Jackson Heights Life

When the 37th Ave opened I was pleased how much easier it was to move around than 82nd St, but it tends to be much more crowded these days. Will be interested to see the new store. They really are good!

I agree with Shelby (but also keeping an open mind). My biggest issue was it was WAY OVERCROWDED when I have tried to go or passed by.

Quote from: dssjh on February 27, 2021, 02:44:17 PM

The former GNC on 37th and 76th is going to be a location of Mango Rico, the produce stand from further up the avenue. not sure if it's a move or a branch, but the place is REALLY good and i welcome having it closer to home.

What makes it better than Growing Farm and Kim's Brother? I usually go to those two. I've been to Mango Rico but didn't think it seemed better than the two I already go to, so usually I skip it. But I'm willing to keep an open mind if there's something I missed.

i love Growing Farm. i just find that Mango Rico offers a few things that slip between the cracks, like poblanos and some fruits. i'll still default to Growing Farm, but i prefer MangoRico to some kale salad joint that might've taken the space.

 Post-COVID, I believe there won't be any "Kale Salad" gentrification-type establishments in Jackson Heights for many years.
Chain store suburbanization, yes. But that's a whole other aesthetic.

I like Mango Rico and all and I shop there, but omg. How many fruit places and grocers do we need? Between the two supermarkets, growing farm, lemon farm, Kim’s brother, and the junky supermarket in the Farine space, that corner is saturated.

Between hair salons, pharmacies, bakeries, and now fruit stands, I just really wish we had some more variety on 37th Avenue.

Quote from: ljr on February 27, 2021, 10:51:24 PM

How do you explain the new rice pudding shop then? Isn't that along the lines of "kale salad" places? And what is wrong with kale salad, anyway? We already have Just Made 4 U, a health food place that seems very popular--and not just with the gentrifier crowd. They have very good, and yes, healthy food tailored for people who don't want to eat or cannot eat the heavier, richer cuisines available in JH. They may even have kale smoothies, actually. I used to get their green smoothie and I don't recall if it was kale--but it was delicious. Ordered dinner from them tonight, in fact, as we often do. Do you consider them gentrifiers?

It's my opinion. My opinion is that it won't be years and years...if ever... before Jackson Heights sees a, say, "Beer and Cheese" venue. A true marker of gentrification. Like in Astoria, for instance. Or Bushwick.

NB *Other opinions may differ. Which falls under the definition of "opinions".

The irrational fears of Jackson Heights gentrifying to the extent of Bushwick, are just that; irrational. I also agree with you that anything that is even remotely hip opening up here is years, if not decades off for a variety of reasons (although Terraza 7 does some wonderful and interesting things, and Freddy is extremely open to what he allows to happen there, it isn't really a destination for anyone who lives off of the 7 Line). Jackson Heights simply doesn't have a critical mass of artists working in the neighborhood for that to happen, nor is it convenient enough to Manhattan to be appealing to the people who work in more lucrative fields.

If we could get a good butcher and fish store, I would be happy. And a solid bar (not fancy) that doesn't have wall to wall televisions, or extremely loud, would be a plus. The Ready Penny used to suit my needs before the pandemic, but it would be nice to have another option.

New signage went up tonight. The former GNC at 76th St & 37th Avenue is now Mango Rico.
Mango Rico already has a busy produce store on 81st St. next to Jahn's.


Similar topics merged by moderator.

Sweet! Initially, i shopped at the 82nd St location, but that got too crowded, so I changed my routine to 37th Ave instead, since there are several grocery shops along that route as well. Always bargaining. Never too many Mangos and the employees are always very hard working.