Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Got a press release the other day that West Side Market is opening their fourth Manhattan store, which will be their third on the Upper West Side. The new store will be located at 2589 Broadway, between 97th & 98th. This spot was previously a Duane Reade (who knew Duane Reades closed!) The space will total about 16,000 sf, with just over half at street level and the remaining space on the lower level. In addition to groceries, the store will sell sushi, baked goods, prepared foods, and more than 500 imported and domestic cheeses, among other items.

Leslie at DNAinfo did one better than just a press release — she tracked down West Side Market owner George Zoitas, whose father John Zoitas started Westside Market in 1965.

Zoitas reports that the new location will likely be open 24 hours, like the other two spots in the neighborhood. He considers the new space a prime spot for those who take the 2 or 3 train, as it’s convenient to the 96th Street station. The interior needs to be renovated and the store should open later this year or early in 2012. On an unrelated note, how the hell is it almost 2012?! Aren’t we supposed to have flying cars by now??

I live close to the West Side Market at Broadway & 76th and I have pretty much nothing but good things to say about it. My apartment is in a prime spot for grocery shopping — close to Trader Joe’s, Fairway, Citarella, and Zabar’s — and I find myself doing quite a bit of shopping at WSM. Trader Joe’s is cheaper, as is some of the stuff at Fairway, but there’s pretty much never a line at WSM and it’s far less hectic inside. The fact that it’s open 24 hours is also a huge plus. Additionally, I find their selection of pre-made food to be very good and reasonably priced. I actually like to cook, but there are times when you just want to grab something quick and not have to worry about it — I’ve been pleased with what they have to offer. Unless I’m doing “big shopping” or need specific specialty items, WSM is my go to spot. On the other hand, the MyUpperWest Gal would prefer to save a buck and deal with the lines at other neighborhood alternatives, but she can be kinda cheap…

I haven’t been to the Whole Foods at Columbus Square, but my guess it that it can get crazy in there. The new West Side Market will be smaller and perhaps they won’t be able to match Whole Foods on price or selection, but if you live in the area I think it will be a welcome alternative, especially for times when you only need a handful of items or don’t want to deal with a crush of humanity.

In other news, Leslie also has a story on the new Wild Bird Fund space mentioned on MyUpperWest last week. The press release indicated it was a “wild bird sanctuary,” but the DNAinfo article says it will be a “wildlife rehabilitation and education center.” You can click here for the full (brief) story, including a slide show of some of the animals the center will work to rehabilitate. Leslie seems partial to the baby possums, but I think they look like little rats.

Filed under: Nature, Openings/Closings, Shopping, Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog 6 Comments »
Tags: Citarella, Fairway, food shopping, Grocery Shopping, New York City, NYC, Opening, Trader Joe's, Upper West Side, UWS, West Side Market, Wild Bird Fund, wildlife rehabilitation and education center, Winick Realty, Zabar's