Yesterday my friend Kat and I headed out to Jackson Heights, Queens for the $10 buffet at the Jackson Diner (home of made-to-order dosas). After lunch, we stopped at Patel Brothers, a huge Indian grocery store, packed with amazing fresh produce.
The first thing that caught my eye? Eight limes for $1. Unlike their shriveled, juiceless, more expensive brethren found at groceries in my neighborhood, these vibrant green orbs remind me of California produce. I also picked up fresh mint, cilantro, eggplants, baby cucumbers, a chunk of ginger, and ready-to-make mini-papads--all for the low price of $6.48. Is the produce local? I don't know. I do know it's much fresher, tastier and cheaper than most anything found in Manhattan.
In addition to this bounty, I bought a box of sweet mangoes from the mango guy outside the store. Another great deal--$6.99 for 7 large, fragrant fruits. Later that night, I diced one up, mixed it with chopped mint, cilantro, green onions and a few squeezes of lime juice. Served over roasted red snapper, it contributed to a delicious dinner.
Like my feast for $5.58 last summer, this meal was a reminder that ethnic markets pack a lot of bang for the buck--had I been in need of spices, rice, lentils or any other Indian staples, I could have stocked up at Patel Brothers for much less than a trip down Fairway or Whole Foods "ethnic" aisles. Sure, Jackson Heights is a long subway ride from the Upper West Side, but I always like to remind myself that there's more to New York living than Manhattan.
The first thing that caught my eye? Eight limes for $1. Unlike their shriveled, juiceless, more expensive brethren found at groceries in my neighborhood, these vibrant green orbs remind me of California produce. I also picked up fresh mint, cilantro, eggplants, baby cucumbers, a chunk of ginger, and ready-to-make mini-papads--all for the low price of $6.48. Is the produce local? I don't know. I do know it's much fresher, tastier and cheaper than most anything found in Manhattan.
In addition to this bounty, I bought a box of sweet mangoes from the mango guy outside the store. Another great deal--$6.99 for 7 large, fragrant fruits. Later that night, I diced one up, mixed it with chopped mint, cilantro, green onions and a few squeezes of lime juice. Served over roasted red snapper, it contributed to a delicious dinner.
Like my feast for $5.58 last summer, this meal was a reminder that ethnic markets pack a lot of bang for the buck--had I been in need of spices, rice, lentils or any other Indian staples, I could have stocked up at Patel Brothers for much less than a trip down Fairway or Whole Foods "ethnic" aisles. Sure, Jackson Heights is a long subway ride from the Upper West Side, but I always like to remind myself that there's more to New York living than Manhattan.
Mmmm... sounds, and looks, delicious. As always, your photographs are mouthwatering!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBargain, bargain, bargain.
ReplyDeleteThe mango salsa looks so good too.
I love fruit salsas...mango, peach, pineapple...all delish!
ReplyDeleteI love fruit salsas...mango, peach, pineapple...all delish!
ReplyDeleteYUM! And it looks all the more delicious in your photos :D Good times!
ReplyDeleteI'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos. Sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was delicious! Maris, thanks for the reminder of other sweet salsas--I LOVE peach salsa with a bit of chipotle.
ReplyDeleteErin, we made this last night using your recipe. The mango salsa was fabulous. I can't wait to make this another night. We lightly pan roasted some asparagus and yellow squash as a side... thank you again!
ReplyDeleteThe price of limes in manhattan KILLS me! Your mango salsa sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteMango salsa! My family is obsessed with mango in a lot of our food. This is a great addition to our mango recipes. Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteThe mango salsa looks delish! I'll try it next time I get mangoes.
ReplyDeleteYou picked up fresh mint, cilantro, eggplants, baby cucumbers, a chunk of ginger, and ready-to-make mini-papads--all for the low price of $6.48. I do know it's much fresher, tastier and cheaper than most anything found in Manhattan.
ReplyDeleteAs I was wandering on internet searching something else, I am here to your site by chance, it is a good site I must say you…
ReplyDeleteYummy mangoes! Looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure reading your post and get these useful info's.
ReplyDeletephotographs are mouthwatering!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion everyone may browse on this.
ReplyDeletelove quotes and sayings | Hamburgers recipes | Box cakes recipes
I love to eat. All the items given here is so delicious in look. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteIt looks all the more delicious in your photos :D Good times!
ReplyDeleteI'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos.
ReplyDeleteMango Salsa looks so delicious.I have to try it at home according to your given process.
ReplyDeleteMango salsa . Feels I am in Brasil .thanks for share.
ReplyDeleteAnd it looks all the more delicious in your photos HCG Blue Drops, the Faster and Natural way to lose weight....
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that caught my eye? Eight limes for $1. Unlike their shriveled, juiceless, more expensive brethren found at groceries in my neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteAnother great deal--$6.99 for 7 large, fragrant fruits.
ReplyDeletethat look so good, i will eat my display
ReplyDeleteI'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos.
ReplyDeletewow...sounds and looks,delicious.the mango salsa will be good as it looks good.i really like fruits.good work.keep posting.
ReplyDeleteI never tried to dance salsa but after reading your article today i think im gonna take some lessons.
ReplyDeletewow mango salsa and Jackson heights produce.it is really a nice topic.i really like it.thanks for sharing and i really want to have mango salsa.
ReplyDelete