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I have been using Fresh Direct for about a year now and can't say enough about it. I order 2-3 times a month and have always been pleased -- once a broken yogurt container caused a bit of a mess but...
I have been using Fresh Direct for about a year now and can't say enough about it. I order 2-3 times a month and have always been pleased -- once a broken yogurt container caused a bit of a mess but stuff like that happens. I've never received anything rotten or in bad shape (perhaps I'm just lucky?).
As far as produce, nothing in my neighborhood (which is one overpriced gourmet grocery and several horrible delis where the produce is literally rotting before your eyes) comes close. I've actually become much healthier now that Fresh Direct provides me with a convenient source of good quality fruits and vegetables. What I love about Fresh Direct is that they highlight seasonal produce -- a recent promotion ushered in apple season with a giveaway of one peck of apples with every order. Their promotions extend to all areas of the site, actually -- once every customer was given free milk and cookies.
Pricewise, I consider them comparable to Whole Foods, but the advantage of having things delivered is that you can buy in larger quantities (I'd never be able to lug home a case of soda and a big bag of cat litter on the subway, etc.).
There is some disagreement about whether tipping the delivery guy is expected -- some people tip, others say that the delivery charge covers that. Fresh Direct drivers are not allowed to solicit tips, but I can say from experience that if you choose not to tip (which I have done occasionally when I haven't had cash or when it's been a tiny tiny order), they are not very happy. On the flip side, whenever I've tipped (even a couple of one dollar bills), the delivery person has been nothing but sunshine.
Like anything else, I think Fresh Direct is what you make of it. I supplement my Fresh Direct orders with local runs to the deli and gourmet grocery for miscellaneous non-perishables and prepared food. I use Fresh Direct for the things they're good at -- fresh, seasonal produce and a variety of bulk items. This system works well for me and I'd recommend Fresh Direct to anyone.
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I went to the Manhattan location (PT212), which is tucked away on 24th St. between 5th and 6th. The decor is beautiful, the tables situated at angles around the restaurant so it doesn't feel crowded...
I went to the Manhattan location (PT212), which is tucked away on 24th St. between 5th and 6th. The decor is beautiful, the tables situated at angles around the restaurant so it doesn't feel crowded even when it's packed. I was with a group of ten and we were promptly seated and well taken care of by an attentive and very courteous waiter. The food was good -- not mindblowing, but good, and got mixed reviews from our party (though no one was entirely dissatisfied). My chicken Massaman curry was a bit sweet (the guy next to me had tofu Massaman and said the same). The birthday guest of honor loved her seafood noodles. One girl said her duck was a tad overdone, another raved about her shrimp. Dessert was phenomenal, however -- both the ginger creme brulee and the green tea creme brulee were delicious (and very different!), and the fruit tempura with various yummy dipping sauces was a huge hit. Overall, it was a solid pick for a group of mixed vegetarians and non-vegetarians, and a nice place for a birthday dinner (the DJ played a cool techno version of Happy Birthday for us). It was a bit loud, but on a Saturday night in Manhattan, comes with the territory.
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I trekked east to Dylan's Candy Bar one day and was really disappointed in what I found. Sure, (overpriced) candy abounds, but the place was overrun with people. Local kids squabbling at the soda...
I trekked east to Dylan's Candy Bar one day and was really disappointed in what I found. Sure, (overpriced) candy abounds, but the place was overrun with people. Local kids squabbling at the soda fountain, tourists gawking... the smell of pure sugar made my headache and I chipped a tooth on a lollipop. Clearly I had a bad experience on this particular day, but I have to say, I've never been motivated to return.
I was also not impressed with the presentation. The logo is heavy and dark, I saw several chocolate items that had grown old (I used to work in movie theatre concessions, and if the chocolate gets old that means they're not rotating the stock often enough) or that had been smashed by patrons.
I think I really wanted Wonkaland... and I got Dylan's uber-business instead.
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If you're at all into the world of Sanrio, this is the place to be. Hello Kitty is certainly their biggest seller, and she is out in force along with all her friends -- during certain times of the...
If you're at all into the world of Sanrio, this is the place to be. Hello Kitty is certainly their biggest seller, and she is out in force along with all her friends -- during certain times of the year they have events where there is actually an employee in a Hello Kitty suit hugging kids outside the door. They also specialize in some of the harder to find Hello Kitty items (in the back behind the counter) like the toaster (I'm not sure if they actually carry the infamous Hello Kitty vibrator, though).
What I love about Sanrio is that even for someone who is only mildly interested in Hello Kitty, like myself, there are so many options -- stickers, pencils, shirts, gifts, etc. I have ducked into Sanrio killing time before a movie on 42nd street and ended up happily purchasing a mini notebook or tiny tupperware set. Crazy, I know, but such is the magic of Sanrio.
Lots of silly, kawaii fun.
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Great Wall is the central outpost for Chinese takeout on 181st, and it delivers average, unremarkable food for low prices. I can't really fault them for this, since it doesn't pretend to be a five...
Great Wall is the central outpost for Chinese takeout on 181st, and it delivers average, unremarkable food for low prices. I can't really fault them for this, since it doesn't pretend to be a five star establishment. They actually have a nicely sized menu with all the standards in addition to a few unusual items, and you can even get french fries that are quite tasty. They are like lightening with the delivery speed, as well. So... are they the best Chinese food around? Nah. But they do the job in a neighborhood of limited options.
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Frank's is the best grocery store in upper Washington/Hudson Heights, that's for sure, but you certainly feel that in your wallet. They offer an excellent range of produce, meats and gourmet foods,...
Frank's is the best grocery store in upper Washington/Hudson Heights, that's for sure, but you certainly feel that in your wallet. They offer an excellent range of produce, meats and gourmet foods, but the prices are a bit too high to make it an everyday shopping place. I only go on special occasions or if I'm just stopping in for a drink/snack -- otherwise I order from Fresh Direct. They do a great business in the neighborhood, to the point where they've recently expanded the interior and swallowed up the adjacent hardware store. I've never had a bad product from Frank's, and would likely shop there more often if I had money to burn.
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I'd never thought much of the Supershuttle service in DC (it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either), but since moving to New York it's become my transportation of choice for going TO the...
I'd never thought much of the Supershuttle service in DC (it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either), but since moving to New York it's become my transportation of choice for going TO the airport.
Pricewise, it's cheaper than taking a cab out of the city (there are flat rates in place and nearly all end up close to $50). My fare as a single passenger is $18-20 with tip.
Timewise, they do pick you up a bit too early, but I'd rather have too much time at the airport than too little and run the risk of missing a flight. And, I admit, I enjoy that extra time at the airport to get checked in and partake in the relative novelties of junk food and trashy reading. I've never missed an international or domestic flight when running on the Supershuttle's schedule (though it sounds like other reviewers have...).
Ridewise, I enjoy the Supershuttle because it takes me through parts of the city that I otherwise don't normally explore -- it's nice to cruise through Harlem and the Upper/Midtown East Side as a passenger. The drivers are usually friendly and in relatively good spirits -- once, on a 4am drive, the driver roused our van full of zombie passengers with a breakfast of disco, and we were all singing along by the time we reached JFK (delirium could have been part of it, but honestly, it made the drive fly by).
In seven years of taking the Supershuttle (three years in NYC), I have only had two experiences that I can count as bad ones. Once, the Supershuttle called me an hour before they were due to pick me up and told me that there was no van coming -- I was able to call a car service and make it in time, no problem, but the cost was considerably higher. The other time, the driver got bogged in traffic around the Thanksgiving Day parade (what a nightmare) and we got stuck in Midtown. We hit a blocked street (trucks) and the snotty passenger who was our last pickup refused to walk to the corner to meet the van, insisting on being picked up at the door (which was impossible). It was pouring down rain, traffic was at a standstill, and honestly, I can't fault the driver too badly. He told us to all get out and try to get cabs, which we did. I still made my flight, though most of the other passengers missed theirs. At any rate, my good experiences far outweigh these two unfortunate incidents.
As far as getting from the airports back into the city, I rarely take the Supershuttle -- it just plain takes too long (plan on several hours). Also, at the end of my journey I usually just want to get home ASAP, and so I'll shell out for a cab.
But I do recommend taking the Supershuttle to the airports, if you don't mind going early and having a bit of fun along the way.
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A friend of mine recently had a baby shower here and it was the perfect place. It's tiny but lovely -- there is a little pond in the front and the staff is smiling and attentive. We were a group of...
A friend of mine recently had a baby shower here and it was the perfect place. It's tiny but lovely -- there is a little pond in the front and the staff is smiling and attentive. We were a group of about 20. They put us at a long table with the guest of honor in the center, and served us a wonderful menu of three courses of different teas, small sandwiches and desserts. They'd printed everything out on small menu cards and we knew exactly when the shower was starting and when it would end (I assume because the place is small they have to rotate you out pretty quickly to make room for the next group) -- two and a half hours was just the right amount of time for everyone to arrive, eat and do gifts. My only experience with the Wild Lily is this baby shower, though I'm sure it's a nice place to duck into for tea and a snack if you're in Chelsea and in need of a peaceful corner.
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Sambuca is an UWS Italian restaurant that serves food family style (large portions meant for sharing). The food is simple, covering the basics, and the place would be just another decent Italian...
Sambuca is an UWS Italian restaurant that serves food family style (large portions meant for sharing). The food is simple, covering the basics, and the place would be just another decent Italian restaurant but for their well-rounded gluten-free menu for celiacs. GF pasta that actually tastes great?? Amazing. It's also good for groups -- I've never been here without there being at least one family reunion or birthday party at a neighboring table. Definitely worth a stop if you've got a celiac in your dining gang.
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Kismat is one of the only nice sit-down restaurants in my immediate neighborhood, and for that they must be appreciated. They do a nice range of Indian dishes and have a large menu, but the food is...
Kismat is one of the only nice sit-down restaurants in my immediate neighborhood, and for that they must be appreciated. They do a nice range of Indian dishes and have a large menu, but the food is only good... not great. Not bad, by any means, but just a bit underwhelming. There is much better Indian to be had in the city, certainly -- the advantage of Kismat is that they're the only Indian food in the neighborhood. So, unless you're up for a subway trek, you sacrifice a little quality for proximity.
I must say, though, that they do make a nice samosa. I have also tried them for delivery and they do an excellent job -- the food was carefully packed, delivered promptly, and they even included a small plastic tub of ice to go with the drinks (!!). The staff are pleasant and polite both in the restaurant and when they deliver.
Overall, a fine choice if you're in the neighborhood, but not worth it if you're closer to better options.
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