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.
30 comments:
Mmmm... sounds, and looks, delicious. As always, your photographs are mouthwatering!! Thanks for sharing.
Bargain, bargain, bargain.
The mango salsa looks so good too.
I love fruit salsas...mango, peach, pineapple...all delish!
I love fruit salsas...mango, peach, pineapple...all delish!
YUM! And it looks all the more delicious in your photos :D Good times!
I'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos. Sounds delicious!
Yes, it was delicious! Maris, thanks for the reminder of other sweet salsas--I LOVE peach salsa with a bit of chipotle.
Erin, 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!
The price of limes in manhattan KILLS me! Your mango salsa sounds delicious!
Mango 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.
The mango salsa looks delish! I'll try it next time I get mangoes.
You 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.
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Yummy mangoes! Looks delicious!
It was my pleasure reading your post and get these useful info's.
photographs are mouthwatering!! Thanks for sharing.
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I love to eat. All the items given here is so delicious in look. Very nice.
It looks all the more delicious in your photos :D Good times!
I'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos.
Mango Salsa looks so delicious.I have to try it at home according to your given process.
Mango salsa . Feels I am in Brasil .thanks for share.
And it looks all the more delicious in your photos HCG Blue Drops, the Faster and Natural way to lose weight....
The first thing that caught my eye? Eight limes for $1. Unlike their shriveled, juiceless, more expensive brethren found at groceries in my neighborhood.
Another great deal--$6.99 for 7 large, fragrant fruits.
that look so good, i will eat my display
I'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos.
wow...sounds and looks,delicious.the mango salsa will be good as it looks good.i really like fruits.good work.keep posting.
I never tried to dance salsa but after reading your article today i think im gonna take some lessons.
wow 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.
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