Brooklyn Fare

Mar 5th, 2024

I normally avoid upscale-but-homey-looking places like these (Whole Foods, Trader Horn, etc.) as if they had the plague (or COVID-19), but I must admit that this place is actually very competitive with the average supermarket. While they are definitely upscale targeted (Wagyu beef, anyone?), they also have some very good deals (non-mass produced bread), a wide selection of produce (different types of potatoes, oranges, et.), cheaper pork cuts, varied inventory, and some good sales. On top of this, their store loyalty card gives 2% back, instead of the usual 1%. Larger than the average Manhattan supermarket, with (slightly) wider, but noticeably longer, aisles. Try it a few times, at least, to get a better sense of the place. Update, Jan. 2022: The store loyalty card has been effectively discontinued. It's only usefulness now is to verify purchases made in the event of a necessary return where a receipt was not requested or lost. Still generally better than the nearby D'Agostino and Gristedes, however. Oh, and let me add that the checkout is always plentifully staffed, unlike most stores (especially the nearest ones). Update, 22 February 2024: Still the best NEARBY value, with frequent sales on canned goods, ice cream, common cheeses, yogurt, OJ, even eggs ( they recently had an 18-egg carton of large eggs for the unheard of price of $2!). There is a 10% senior discount on Thursdays, something I forgot to mention in my first review, which also helps. I also noticed that the quantity and variety of desert-type items (cookies, pies, cakes, brownies, rugelach, baklava, et. al.) has grown substantially--I guess the desire for sweets increases in times of hardship (inflationary prices, disease, people trying to overthrow the government--you know, the usual discordance of life.
Feb 28th, 2024

I know its Manhattan and rents cause prices on food to elevate to absurd levels BUT really! As an example, Tonnino Jar of Yellow fin tuna is 7.99 at Shoprite in Long Island and 13.99 at "Brooklyn Unfare". There are many other examples of items being 40-50% higher. Another issue is the shelf life they stamp on their prepared foods. I worked managing a gourmet deli/ bakery years ago. Most prepared foods( chicken wings, tuna salad, chicken salad) put in a plastic container last about 3-5 days. They add additional length to what they consider is appropriate. I went to a NYC Department of Health class to get my information on food preperation, storage and shelf life, not sure where they went?
Feb 24th, 2024

Have class!
Feb 12th, 2024

Their prices are so outrageous that they have stopped putting price tags on 99% of the items especially the expensive stuff like smoked salmon, cheeses etc. Look at the attached proof: these tiny goat's cheeses cost $15.99. Good luck finding a single price tag. You only find out when it's too late and the cash register is bagging it. Horrible trick
Jan 24th, 2024