Susan Lawrence Gourmet Foods — Restaurant in Town of New Castle

Very over priced. My first thought after hearing the prices was " they charge that much for that ?" . Food serviceable . Coffee much better at Starbucks - a few steps away. Pastries better there as well and that is not saying much. Decor over the top "early Bronx" of my childhood . Staff's attitude assumes the "pretentious , phoney" style they think is popular in this middle class town. They pretend to be upscale place you want to be seen in and shop in. They are wrong.

I was only looking for a nice rugaleh and cup of coffee.

Asking a question about the food ( and why it is special) and you will get a good sense of this. Language peppered with the " lingo of the foodie" rings false and is off putting. Especially as I do not know what those terms mean.

A simple straight forward answer, a smile , maybe a taste if practical. A "hello" or warm greeting may more than the staff is capable of.

A fancy attitude does not make up for average over priced food. That business model wears thin - fast.

In one visit I could not get the attention of the three people chatting behind the counter . No "hello" or "How can I help you?". My standing there and listening caused no reaction on there part. I asked for some help and got it. That was it , the coolly distant staff went back to there chatting. I bought much less than I came in for .

Walk into the small and much less pretentious food stores across the street and see how you are welcomed and how fast? Try the same test in simple small...

Went there to get lunch. First time being there and the staff that helped me couldn’t have been more rude. Explained to her that I had seen the menu online and would like one of their sandwiches which she replied “we don’t sell that” I was surprised since their website says they have a rotation of stuff including sandwiches, so I asked for a coffee and that’s it to which she abruptly said “it’s that all you’re planning on spending?” With such attitude and disrespect. I told her it was all since they didn’t have the sandwich she rolled her eyes and asked again “so what else are you buying?”. I have never been treated so disrespectfully and poorly at any other place. If I could I would give them 0 stars. What a disappointment don’t go there if you don’t want to be treated like they’re doing you a favor by letting you buy...

Normally love Susan Lawrence, and would love to give them a 5 star review.

However, regarding holiday take-out, I ordered gefilte fish for the Jewish New Year holiday, and asked for traditional red horseradish (plus extra!) when ordering it. They took the order, so the assumption was that they have it.

Upon pick up they give me a cream sauce to go with the fish, saying that's all they have/ever had.

Hello? You do realize for a Jewish holiday we don't serve cream sauce at the holiday meal? At least give us the option for one without cream. At the last minute, now I have to find beet/horseradish sans cream. What a pain in the neck.

PS - the fish was delicious ... just didn't need the last...