It’s not surprising to find a variety of gourmet grocery stores on Manhattan Island. Yet, taking up the search for your favorite can be a time-consuming endeavor—a luxury that many of us just don’t have—and through trial and error, can be a costly expense many of us don’t want to pay.
I’m learning as I go along, and recently I discovered a find that is worth sharing with readers.
Garden of Eden grocers have a total of six stores, three which are in Manhattan. They haven’t been in business that long, only since 1994, but I have to say, a remarkable thing that stands out—aside from the thousands of gourmet items—is their customer service.
I witnessed firsthand that the old sales motto of “give customers what they want” is still in use here when I recently saw a shopper at the deli counter asking for a very specific order (a bit too specific if you ask me), and not only getting it, but with a smile.
The Garden has a European open market feel to it, with a fresh-fruit stand outside, and all kinds of delicacies on display throughout the store. It’s a nice throwback. They have a deli, charcuterie, cheese, cakes and breads, meat/seafood/poultry departments, as well as organics, dairy, etc.
