European Delicatessen — Local services in Vancouver

Ah, the place is a bit of an adventure. I kind of miss the old days when it was Gateway Produce and was packed with fresh fruits and veggies, but alas, that boat has sailed. The produce section, is a bit ragged and that’s no longer the attraction. The mask wearing is hit or miss. Today it was 100%, which was a big change from last time I was there. Some of the customers can look pretty imposing and I can see staff being a little cautious about demanding mask compliance. That big dude with the crew cut and the scar looks like he ate his mother for breakfast. So let’s get to the good. Nice bakery! Real crusty loaves of solid rustic homemade bread at a reasonable price. A little taste of the old country, regardless of where your home country might be. Pelmeni! Cute little frozen Russian raviolis stuffed with a variety of fillings, from chicken and beef to potatoes, looking for all the world like bins of miniature planets. I never had an idea that such things even existed! And then, there is an endless selection of sausages, meats, piroski, teas (the Russians do fruit teas better than anyone), cakes, and a host of stuff I don’t even have a clue about. But most important are the sugary little meringue type things that melt in your mouth like memories of young love. A crunch, a wash of sweetness, and then it’s gone… holy mother of God these things are amazing. It’s true the staff can be nice some days and other times they look at like you are like you just crawled up out of the sewer. And it’s also true that some of the customers give you the, why are you trespassing here stink eye, but it’s also true that sometimes if you want to experience something new, interesting, and exciting you just need to suck it up and go anyway. I would guess if you show up enough, they stop looking at you like the ugly American tourist and loosen up a little. It’s not like America is always hugely open and welcoming to the Russians, or any other immigrant minority for...

I frequented this store due to my strong European influence being raised by a Dutch mother. I like variety and crafted items-which this store carries. I recently have had two very poor experiences at this store, and if it weren't for the Indian Instant coffee they carry (amazing-compared to any USA Hispanic brand),I would NEVER step into this place again. The Deli counter is their downfall. Twice in two weeks (evening) I had bad experiences. The first was an apparent ignoring of my wait at the counter when no other person was in line, I called several times for help and finally was helped. Once helped, the lady seemed cordial. The second time finished it for me. This was a week later. Two Slavic women (workers)were standing talking to a younger female customer. I stood waiting for help while they talked and laughed. They even looked over at me and continued to socialize. This was a good 5 minutes. The customer left and the women proceeded to start cleaning-ignoring me. A manager(?) grabbed one of the women and pulled her aside and started to lecture her in Russian(?). I took my cart and walked away. I was in the check out line (with my indian instant coffee) and was approached by manager and she asked if I needed anything. I told her no... I will not go to the deli counter again. I was discriminated against-not because my skin color-which is the same as theirs... it was because I was wearing black and white motorcycle sweatshirt-and tie dye leggings. I suppose if I wore a goodwill flowered dress and a polyester scarf over ratted bouffant hair I would have been served right away. You can do better Gateway Produce! It is true as well that you do need to check expiration dates here... many items...

This is in response to SlavicNorthWest who left a review about 20 hours ago. I have met Nadia and have gotten nothing but great service from her. She's helpful and friendly. I don't speak Ukrainian so she always tries to help me in English, which she is learning. If you don't want to, or can't, speak Ukrainian, speak English.

To accuse her of being a racist is just cruel and ignorant. Maybe the reason you felt you were being "punished" was because of how cruel you were to her? Could it be that you are racist against Ukrainians?

As to your issue with being "overcharged", first of all I have never had an issue with the price I paid there ever. Maybe you were mistaken? She pulled you aside because you were probably making a scene so as not to bother the other customers. She even tried to find a solution for you even though she probably charged you the right price.

This is the finest eastern European market in Vancouver. The people there are great, the food is fantastic, and I've had nothing but good experiences every time I've gone there. Please don't listen to reviewers like this. It's a shame someone has to be so cruel when she did absolutely nothing to deserve it.

As to you SlavicNorthWest, try to show some kindness and compassion, it will get you a long way in life. Ukrainians have seen enough cruelty these past few years, and Nadia, I am certain,...