By VICTOR E. SASSON
EDITOR
On Thursday, I stopped at Jerry's in Englewood, one of my favorite food stores, to pick up four restaurant-quality takeout dinners.
I got there around 4:15 in the afternoon, mindful that Jerry's knocks a couple of dollars off of the $7.99 dinners after 4 p.m.
The parking lot was full, and I had to find a space on the street. That was unusual.
Inside the store, I moved in aggressively when I saw a woman looking over the refrigerated case holding Jerry's Meals To Go, and managed to pick up four of the remaining six or seven dinners.
Then, I turned my attention to the free cheese samples I've been enjoying at Jerry's for years -- and basically came up empty.
I usually go to Jerry's on Wednesday afternoons after 4, and have never encountered this problem before.
Why was Thursday afternoon so different?
Even more disturbing than the lack of free cheese samples was seeing none of the employees making any effort to replenish the containers.
|
I try not to buy full-fat cheeses
I have enjoyed sampling at Jerry's for years, especially because these are the full-fat cheeses I try to avoid as I watch my weight and cholesterol.
I usually have a fraction of an ounce of several different cheeses, and enjoy their richness, but don't want to bring them home.
Most of the time I buy reduced-fat cheeses at Costco Wholesale in Hackensack -- Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano and Jarlsberg Lite Swiss Cheese.
My Seafood Fra Diavolo dinner from Jerry's was a delicious, beautifully balanced meal with tender squid, octopus and shrimp, and fresh asparagus and fava beans.
|
The contents of the four dinners are listed on the labels, above and below. |
I paid $5.99 for each dinner after 4 p.m., with the reduction taken at the register. |
Other purchases
A 2.2-pound bag of Lavazza Crema e Aroma Coffee Beans from Italy for $19.99.
A 1.54-pound container of mixed Italian olives and garlic cloves for $3.99 a pound.
Jerry's Gourmet & More, 410 S. Dean St., Englewood; 201-871-7108. Open 7 days.
Web Site: Jerry's Homemade
Do you think they would have any dinners left at 5:30? It would be out of my way, but I could always go earlier. The dinners look good.
ReplyDeleteUsually not. But you can call and ask them to hold one or more for you.
DeleteThey really are restaurant quality and a sensible portion.
I assume they ran out of samples because of all the people who come and try them with no intention to buy. Know a few people like that?
ReplyDeleteNot me. I spent more than $50 there on that day, and rely on Jerry's for balsamic vinegar, EVOO, coffee beans and Meals To Go a few times a month.
Delete