shop never occurred.
Yes - if the cupcakes are that expensive, they're marking up the prices to what the rich can pay, which makes alot of sense. As long as they can continue to attract the affluent customers they'll be fine. They'll sell enough and make enough of a profit at the high price it won't matter if they never sell to the less affluent customers.
However, Stop-n-Shop had Coke this week @ 5 for 5 - a quarter less a piece..
Guerra says he does a great job but the stats are probably manipulated so as to make him look better.
Alternatively, if there really is so little crime on RI, why should we, the taxpayers, pay over $1 mil a year just to keep the trivial amount of activity outside the deli by a few kids suppressed? Isn't that a little steep to keep so little unwanted activity under control?
I think Guerra has built up a nice little racket for himself on RI: He got the State to kick in big bucks to get the police station expanded so as to include a plush gym, and even wants to have the Youth Center kicked out so he can take over that giant space as well - for a military-style police training center. He gets to take home a salary of 100 thou+ - not bad for a flat-foot, and has the bragging rights of being Mr. Director, or is it more correct to say Mr. Dictator, of a tiny island.. really laughable considering the size of the force he commands and the size of the territory he needs to police!
If he can hang in for another 5 years, he'll get his second pension. This and this alone is what he really wants more than anything else. To last long enough on his current job to qualify for a second pension, and then to work beyond his second retirement so as to avoid having to pay for medical benefits. What he really wants to do is work until age 65 and Medicare + supplement. That is why he is stubbornly clinging to his current gig even with all the bad press the lawsuits the investigations the audit and so forth.
He also is said to not even be at his desk that much - similar to how Leslie Torres was AWOL much of the time from her desk.
So, basically, you have a man making excellent salary at a virtually no-show job where everything is taken care of by his trusted management team (Suarez, Bryant) so that he can regularly wander off .. probably has a sucia stashed away somewhere in LIC that he visits from time to time..
You ask reasonable questions that I will be happy to answer. However, I make it a point not to answer comments posted anonymously. I like to see who I am talking with. So, If you would like me to respond to your comment, please upload a picture of yourself and use your real name. I will be happy to answer you. David Enock aka wadawin
Unfortunate and extremely annoying.
nolegsgirl: The problem many people make is that they feel either 100% in favor of someone or 100% against someone, e.g., just because I support Director Guerra's statement (encouraging people to promptly report problems to Public Safety, which is reasonable), doesn't mean I support Director Guerra continuing in Public Safety. Maybe you've missed my prior posts or letters in the WIRE citing a good number of problems with Public Safety, the leadership (including Director Guerra), some of the officers, and much of the RIOC Board (incompetently bad oversight), not to mention well-known Island residents blocking attempts (because of conflicts of interest, rivalries, etc.) for Island residents and victims to achieve justice, fairness, peace, and so on.
To answer your questions:
- "Are you on his side?": I don't frame it in terms of sides, but many people would characterize me as being opposed to Guerra's continuation. The editor of the WIRE referred to me a Guerra's "nemesis". :-)
- "[Are you one of] those wanting him fired?": Yes, he should be fired.
I was not put off by anything you said. A little curious but not put off. In fact I sent you a message via your Facebook page but apparently it never got there. I said I was away from the Island and that when I return in about a week, now the end of the week, maybe we could have that coffee together. The offer still stands, I'll be back on Thursday. David Enock
westviewgirl: You're entitled to an opinion, just wrong about the facts. As for drug deals happening there, I see no stats to support your opinion. Last summer *island-wide* there were TWO incidents of Possible Illegal Substance (one in July, one in September). My point is: rather than sticking with the same old "opinions" (actually, biases and prejudices because you're unwilling to updating your thinking in light of the facts), all of us need to recalibrate our perceptions.
Here's a quotation from Gothamist: "The NYPD made more than 50,680 arrests for low-level marijuana offenses in 2011, once again making low-level pot possession the number one cause of arrest in NYC" (see "http://gothamist.com/2012/02/01/nypds_low-level_marijuana_possessio.php").
Proportionally, 76 arrests for the Island's population of 12,000, yet we have annually 26 PSD incidents for Possible Illegal Substance (all drugs, not just marijuana). So maybe it isn't as bad on Roosevelt Island as you might think.
Also, the security cameras are there to observe, not necessarily and indication of crime hot spots, just as cameras in lobbies and the top of the Motorgate ramp aren't necessarily hot spots for crime.
Next time, try looking up some facts to support your opinions.
I've sometimes given her money.
You got it wadawin. Message me on Facebook or say the word here & we'll meet!
I am a firm believer and it is my opinion that not all crimes on this island are documented and set in stone for the record and for the books to document. A lot of the time when PSD is called about something going on, they never even show up to make a report or to investigate things, or to arrest anyone, which by that time are long gone. Could it be that the crime rate here is much higher than shown on paper just to make the island look safer so big name colleges will build a campus here and you and others can try to sell your unit in Island house or Rivercross to the highest bidder and then be able to boast about how low the crime is right outside your door? Those crime rates you quoted, what is the address those drug related crimes happened Frank? Could you tell us please? Is Island house going private and are units going up for sale? Folkd that are new to the island to life on the island or visitors here may not know about the shade that goes on here, but those of us that have lived here for a long time, we sure know what happens out there at night. Somtimes people in life become a product of their surroundings, and people become conditioned to except things that are not the norm to BE the norm so as not to ruffle feathers. I believe that the smell of pot on this island has brain washed most that live here into beleiving that excepting open drug use in public is just " not that bad " or " no big deal " if it was your kids out there doing it, i think you and others taking this ever so light would have a different opinion.
I'm a vegetarian, and the smell of cooking red meat makes me want to vomit.
Gristedes could easily accommodate those who may not wish to walk through the cafe, or starting in April, the outdoor seating area, by making the side exit also an entrance.
Is Gristedes management responsive to comments and suggestions. I believe its one of A and Ps companies if I'm wrong please correct me. I know Whole Foods for example is not very approachable.
It's not part of A&P. It's owned by John Catsimatides, a billionaire currently running for Mayor. I've never gone on the Gristedes website - maybe there's a way to contact management thru their website.
Check out this article to get a comprehensive who's-who on the Smith corruption scandal/arrests, and the links to various Mayoral candidates, including - John Catsimatides. http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130402/new-york-city/whos-who-malcolm-smith-bribery-case#ixzz2POUrTsWF
Former Quinn Legislative Aide Stevenson also got busted for corruption in a separate investigation - now his website is "updated" so his gig with Ms. Quinn is firmly stated as being in the past, before Stevenson was elected State Assemblyman. Speaker Quinn, back when Stevenson was helping her, was noted for doling out slush funds to reward her friends in the City Council - a sort of "acceptable" or "institutional" corruption. Maybe this is where Stevenson picked up the basics of how politics is played in NY - cash "contributions", "donations", "blessings" - it's still pay to play... http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2013/04/8528808/editing-christine-quinn-out-and-back-troubled-assemblymans-online-b
http://www.brooklynrail.org/2013/04/local/the-quinning-strategy
An enlightening must read on the career of Christine Quinn - read and weep, as they say. She is truly a compromised politician. If she is knocked out for some reason - perhaps revelations about her slush fund scandal, perhaps public disgust over her 3rd-term-for-Bloomie sellout - then the 3-way race will probably pit Thompson vs. Lhota vs. Carrion - again, with the outcome impossible to predict.
Yes, yes, yes.....!! Anti-Quinn TV ads starting tomorrow! http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/nyregion/outside-group-starts-spending-to-block-quinn.html
Can you spell T-H-A-N-K-Y-O-U-J-E-S-U-S? From Defeat Christine Quinn: "Last night, The Call (a show on NY1) dedicated a full hour to taking viewers' calls about the new anti-Quinn ad. Almost every caller used his or her time to convey their dislike for Quinn and her record. Many are just as passionate as we are. Quinn's star is dimming, but each of us has to do our part to educate voters about why Quinn must be voted out of office. Start listening at 17 minutes:
http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_shows/the_call/180115/ny1-online--the-call-4-8-13
NY1.COM"
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