set speed pointed out this Chowhound thread on Delicacies (Brooklyn Delicacies), which bills itself as "Prospect Heights’ first gourmet store." (639 Vanderbilt Avenue at Prospect Pl.; 718-622-1255)
Here’s some distilled wisdom from the Chowhound thread:
Owners are nice, helpful, and can make recommendations … open to suggestions
… Cheeses well kept, reasonably priced, but selection may not be as big as Blue Apron or Bierkraft
… Some products seem pricey; Fig bread cheaper than at Bierkraft
… Shop is clean and airy, but design is “poor”; narrowish space; “awkward” shopping experience
… “Excellent” olive bar
Breads from Pain D’Avignon daily
… May eventually have more prepared foods as well as charcuterie.
I don’t see what the big deal is. Delicacies is ridiculously overpriced and there really isn’t much to the place. As a matter of fact, the last two times that we bought cheese there, we’ve taken it home only to discover that it was rancid.
In defense of Rym, the owner of Delicacies, I think we need to give her feedback if some cheese was bad rather than trash her on this site. I have had many a splendid picnic with tasty treats from her place, and she’s super nice. She’s the very kind of new business owner we should be supporting in this area, someone cultured, who really cares about providing people with quality cuisine at an affordable price. She’s not much higher than Met Foods for certain things, and where else this side of Flatbush can you find many of the things she has there? Give it another chance.
I agree with Lucy. Additionally, Delicacies stocks really delicious, well-priced baguettes and ciao bella gelato. They’re also neighbors — they live in Prospect Heights. We should do everything we can to support new, local businesses, particularly when the proprietors are so friendly and accommodating (see Muddy Waters thread on the PH message board…). If you don’t like something, tell Rym. She’ll fix it.
and she’ll let you taste all the cheese before buying! yum, cheese.
I don’t find their cheese prices to be pricey at all. if you want Cracker Barrel, it’s available at the Met. Some of their cheeses are artisanal cheeses and cost a bit more to produce. I find the selection to be quite good, too. And, I must agree with those who say that it’s a local business and it should be vigorously supported, as with the better restaurants and restauranteurs who live right in the area. Vanderbilt will only survive if we support the better businesses, like DELICACIES.
I think Delicacies is a treasure in our neighborhood. I’m learning about cheese and other fine food just by shopping there and tasting/talking with Rym. It makes me feel like a princess to be able to walk a few blocks and buy delicious treats once a week.
If you have a problem, tell her, and she’ll address it. Less expensive food is right across the street at the Met, if that’s what you’re looking for {also not a bad supermarket}. I think they compliment each other beautifully.
Websites such as these are here so you can voice your opinion. I agree that the cheese at Delicacies is almost always bad. I shouldn’t have to try something first to make sure its not rotten. If you have good products you have steady customers. The point is the cheeeses are rotten!
Bad cheese? Sounds like you got a bunch of sour grapes.