Not far from the Arthur Ave. Italian district, this corner grocery lured me inside with a windowful of Eastern European packaged goods. Fant brand meat seasoning mix (40 g.; $1) uses onion, garlic, "spices," and MSG to give a Croatian touch to burgers. Mixed with a little water and then with ground meat, it created a gloppy paste that stuck to my palms, but the payoff was nice charring after just a few moments in the frying pan.
On other occasions:
E. Wedel brand pierniczki alpejskie sliwkowe (chocolate-covered gingerbread hearts; 160 g., $1.50), from Poland, were OK for a factory product. Eurocrem brand hazelnut, milk, and cocoa spread (100 g.; $1), from Serbia, was too firm and lacked flavor.
Scalinada Market and Deli Grocery
667 East 187th St. (at Cambreleng Ave.), Bronx
718-367-7256
ah, Podravka! they own Croatia. Next time you're in an Eastern Euro shop look for Vegeta, an MSG laced flavor enhancer and their liver pates. Lipsmackingly delicious treats!
Posted by: ann | February 05, 2007 at 08:42 AM