Mani Market Place — Local services in New York

I have been going here for 5 years since I moved into the neighborhood. But so much has changed here since COVID. I realize they have a lot more competition with Trader Joe's and all, but I feel they have done so much wrong! First, they took out their prepared food counter and replaced everything with "grab and go." It's just not the same. I can't get 1/4 pound of this and 1/4 pound of that...everything in "grab and go" and the portions are HUGE...and I am not even sure how fresh it is. The food is just not the same as it was at their prepared food counter. Next, a big draw here is the fresh, roasted turkey they make every day. I went in the other day to get some...it was 11:30 am and it was already sold out. This happens all the time...if it is such a big seller, why don't they make more of it? Finally, I realize prices have gone up all over the place. But today I went in...needed a few things...always great to get fresh herbs there and stuff...but then I also needed a can of water chestnuts. The clerk ran up this one small can and they were $.499!!! OH..c'mon? For a can of water chestnuts that used to be $1.49 and then maybe went up to $1.99 but now they are 5 bucks??????? Sorry..want to help you remain part of the 'hood but you have priced yourself out of the market and lost what made you special.....that...

My friend, Ann Ledley always raved about Mani's and their amazing produce. She'd been going to them for years. She knew the bros. and their family's story well. She'd shown me some of the local produce they got in. Some of their cauliflower, or red cabbage would give Texas produce a run for it in size, and ite was always organic. About a year ago, she let me try their brussel sprouts, cashew and garlic that they made daily for their deli in thre back, pre-COVID Lockdown. I was won over and then while I helped her besides checkingon or ordering and asking for the delivery of her Orange Vitamin Water, I started buying a few items for myself, too. Their granola states all that's in it. Perfect for a DF. GF individual, like myself. They do have a nice variety of yams and sweet potatoes at a reasonable price. Now, I continue to go there for their nuts. Only the ingredient of ther nut or the bountiful flavors they've added, like jalapeno pistachios-yummalicious! I've even turned another friend on to them. She swears by their chipotle pistachios and caramel cashews. Neither of us live in the neighborhood, and alas Ann succumbed to COVID-19 on May 1 of this year, but I still have to thank her for constantly singing...

Mani is an excellent neighborhood grocery store. I usually get fruits here - they are consistently fresh. They also offer a decent selection of good quality produce. Price is reasonable. Service is friendly and fast! I frequently see the staff chatting with their regular customers so that's always a good sign.

Be sure to also check out Mila's Cafe (by the same owner of Mani's) right across the street. They serve the best, most reasonably-priced breakfast in the area. I've tried their french toast, breakfast sandwiches, coffee - all excellent! Note that there's only one guy cooking and manning the register at Mila's so there may be a little bit of a wait on the weekends. But he's always so cheerful - perhaps the secret ingredient to the tasty breakfast :)

Mani takes credit cards. Mila's...