Gastronome European Grocery and Deli — Local services in Vancouver

This establishment does not even rate one star. I went into this store today 9/11/2015 to see what the store had to offer because I am hosting a party for 10 for the Seahawks first game of the season. When I went into the store I did not see anyone, but when I went over to the meat counter, I noticed a lady tending to things under the counter. I said Hello, she looked up at me, mumbled something then put her head back under the counter without recognizing me. A young lady came from the back, her and the older lady conversed in I think Russian, Ukranian??? but they both ignored me for some reason and I was the only one in the store. I stood there for a very short time wondering if someone would say something to me, but they both refused to acknowledge my presence. Two ladies and a younger boy entered the store and were immediately greeted and taken care of. They talked around me, but offered no service. I left the store and nobody said a word to me. I was with my service animal, wearing a shirt with the Stars and Stripes and a Bald Eagle on it. I don't know maybe they took offense to the American flag or the Bald Eagle or my service dog? Bottom line is this..I will not ever set foot in this store again and I will make sure I let everybody in my neighborhood (which is a very short walk) know what happened, including my veteran friends. The great thing about networking is it can work for you or against you, but I know where this one is going. I went to their competitor and not only ordered everything for my party, but they are going to cater the rest of the season for me. I do not know where they learned customer service skills, but they must be drowning in money because they sure were not the least bit interested in mine. Too bad, I will continue to spend my money at their competitor where I am always greeted with a smile. Websters defines gastronome as "one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking". Should be synonamous with lousy customer...

I’ve purchased pirogies and some random kids candies from here, and it’s always been a good experience. Yes, the clerks DO speak English either pretty well or at least enough to communicate what you need, so ignore that other poster. The pirogies are delicious and filling, even if they’re a day old, in which case they almost don’t want to sell them to you and they give you a discount. Still so worth it at $1.50/piece for those huge, fluffy pillows of deliciousness. I happened to get two fresh chicken ones today and I was in heaven. There is a kid’s candy item that they sell that is extremely hard to find anywhere but the little kids LOVE watching the YouTube videos of European kids opening them and playing with the toys, and the reason why they’re so hard to find is very American and dumb, so I’m glad they have them here because my boys love getting them once in a while.

I can’t speak for their other products (I’ve had some other baked items and they were all very good) but they’re always friendly and helpful.

UPDATE: they seem to have changed the bread on their pierogies, and while they are still filling, they are not nearly as good as they were with the...

Oh man these ladies have been nothing but the best to me. The first time I came in I was only buying a gyro, and was very surprised to see the large assortment of meats, pastries and candies displayed beautifully throughout the store. The person preparing my gyro was very kind, making small talk while I waited on my meal. The gyro was delicious, and a very good size, they really pack in the meat, so good. The second time I came in I brought my gf, and I got the same five star service. Unfortunately gf left her wallet there and we didn't realize until 10 hours later. But here's the best part I went back and lady remembered who I was and immediately knew what I was looking for, got the wallet back no problem.

TL;DR this is a wonderful establishment and I implore you to check it out, you...