Ave M Fooderie — Restaurant in New York

I really enjoy having an organic store in our area and would have loved to give this place a five-star review. However, after purchasing a spoiled item in the deli and some "freshly squeezed" juice that wasn't so fresh, I have to take a star off. Also, on that note, some of the produce I purchased there was quite disappointing ("red delicious" apples that were rotten inside and avocados that went from hard to spoiled, completely missing the edible phase). I understand the difference between organic and commercially-grown produce, however, I believe there shouldn't be any spoiled and mold covered items on display. The second star is taken off for customer service. While the managers are very polite and helpful, some of their employees are plain rude. They'd rather stand around and chat among themselves (while on the clock) than help customers... or go take off that rotten produce of their shelves. Also, not only disappointing, but quite dangerous is the fact that there are no expiration or "sell by" dates or even "packaged on" dates on a lot of their store-packaged foods: some deli foods, juices, desserts, dried fruits, nuts, breads, cookies, freezer items, including fish and meat. While freezer items may last longer than others, their shelf lives still have expiration dates, of which consumers...

Update May 2020 It would be wonderful if they made customers feel like they cared about them. During COVID-19 I was really happy to find out that they offer delivery, and I've ordered several times now but it's inconsistent. The produce is mostly fresh, but the system isn't perfect. Even though they say they will call you for substitutions or if something is out of stock they don't. I've also received wrong quantities, like 10 lbs of bananas when I ordered 3 (but charged for 10). They sent some rotten cauliflower, I spoke to them on the phone twice and they said I would be refunded but never received the refund. (Update July 2020) Someone eventually reached a month later to remind me about my credit in my account. How are customers even supposed to know they have automatic accounts with this store? Didn't see this info online. They were able to refund it to my credit card.

Previous review 2019: They sell a lot of organic and hard to find products. They also have their own packaged and hot food, and some pastries and breads. The hot food bar prices are ridiculous, and the food is just ok. I love that they have so many vegan products and an entire gluten free section (with many hard to find items). Overall a great place to splurge...

1st time in today. Mostly everyone was VERY helpful & friendly. 1 man who seemed to be an owner, not so much, but another who also seemed to be an owner, very much so. He was even telling me how they make their own hummus & what goes into it. Nice to see someone so enthused about his product. Then there was a young woman who went down to the kitchen & brought me up a cracker to taste that they were making for the 1st time. It was delicious & I bought a container of them. I bought 4 of their homemade salads, & 2 freshly squeezed juices, all very good. The fruits I got a chance to try were all good as well. Remember though when shopping here, the food is organic, & so the fruits & veggies might not look beautiful even though they taste beautiful. And of course check the expiration dates. Pleased to have a market like this right...