New York City, and the Upper West Side particularly, has no shortage of specialty grocery stores. From Citarella to Fairway, Manhattanites have some of the world’s most delectable options right at their doorstep. But, as an almost decade long Upper West Side resident and a lifelong New Yorker, it is my humble opinion that nothing compares to the family run, neighborhood market known as Zabar’s.
On almost every shopping trip to the century-old emporium you can find Saul Zabar, one of the owners of the famed store, roaming up and down the narrow aisles that shelve Jewish appetizers and global confections. Checking in on customers, who of course know him by name, Saul makes every trip to 80th street not just a chore, but an event.
My father, perhaps Zabar’s biggest fan, is on constant runs down Broadway for pounds of stuffed cabbage, onion rolls and pastrami (very thinly cut, of course). And, it might be his excitement that makes me feel that if Saul can bring so much joy not just to my family, but to families all over the city, then it should be my responsibility to at least look somewhat presentable as I roam from his carefully curated cheese section to my favorite coffee nook whose intoxicating aromas delicately tickle my nostrils.
So the next time you find yourself in a catering pickle, I say, you better call Saul!
Boots: Ted Baker; Shawl: Free People; Bag: Zac Posen; Sunglasses: Prada; Shirt: Zara;
Necklace: Rachel Zoe; Watch: Shinola Detroit
The Eden Edition 