Sometimes it can seem like the people who truly get ahead in today’s world are the meanies, the jerks…the people willing to step all over whoever they have to in whatever way they have to do it in order for them to get ahead. It doesn’t seem right, although I do understand why it’s logical. But that’s exactly why it’s so refreshing, and so lovely, to come across small business owners who manage their shops with kindness, class, and genuine interest in each and every customer who steps foot across their door. I previously wrote about Luna Espresso; today I’d like to highlight two more local businesses that have impressed me on each and every visit, and I’d like to encourage you to support them, because they deserve it. They’re good people doing good things for the community.
First, Serendipity Wines & Spirits (1585 First Avenue at 83rd Street; (646) 596-7819). The wine shop is new to the neighborhood, but every single time I’ve gone in the amazingly friendly young men and women working behind the counter have clearly given a great deal of thought to helping me with my purchase, always gracefully working within whatever price boundaries I’ve set. Also, they frequently have wonderful, informative (and informal) tastings of everything from wines to whiskeys. And they give Lucy and Virgil treats.
I’ve written about Pickles & Olives (1647 First Avenue at 85th Street; (212) 717-8966) before – the store is one of my favorite spots in the city, and one that I visit wayyy too frequently – but it’s worth mentioning how much I enjoy going in there simply to chat with the gentleman who runs the place (pictured at left). He’s sweet, gracious, and happy to answer any question you might have about pickles, pickling, or pickle-related things. He even lets you customize your order by choosing half of one pickle type and half of another, and then selecting whichever brine you prefer to fill the container (my typical order: half new pickles, half kosher dills or half sours, with new pickle brine).
(P.S. You can order from Pickles & Olives online if you’re not in NYC.)
