Zabar’s stands as a definitive pillar of New York City’s culinary landscape, specifically anchoring the Upper West Side since 1934. Founded by Louis and Lillian Zabar, this family-owned institution has evolved from a small counter into a multi-generational destination for epicureans seeking high-quality smoked fish, custom-roasted coffees, and rare international cheeses. The store’s physical presence on 80th Street and Broadway attracts thousands of visitors weekly, yet its influence extends far beyond Manhattan through a meticulously curated catalog system. This legacy is built upon a foundation of sourcing excellence, where specialists select only the highest grade of Atlantic salmon, sturgeon, and sable. For nearly a century, the Zabar family has maintained rigorous standards for freshness and authenticity, ensuring that traditional European-style deli techniques remain accessible to modern consumers. Navigating the expansive inventory requires an understanding of these historical roots and the brand’s commitment to culinary integrity and consumer education.
The catalog functions as a comprehensive gateway to the store’s diverse inventory, bridging the gap between a local neighborhood market and a global gourmet supplier. It provides detailed access to a vast array of specialized food categories, ranging from hand-sliced lox to artisanal baked goods produced in-house. Beyond perishables, the selection encompasses a significant array of high-performance kitchenware, reflecting a deep understanding of the tools required for professional-grade home cooking. Each entry in the collection is chosen based on performance, durability, and flavor profile, catering to both seasoned chefs and casual enthusiasts. The distribution of these products via mail order has established Zabar’s as a reliable resource for those seeking the specific textures and tastes associated with traditional New York appetizing stores. By offering curated bundles and individual specialty items, the catalog ensures that the specific cultural and culinary heritage of the Upper West Side remains available for nationwide delivery and enjoyment.
Iconic Deli and Smoked Fish Selections
The smoked fish department represents the core of the brand’s identity. Experts source Atlantic Salmon from cold waters to ensure the high fat content necessary for a silky texture. This category, traditionally known as appetizing, focuses on foods that pair well with bagels and bialys.
Hand-Sliced Nova Salmon and Sturgeon
The Nova salmon is cured in a mild brine and then cold-smoked over fruitwood. This process results in a delicate flavor that does not overpower the natural taste of the fish. Slicers utilize long, flexible knives to produce paper-thin pieces, a technique that maximizes surface area and enhances the mouthfeel. This precision ensures that every slice maintains a consistent quality. The sturgeon is firm and meaty, offering a different textural experience for those who prefer a more substantial bite. It is often regarded as a delicacy for its rich, slightly nutty flavor profile. Each piece is inspected for quality and consistency before being vacuum-sealed for transport, ensuring that the product arrives in optimal condition.
Traditional Jewish Deli Meats
The deli section features corned beef, pastrami, and brisket prepared according to long-standing recipes. The pastrami undergoes a multi-stage process involving dry-rubbing with spices, smoking, and steaming. This produces a tender, flavorful meat that serves as a staple of the New York deli experience. The corned beef is slow-cured to achieve a balance of salt and spice, while the brisket remains a favorite for its savory profile and versatility in traditional meals. These meats are often shipped pre-sliced or in whole sections to accommodate different serving preferences. The catalog provides instructions on the best methods for reheating these items to maintain their original texture and moisture levels.
Smoked Whitefish and Specialty Salads
Smoked whitefish is another foundational element of the appetizing counter. These fish are typically sourced from the Great Lakes and smoked whole to preserve their moist, flaky flesh. The whitefish salad is prepared by hand-deboning the fish and mixing it with a minimal amount of mayonnaise and seasonings, allowing the smoky flavor to remain the primary focus. Other specialty salads in the collection include baked salmon salad and herring in cream sauce. Each of these preparations relies on traditional curing methods that have been refined over decades to meet the high expectations of a discerning clientele.
Signature Coffee Roasts and Blends
Coffee roasting has been a central operation since the 1960s. The facility processes beans in small batches to maintain quality control and ensure peak freshness for the final consumer. This commitment to small-batch production allows for a level of consistency that is difficult to achieve in mass-market operations.
The Custom Roast Tradition
The Zabar’s Special Blend is a proprietary mix designed to provide a medium-bodied flavor with a smooth finish. It serves as the standard for many loyal customers who value a consistent daily cup. For those seeking intensity, the French Roast offers a darker profile with smoky undertones and a robust body. The selection also includes single-origin beans from major growing regions, including Central America and Africa, providing a wide spectrum of acidity and flavor notes. Each roast is developed to highlight the specific characteristics of the beans, whether that be floral aromas, citrus acidity, or deep chocolate notes. The catalog offers these coffees in whole bean or custom-ground formats to suit various brewing methods.
Equipment for the Perfect Brew
The catalog lists a variety of brewing tools, from simple French presses to advanced espresso machines. Selection criteria focus on temperature stability and extraction efficiency. Burr grinders are prioritized for their ability to produce a uniform particle size, which is essential for a balanced flavor profile. By offering both the beans and the necessary machinery, the catalog supports a complete home brewing ecosystem. This integrated approach ensures that customers have the resources needed to replicate a professional coffeehouse experience in their own kitchens. Specialized filters, cleaning supplies, and storage containers are also available to help maintain the longevity and performance of the equipment.
Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie Collections
The cheese department maintains a rotating inventory of over 600 varieties sourced from domestic and international producers. This extensive selection is curated by experts who understand the nuances of seasonal production and regional traditions.
International Cheese Varieties
Shelves feature everything from aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and sharp English cheddars to creamy French Bries and pungent Roquefort. Specialists work directly with dairies to procure wheels that meet specific aging requirements. The catalog provides descriptions of each cheese’s origin, milk type, and flavor characteristics, allowing buyers to make informed decisions for pairings or cooking applications. Whether looking for a firm Manchego for a tapas plate or a soft goat cheese for a salad, the inventory provides options for every palate. The cheeses are cut to order and wrapped in specialized paper that allows the product to breathe while maintaining its moisture levels during shipping.
Gourmet Accompaniments
To complement the cheese selection, a range of charcuterie including prosciutto, salami, and pâté is available. These items are chosen for their traditional curing methods and high-quality ingredients. Additionally, the inventory includes olives, cornichons, and specialized crackers, providing all the components necessary for a professional-grade charcuterie board. Specialized jams and honeys are also featured, offering sweet contrasts to the savory profiles of the meats and cheeses. This comprehensive approach to building a platter makes the catalog a valuable resource for hosting events or creating sophisticated appetizers at home.
Freshly Baked Breads and Pastries
The bakery department produces traditional items that are synonymous with New York’s culinary culture. High-protein flour and traditional fermentation methods are used to ensure authentic results that replicate the textures found in traditional European bakeries.
The New York Bagel Standard
Zabar’s bagels are boiled before baking, a critical step that creates the characteristic chewy exterior and dense interior. Available in varieties such as plain, poppy seed, sesame, and everything, these bagels are a fundamental component of the classic New York breakfast. The bialy, a cousin to the bagel, is also featured, characterized by its sunken center filled with toasted onions and a lighter, airier dough. These breads are baked daily and shipped quickly to ensure they arrive with the proper texture. The catalog also offers a variety of cream cheese schmears, ranging from plain to scallion and vegetable, providing a complete bagel experience.
Rugelach and Babka Favorites
The pastry selection includes hand-rolled rugelach in flavors like chocolate, cinnamon raisin, and apricot. These bite-sized treats are made with a cream cheese dough for a flaky texture. The Cinnamon Babka and Chocolate Babka are iconic items, featuring rich, swirled fillings and a dense, cake-like structure. These products are baked using traditional recipes that emphasize the balance between dough and filling. The catalog highlights these items as ideal for gifting or as a dessert for family gatherings. Each loaf is carefully packaged to preserve its moisture and flavor during the transit process, ensuring that the quality is maintained from the oven to the doorstep.
Kitchenware and Culinary Tools
The second floor of the retail location is dedicated to high-performance kitchen tools. This selection is mirrored in the catalog, offering professional-grade equipment for home use. The focus is on functionality and durability, ensuring that each tool can withstand the rigors of frequent cooking.
High-End Cookware for Home Chefs
Inventory includes stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick cookware from reputable brands such as All-Clad and Le Creuset. These items are selected for their heat distribution properties and long-term durability. Whether a chef needs a heavy-bottomed stockpot for slow-simmered soups or a precise sauté pan for delicate fish, the catalog provides options that meet industrial standards. The inclusion of multi-clad pans ensures that heat is conducted evenly across the entire surface, preventing hot spots and ensuring consistent cooking results. These tools are designed to last for decades, making them a sound investment for any serious home cook.
Essential Gadgets and Utensils
The collection covers everything from precision digital scales and thermometers to high-quality chef’s knives. Cutting tools are sourced from manufacturers known for their edge retention and ergonomic design. The focus remains on utility and efficiency, ensuring that every tool serves a practical purpose in a busy kitchen. Specialty items such as mandolines, citrus zesters, and garlic presses are chosen for their build quality and ease of cleaning. By providing a wide range of gadgets, the catalog assists in streamlining food preparation tasks, allowing cooks to focus on the creative aspects of their recipes.
Curated Gift Baskets and Bundles
Gift baskets are designed to provide a comprehensive taste of the store’s best offerings. They are organized by theme and occasion to simplify the selection process for the customer.
Celebration Hampers for Every Occasion
The “New York Breakfast” basket includes bagels, lox, cream cheese, coffee, and a signature mug. Other bundles focus on cheese pairings, snack assortments, or dessert collections. Each basket is hand-packed to ensure the items are protected and presented professionally. These bundles are effective for holidays, anniversaries, or as a gesture of appreciation. The catalog allows for the inclusion of personalized messages, making these baskets a popular choice for both personal and professional gifting. Because the baskets contain a variety of items, they offer a broad sampling of the store’s most famous products in a single package.
Corporate Gifting Solutions
Large-scale gifting is supported through customizable options and volume shipping capabilities. Businesses utilize these services to send a tangible piece of New York heritage to clients and employees. The reliability of the shipping process ensures that perishable items arrive in optimal condition, maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality. The catalog simplifies the logistics of corporate gifting by handling the coordination of multiple addresses and timing requirements. This service is particularly valuable during the holiday season when companies seek high-quality, reliable gifts that reflect a standard of excellence.
Zabar’s remains a definitive resource for those seeking the highest quality in specialty foods and professional kitchenware. From its legendary smoked fish counter to its signature coffee roasts and artisanal bakery, the institution provides a comprehensive culinary experience rooted in New York tradition. The catalog serves as an efficient tool for accessing these premium products, ensuring that the standards of the Upper West Side are available to a national audience. Explore the full selection and secure the finest gourmet items by visiting the Zabar’s Catalog today.