Zabar's Blog

Free Olive Tasting at Zabar's

Stop by today, Wednesday, March 31st, for a sampling of these wonderful olives.

From Divina Olives we will be featuring:
Green Olives stuffed with jalapeño peppers
Gigante white beans in vinaigrette 

Times for the rest of the week:
 
Thursday, April 1, 3 - 7 PM
From Divina Olives:
Green Olives stuffed with jalapeño peppers
Gigante white beans in vinaigrette 
MT. Athos pitted olives with minced garlic

Saturday, April 3, 12 - 4 PM
Dutch Old Amsterdam Aged Gouda 
And Divina Olives:
Green Olives stuffed with jalapeño peppers
Gigante white beans in vinaigrette 
MT. Athos pitted olives with minced garlic  

Cheese Department Sales

Come by our store's Cheese Department and enjoy these really great sales on some outstanding cheeses (I've been really enjoying St. Andres, so smooth, creamy and delish!). Sales on while supplies last.

Gourmandis from France w/ Cherry or Walnut Flavor. Reg. $11.98 lb NOW $2.98 lb
Supreme from France Reg. $11.98 lb NOW $2.98 lb
French St. Andres  Reg. $12.98 lb NOW $4.98 lb
Danish Blue Castello Reg. $10.49 lb NOW 7.98 lb
French Saint Albray Reg. $12.98lb NOW $4.98 lb

 

Today at Zabar's

MACAROONS are here! 
Coconut, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate covered chocolate. 

And other snacks from Joyva’s Kosher treats such as Jelly Rings, Vanilla twist, and Jelly Bars.

DON’T forget kosher and flourless cakes and treats for Passover!

 

Springtime Treats!

In anticipation of the upcoming holidays, we have discovered the most charming little confection which incorporates all of the enchanting pastel colors of Easter and the traditional flavors of Passover - The Macaron. 

The Macaron cookie was actually born in Italy, but inherited by France through the marriage of Catherine de Medici to Henri II in 1533.  Now, every French town has their own history surrounding this little delicacy.

These authentic French Maracons are made with almond flour, sugar and egg whites.  Delicate yet, crunchy outer layers give way to a lusciously flavored creamy core.  Serve these elegant, pillow-y morsels alongside your café au lait in the morning, at teatime and for dessert.   Bestow them upon your hostess for the upcoming holidays, and you will be guaranteed an invitation for next year! 

Macaron Cookies are Gluten Free, and a colorful assortment of flavors is available in our Pastry Department (just behind the cheese department).

sweetriot: Responsible Chocolates with Ambition

Low calorie, health benefits, environmentally responsible, ethical business practices: not bad for little pieces of chocolate! 

Last week we shared a video about sweetriot and now they're in the news again. This time Phyllis Furman, of the Daily News, wrote a great piece about how sweetriot came to be and just how great it is!

"Former Yahoo exec sweet on her chocolate business, Sweetriot, a favorite of celebrities"
BY Phyllis Furman
The DAILY NEWS BUSINESS WRITER

Sarah Endline, the founder of high-end chocolate brand Sweetriot, remembers the skeptical look she got from a store clerk when she walked into Zabar's five years ago to pitch her product.

"Who do I talk to about a new chocolate?" asked the fast-talking entrepreneur.

The shelves at the fabled Upper West Side shop were already stocked with candies. But Endline's dark chocolate-covered cacao nibs — the beans that chocolate comes from — were different.

A Zabar's buyer decided to take a chance on the quirky candies packed in slim metal containers. Soon enough, others did, too.

Read the full article. 

 
Zalcman for News

Passover begins tonight, even at the White House

"Next Year in the White House: A Seder Tradition" 
by Jodi Kantor in the New York Times 

Pete Souza/White House
Last Year's Seder

One evening in April 2008, three low-level staff members from the Obama presidential campaign — a baggage handler, a videographer and an advance man — gathered in the windowless basement of a Pennsylvania hotel for an improvised Passover Seder. The day had been long, the hour was late, and the young men had not been home in months. So they had cadged some matzo and Manischewitz wine, hoping to create some semblance of the holiday.

Suddenly they heard a familiar voice. “Hey, is this the Seder?” Barack Obama asked, entering the room.

So begins the story of the Obama Seder, now one of the newest, most intimate and least likely of White House traditions. When Passover begins at sunset on Monday evening, Mr. Obama and about 20 others will gather for a ritual that neither the rabbinic sages nor the founding fathers would recognize...

Read the article.  

A recipe for Passover Brittle from Andrea Watman

Matzoh Almond Brittle & Chocolate Matzoh Brittle
By Andrea Watman

Go to the recipe.

Passover begins on the evening of Monday, March 29th 2010.

Every year this holiday evokes fear in those who love dessert.
Sponge cake, honey cake, macaroons and not much else.

At my house I gave up searching years ago. I served ice cream and fresh mixed berries topped with Kirsch (simple, delicious but predictable). However since then I have become adventuresome. I make Matzoh Almond Brittle and it receives a standing ovation. (Alright maybe they were just stretching after a heavy meal.)

I hope you enjoy these recipes – I have included two versions – one that requires making a caramel and one for those who like chocolate. The first one is a little more complicated because you are making a caramel – but it really tastes like peanut brittle when complete. The second one with chocolate is rich and just delicious. It is baked in the oven so you do not have to make the caramel in a sauce pan.

If you are lucky enough to be invited to a Seder this year – these make a wonderful hostess gift.

PS – I have to be honest I. I still served the ice cream. Some habits are hard to break.

Go to the recipe.

Zabar's Facebook Fan Friday's

Join Zabar's on Facebook by becoming a Fan of Zabar's and get involved! Each Friday we will post a new offer, contest or quiz and will give great discounts and prizes to our Fans!

Join the conversation today!

 

Zabar's is Heather Locklear's favorite vacation spot!

I have actually taken a few vacations with Zabar's babka in hand. I have brought them with me when traveling to New Mexico to share with homesick New Yorkers. I brought them as something new to my host in Shanghai. Also when we go to the beach in the fall we always have babka as a wonderful treat for ourselves.

And, as it turns out Heather Locklear thinks babka goes well with vacations also. From her interview in USA TODAY:

Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?

A: When in New York, go to Zabar's deli and order the chocolate babka. If you've never tried it, put it on the top of your list of things to do in New York City. It is indescribably delicious. Jack and I always say we would make the trip to New York just for one of these.

By Patrick Wymore, The CW
Heather Locklear in a scene from Melrose Place.

from "Traveling with the Stars: Heather Locklear" 
 By Kelly Carter, special for USA TODAY

Free knife sharpening on Saturday at Zabar's

Join us on Saturday, March 27th, 2 - 4 PM in Zabar's Housewares Mezzanine for a Free Knife Sharpening Clinic.

Chef's Choice will be joining us to demonstrate their knife sharpeners (which you can pick up at Zabar's Mezzanine) and will be sharpening any two knives you bring in for free. 

So join us, shop and leave with an improved tool for your kitchen. And if you don't already own quality knives you can pick up Zabar's knives with a fantastic 20% discount!

Note: They won't be sharpening any serrated knives and won't be held responsible for any damages that occur to knives. Sale excludes items already on sale.