Forum photos by Patricia Adams
Just a small sampling of the vast array of freshly baked offerings in Key Food’s bakery.
By Patricia Adams
Some things are worth waiting for.
And the residents of Howard Beach, especially in the Lindewood area, are seeing that old adage come true right before their very eyes.
Last year, The Forum announced plans revealed to us by Key Food owner Frank Almonte, about the massive multi-million dollar renovation plans for the Key Food location in the Howard Plaza Shopping Center in Lindenwood.
The second Almonte’s Key Food, located on Crossbay Blvd., has already built the reputation of being the “jewel” among all local markets and specialty stores on the blvd.
Although classified as a supermarket, the Crossbay store has carved out a niche which has steered the store in a direction which is a far cry from what is usually identified as a typical supermarket experience. Successfully highlighting customer service, selection, price and quality, these are the things that have established the hallmark of all things run by the Almonte family.
For those who have not been in the Lindenwood location since the renovations began, there may be some doubt as to what treasures lies beyond the initial view of exposed ceilings, scaffolds, inconsistent flooring and the hustle and bustle of construction personnel that meet your eye upon entering the store.
We invite you however, to walk in make an immediate left turn and head for the far end of the store where a blue paper sign will direct you to the deli department.
The first phase of the project, which is near completion lies in the upper left corner of the store and upon making the turn, customers get their first gander at a pristine and beautifully appointed deli counter that stretches for what seems like a mile.
Packed with everything that Boar’s Head has to offer in addition to a wide array of salads and prepared delicacies to cater to any taste, one visit to this expanse of deli perfection will quickly relieve shoppers from the need to go anywhere else to satisfy their taste buds.
But the real wonder lies just across the floor at the new bakery and bread department.
The Almonte’s have finally answered to the age old question among the predominately Italian Howard Beach population: “Why do we have to leave the neighborhood to get a decent loaf of bread?”
Simply put–you no longer have to. In fact, when word gets out about what this bread mecca is turning out of the imported ovens that serve as the centerpiece of the department are turning out, people may just start travelling here to get their bread. That’s right it’s no longer necessary to travel to Brooklyn or Arthur Ave. to complete Sunday dinner.
Seeded, round, twist, pane. Olive, prosciutto(which actually has prosciutto in it), onion, cranberry with walnuts, brioche–the list just goes on and one is more perfect than the next. And to top it off, the prices are equally as appealing–not to mention the saving of gas and tolls for the travel you’ll no longer be doing.
In addition, there is a full line of croissants, rolls and everything else to make a carb crazy population think they died and without passing GO, went directly to Heaven.
We just can’t wait to see this masterpiece when all the rennos are complete.
But for now, to the Almonte’s we say thank you and molto molto bene!
