Greenland Gourmet Deli and Grocery - New York, New York

Johnny Novo

Few places have your heart like your local bodega, and Greenland Gourmet, my dear reader, is mine.

The middle eastern cashier has seen my highest of highs, lowest of lows, and every stop in between.

He has been there for me celebrating a new job as I picked up Martinelli's Apple juice to pair with my handle of Hennessy.

He's asked if I'm feeling any better after my 3rd consecutive day of getting a liter of Essential water, a Gatorade Zero, and advil to fend off whatever flu bug I had.

He's seen me jump from snack phase to snack phase: I've gone from White Cheddar Pop Corners to Nacho Hippea's Chickpea Puffs to Larry and Lenny's White Chocolate Macadamia cookies, and currently just back on classic goldfish. "No Pop Corners today!?"

He laughs every time I order my CLASSIC chicken over rice with just chicken rice and onions. "No Salad? No tomatoes? No Sauce? No Nothin?" You know me big dawg! $9.06 is a cheat code.

He's seen me stumble in here loaded after a long night at Ding-a-Ling, needing something in my stomach before I go to sleep but being completely overwhelmed at a menu that literally has everything from quesadillas to acai bowls.

The only constant in life is change. Time passes, people move, and like a river's flow, it never ends.

It's important to have a few pillars of consistency, for someone to truly see you. I'd argue that your local bodega is one of these pillars.

One day when I eventually leave the city, I will miss it dearly, so I'm doing my best to appreciate these moments as I'm in them. What's that Andy Bernard quote? “I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them.”

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Ka yu Ng (Q)

The deli guy got flustered and angry after I pointed out he was making sandwiches with the same gloves he just grabbed raw chicken meat and beef patties with. The cashier ended up remaking the sandwich after trying to give me the exact same ones with a side of attitude.

Felix Lebron

Over the past five years, I have consistently enjoyed exceptional ingredients in every experience. I cannot recall a single instance of the quality being anything less than outstanding.

Nilsa Owens

I was very happy when this deli open and in the beginning the food was awesome but what I ordered yesterday it was disgusting. I usually get a Tuscan panini & French fries but the Tuscan panini was awful and the French fries was so waxy and no taste… I understand about food prices are high but this how most businesses start to fail because of the quality of the food and not only that the service is bad … this so disappointing.. ?

Stacey Greenberg

So much more than your corner deli. All their food is so fresh and tastes exactly how it should. Every person in there goes out of their way to help you. They don't skimp on the serving sizes and they give you exactly what you want (fast and furious but they got you!). Some examples: I wanted one falafel piece, I ran out of shampoo, everyone was out of Doritos (they found some for me - I don't ask questions), I can even pull my rent $$ out of their ATM machine. They take every kind of payment. Always on time with the napkins and utensils. The fruit is always delicious. The desserts have to be brought in from Veniero's - they are divine. It's a really great time every time I go in there. They deliver and have an extensive menu.

Sierra Z

For a bodega, they have pretty good breakfast sandwiches, salads and smoothies. The deli guys are always very sweet as well as the woman that runs the counter.

Ed Pritchard

In the hazy glow of a Sunday morning in March, I found myself wandering through the bustling streets of Manhattan's Financial District. It was a day like any other, yet somehow different, as if the air itself held a sense of anticipation. As I made my way uptown towards the vibrant East Village, memories of my culinary journey flooded my mind.

I had graduated from culinary school the very year Anthony Bourdain's seminal work, "Kitchen Confidential," was published. The raw honesty and unapologetic passion of his words had ignited a fire within me, propelling me towards a career in service. Little did I know then, the path I had chosen would nearly consume me.

Gastronomy, I came to realize, is an intimate discipline, demanding not only mastery of ingredients but also a deep understanding of the human experience. Yet, as I immersed myself in the chaos of restaurant kitchens, I found myself drowning in the relentless pursuit of perfection. The pressure to please others, to meet impossible standards, became suffocating, threatening to extinguish the very essence of my being.

But life has a way of guiding us towards unexpected paths of redemption. And so it was that on this particular Sunday, I found myself drawn to a humble deli nestled in the heart of the East Village. Green Land Gourmet Deli and Grocery, its unassuming facade belied the culinary treasure it held within.

Stepping inside, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, a rare feeling of comfort in a city that often felt impersonal. As I approached the counter, I was met with the sight of a skilled cook, proudly standing before a meticulously organized array of ingredients.

Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, I witnessed the artistry of a true culinary professional. Each ingredient was handled with care, each dish prepared with reverence for the craft. It was a stark contrast to the many delis in the city that lacked a true food program, serving inferior quality fare to an unsuspecting public.

As I ordered the Tompkins #2—a simple yet sublime sandwich—I marveled at the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The house-made Cajun turkey, smoked Gouda aioli, and crisp romaine lettuce danced on my palate, a symphony of culinary delights.

But it was not just the food that captivated me; it was the understanding that went into its preparation. From the careful calibration of coolers to the precise handling of ingredients, every aspect of the process was executed with precision and expertise.

As I savored my lunch in the tranquil embrace of John V. Lindsay Park, overlooking the shimmering waters of the East River, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought me here. In a city where rent was skyrocketing and the cost of living was becoming increasingly prohibitive, finding a place like Green Land Gourmet Deli was nothing short of a revelation.

In a world where shortcuts and compromises were all too common, it was reassuring to know that there were still those who took pride in their craft. And as I basked in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal, and the reminder that in a city of millions, sometimes it's the little things that matter most.

Michelle Medina

It's fascinating that the building I grew up on has this incredible deli! The owner is so kind, professional, friendly...The deli is so clean, organized and well put together..I often go for smoothies and natural juices .. Incredible! The owner can be caught up in a busy moment and he still gets my order correct! I definitely recommend this deli to anyone! Food is great quality and I'm hooked on his smoothies.. Today had an amazing chicken sandwich!! Delicious