Aaron's is definitely one of the highest-quality kosher gourmet shops I've ever shopped in. The proprietors are true artisans who take pride in the quality of the fresh meat, prepared foods, and charcuterie they sell. The charcuterie, exotic meats, bison, lamb, veal, etc. are expertly presented, and I know of no better source for these commodities than Aaron's.
For those of you who were once non-observant, you will greatly appreciate the charcuterie. While the flavor of beef, duck, and lamb cured meats is not exactly the same as the flavor of pork, their charcuterie is expertly crafted in such a way that you truly appreciate these meats for the curing and smoking and time that went into their preparation. The lamb pancetta made an excellent carbonara (we sauteed onions in olive oil, added the pancetta, Mimic Creme- the best vegan substitute for heavy cream on the market, black pepper, and fresh spaghetti), and the duck prosciutto was literally to die for, served with fresh cantaloupe for an elegant first course, and also used in panini with fresh roasted red peppers and Daiya vegan mozzarella on parve garlic bread. The homemade sausages are incredible; the sweet and hot Italian varieties, made from veal, were excellent when used in our Sunday sugo/ragout, and others were enjoyed with peppers and onions on Italian bread. And when our craving for Chinese strikes, we frequently purchase their meat-filled dumplings and pan fry them, served alongside a sweet sesame-scallion-soy dipping sauce.
I've also had the pleasure of ordering their prepared foods for Passover. They have the most extensive Passover menu of any kosher establishment in NYC, and while you pay for quality, their veal cutlets, beef stuffed cabbage, meat loaf, and cervelat greatly enhanced our holiday joy.
This store is an essential resource for those who desire top-of-the line, gorumet food, and meats and sumptuous dishes prepared with care, in the style of the great kosher butchers of yesteryear. Don't walk, but run, here. Daniel S.
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