Zabar's Blog

This week's cheese plate of the week: Cheese 101 Gift Board

Good enough to share with any cheesemongers in the house, but friendly enough for cheese novices, this cheese collection delivers three flavorful, yet mild, cheeses from all around the world, made of the three most common milks used in cheesemaking: cow, sheep and goat. 

Mild and rich Coach Farm Triple-Creme Goat Disc is from upstate New York; earthy, nutty French Petit Saint-Nectaire is made of cow's milk; and Kashkaval is a hearty Bulgarian sheep's milk wheel. We also include a cheese knife and square wooden cutting board for serving, a set of three reusable Farmyard Animal Cheese Markers, and a box of crisp, fennel-infused Spanish Tortas.

Shop for Cheese 101

Watch the Video

Zabar's Store = Good Eats On The Cheap

Thanks Frugal Danny & Roxanne's Good Eats On The Cheap for listing Zabar's in your line-up of good, cheap eateries.  

We fell in love with the cafe and store. It's a frugal guy and gal's dream place in New York. We had double espressos ($1.35) large fresh squeezed orange juice ($2.25) Berry Berry smoothie ($3.75) and a good sized frozen yogurt with pineapple blueberries and strawberries ($5.50). They had sandwiches soups bakery goods that looked great and reasonable. You get in line tell people at different stations what you want, pay at the register and get a spot to sit or do what we did, find a place to sit, study the wall menu then make your move. Afterwards we browsed the grocery store and couldn't believe how cheap different foods were. This is a good place to grab some picnic foods and drinks and go over to Central Park. Another good reason to live in New York.

Two of Our Favorite Junior Gourmets

Giacomo & Angela Scalici

(Thank you Aunt Patty for sharing with us!)

A new review of Zabar's of Yelp

We've really enjoyed and appreciated many of the comments about Zabar's on Yelp.  Thanks to any one who has posted about their Zabar's experiences.  Here's the latest comment, from Megan B.  We're glad you visited Zabar's and let us know the next time you're here:  Yelp Review

Zabar's at the beach

I have to say, I'm not sure which is more appealing, the Zabar's treats or the trip to the beach!

Thanks for your story and these images!

----------------

Subject: Zabar's Gear
From: Féline Lo
To: info@zabars.com

I live right across from Zabar's (Yes, lucky girl!) so of course I treat all my guests to breakfast with Lox on bagel, French Italian coffee, and occasionally prosciutto, and Spanish Serrano ham.

Needless to say, all my friends were hooked and now all they ever requested from me every time I visited my hometown DC was "more Zabar's goodness please".

Here was a trip to Ocean City, MD, on 4th of July, with the prosciutto & Serrano ham that survived the 5 hour drive (in Zabar's own insulated bag w/some ice packs) and some very very happy friends.

Féline Lo

Voted NYC’s No. 1 Major Gourmet Market in the ZAGAT 2010 New York City Food Lover’s Guide

Thank you NYC for voting us No. 1.  From the ZAGAT 2010 NYC Food Lover's Guide:

Zabar’s
 “The one and only” – voted NYC’s No. 1 Major Gourmet Market – this “thriving” Upper West Side “Landmark” is a “multipurpose” “gourmet’s delight” renowned as a “quintessential” source of “absolutely the best” smoked fish (“a line worth waiting in”) that also boasts “delectable” baked goods “galore”, an “exhaustive cheese counter”, “yummy prepared foods”, a “gold-standard” deli, an “amazing selection” of specialty items, “fab coffee”, candy and nuts and “great deals” upstairs on “a jumble” of cookware “you never knew you wanted”; the “gruff” salespeople and “chaotic” conditions “are all part of the charm” for “savvy” shoppers who also commend the “very competitive” pricing – so “accept no substitutes”, and try to avoid getting hit by the customers using carts as bumper cars.

Today's cheese tasting and video of the week

Stop by today at 3 and 5 PM for a sampling of our wonderfully, deliciously, economic Cheese Plate of the Week:  The $25.00 Great Cheese Plate.

We love a challenge!  So when someone asked one of our cheesemongers “what kind of cheese plate can I build for $25.00?” it got us thinking.  A new challenge!  Can you build a diverse, substantial cheese plate that is full of high quality cheeses that is budget friendly? Fortunately this challenge was not impossible, in fact the hardest part was narrowing down the choices because of the diverse collection of cheeses we carry.  After much discussion and debate we have built a plate that we would be proud to take home.  For just $25.00 you can take home four half pound pieces of cheeses.  Our collection includes cheeses from three different countries and three different milks. We promise that your guests will be impressed.

Shop for Zabar's Cheese Plates
(Order this Cheese Plate by coming to our store
or call our Personal Shopper at 212-787-2004.)

Click to watch this week's video:

We chose Belletoile for its buttery flavor and creamy texture, wonderful for strawberries and crusty bread.  Rocinante is a smooth, firm goat’s milk cheese that does not overpower.  Its stunning contrast of color between the orange rind and white interior makes for a beautiful addition to any cheese plate.  Fiore Sardo is a sheep’s milk cheese that is steeped rich in tradition and history.  It is dense and nutty with a dry but not crumbly texture.  Excellent with olives and the leftovers melt beautifully!  And no cheese platter would be complete without a blue and the one we have chosen is truly special.  Bleu d’Auvergne is raw milk French classic that packs lots of flavor in its creamy texture.  Not too salty and not strong.  It is just right for any plate.  So make any night special with this great cheese plate and best of all it won’t break the bank!

In Store Tastings, this Thursday & Friday

Thursday, July 23 & Friday, July 24
Divina Olive Tasting, 3 - 7 PM
Gigante beans, olives stuffed with red peppers, & olives stuffed with garlic

It's nice to share Zabar's

I know of a number of animals who are always begging along side of the table whenever any Zabar's bag appears - I'm pretty sure one particular dog I know can tell the difference between the noise of a Zabar's deli bag and any other shopping bag.  Or maybe it's the aroma!

Thanks J. for sharing these really sweet images of your cat enjoying time with a Zabar's mug.

--------------------------------------

Subject: Zabar's Gear Contest
From: J Lee

To: info@zabars.com>

We adopted the Duke of Wellington (“Wellie”) last year from an animal rescue group – he was a stray who was found in someone’s backyard after he was being bullied by another, bigger cat.  As you can see, he loves good food, and like us, he loves Zabar’s!

J. Lee
Milford, CT

while you're shoping at Zabar's....

This week's recipe for Heirloom Tomato Salad has lead me on a search through my farmer's market for some really crazy looking heirloom tomatoes - when it comes to heirlooms I think the stranger looking the better!

But where to find the rest of the ingredients?  While you're at Zabar's this week, pick up the Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil and spices that you'll need to put together this really quick and delicious recipe.

Parmigiano-Reggiano	Frantoia Barbera Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Villa Manodori Aceto Balsamico Di Modena
Shop for Cheese	Shop for Olive Oil	Shop for Vinegar