The new Paramus Grocery Store, Stew Leonard’s, is a great place for the family to shop. But it’s not for everyone. The store is laid out in a one-way single winding aisle that as of now, isn’t clearly marked and if you try to navigate the aisle the wrong direction, it will be difficult for you and your oncoming traffic. The main trick is when you enter from the main entrance (not the mall entrance), head towards the bakery section to your right.
This place is great for gearing up for parties and it should be a weekly destination for your food and drink needs. There are many store made dips, cheeses and appetizers that will make hosting a party easy.
Two main things to consider about this store:
Don’t treat Stew’s like a convenience store as, again, the store is laid out in a single path design, although there are cut-throughs scattered about.
Stew’s is not for people that are annoyed by animatronic singing animals and fruit.
Other than that, stop here for your staples, hit up Stew’s before your next party as there are flavorful prepared foods ready for you to heat up, grill or cook. You’ll need to go somewhere else for your cleaning supplies, kitchen items, light bulbs and drug store items. But again, you can grab your food and drink staples here and be sure to check out their weekly specials.
Photos:
I really appreciate the way that the fresh herbs are displayed. In other grocery stores, the herbs are in small, plastic, containers that are of questionable freshness. At Stew’s, you can grab what you need for your dish.
Fresh Herbs!148 lbs of Dips!Fresh Seafood with a Smile
Great For Kids
They say that Stew Leonard’s is the Disneyland of Dairy Stores with the animatronic sounds and the relatively short shopping experience for the kids (10-30 minutes). They have a Magic Barn Door app (Apple App Store / Google Play Store) where you can interact with signs around the store. So, Stew’s is a fun place for kids, even my teenager was taking some Instagram photos there.
The latest flagship ShopRite is located about a mile away from the old New Milford location and bears striking resemblance to the Wyckoff store.
The Food Court
If you are like me and did not pre-plan your trip in advance, grab a circular and some food from many of the the mini restaurants and relax in the food court. You will save money if you take a minute to see what is on sale. People also make less impulse buys when they shop with a full stomach. #smartshopping #savemoney
The Salad and Soup Bar!
Get Your Olives Here!
You enter into a small food court with a cafe, Mediterranean bar (8.49/ lb). Unlike their other new location in Wyckoff, this location has a salad and soup bar! (Also at $8.49/lb). And for the easy grab and go, there are a lot of pre-packaged meals. Their hot grill has breakfast sandwiches as well as burgers, cheesesteaks and chicken hot sandwiches at reasonable prices.
Bistro-Grill-Deli
Grab and Go – Easier than a Meal Kit!
The deli offers standard fare but a nice display with friendly staff. To save you a lot of time, there is a nice section of pre-cut deli selections if you are not too particular with your deli order.
The produce displays the standard produce selections. There is a “certified organic” island that is clearly marked – if that’s your thing.
Free Healthy Snacks – for Kids
Organic Fruits and Vegetables at reasonable prices
Also note, for young shoppers, there is a display as you enter the store near the produce section (see above “Free Food” photo) with free healthy fruits for kids to take while you shop. So take some wipes and napkins with you to help keep the little fingers clean.
The bakery is very well appointed with breads, cookies and cakes. You will wonder on how the artfully decorated cakes sport price tags under $10. This will be your go-to place for desserts!
Seafood and Butcher
The seafood department also has a fresh sushi section and while the lobster tank is in the back, there is a nice clam washing shower in the front of the seafood department. Ask the happy butcher about the dry aging process – I learned something new today!
Fresh Seafood
Fresh Sushi
The Happy Butcher!
Showering Clams
Remainder of Store
If you are into organic food, note that there is an organic aisle just near the produce section – and there is a refrigerated area there with the organic milks and dairy.
Organic Milks – Located Far From Other Dairy
The grocer aisles are cavernous – this is not a store you run in and run out of for a few items. What I did find nice was that the refrigerated sections all had doors on the cases which made the section warmer than what you would find in other stores.
Please consider their Wholesome Pantry offerings which claim to be without artificial flavors, colorings, and unnatural preservatives. There are regular Wholesome Pantry and organic Wholesome Pantry options.
The Bakery – Smells Delightful!
Drugs at the Pharmacy
Grab Flowers as you exit the store
Check-outs galore!
The are an abundance of registers with plenty of express lanes and staffed registers. But, if you’d like to check yourself out you’ll find the “self check-out” lanes on the left side of the register bank.
Florist: Get some fresh flowers for a friend, yourself or you sweetie at the florist located by the store entrance.
Hacking Shopping
Dieticians Nook: As you enter the store, you will see the Dietitians Nook on your right. This contains a little display conveniently stocked with a recipe card and ingredients to make a healthy meal. I like this idea as it reminds me of those boxed delivery services like Blue Apron. So, stop by and give it a try.
Shop from Home: Go to the ShopRite website and Shop from Home
Shop from Recipes: On the ShopRite web site you can find the Recipes Section which provides recipes and ingredients where you can add the ingredients right to your shopping cart – Although currently this location does not offer Shop at Home, you will be able to print out your shopping list.
Place your Deli Order ahead of time: ShopRite New Milford allows you to place your Deli Order ahead of time – If you’re like me, you hate standing in the deli area waiting for your number to be called – what a waste of time. Now improve your efficiency by visiting this site: ShopRite Deli Online
Get on Facebook: There are a couple of Facebook groups dedicated to the whole couponing experience and you can learn a lot from these groups. To find them, search Facebook for “ShopRite” in groups. Then learn how to purchase items for pennies. And, possibly make extra donations to food pantries and shelters in your area.
Save Money at ShopRite!
There are many ways to save money at ShopRite and keep more money in your pocket:
Download the ShopRite app (note – take a screenshot of your price plus card screen and save this in a photo album on your phone for quick retrieval)
Sign up for ShopRite Digital Coupons and load additional savings onto your card
Give your phone to someone and have them earn DownTime Dollars by watching videos. You could do it yourself, but it’s best to delegate this to someone else. 🙂
Comments and Feedback
Please let me know your comments and feedback about ShopRite Wyckoff and this review website in the comments below or email me directly at [email protected]
(Note – Call if you plan to arrive shortly before 6 PM)
Phone: (201) 934-3220
Location: 100 E. Main Street, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446
Kale Bowl (not an Acai Bowl)
Green Bowl
Menu Pics
Bowls-1
Bowls-2
Avocado Toast Menu
Smoothy Menu
Review:
I had my first Acai Bowl on the streets of Aracaju, Brazil – And this restaurant brings me back to there. This place is a coffee shop for healthy vibrant people. All of their fare is loaded with fresh, nutritious ingredients packed with vitamins. A place for friends to meet or someone to grab a quick bite and read or work a little. If you are arriving close to closing time, it’s best to call first.
Pitaya Bowls are DragonFruit bowls. (I had to look that one up!)
I’m hoping that this place starts to expand their offerings and their operating hours. Currently, they open up at 10 AM which makes it perfect for late risers who want some of their Avocado Toast or Breakfast Bowl. I think if they added an earlier shift, many of the Ramsey train commuters would be happier! Blended Bowls seems like a well established chain but it’s a locally run business – but I wouldn’t be surprised if they start expanding into the nearby towns soon.
You’ll leave feeling healthier than you walked in – you owe it to yourself to stop by one day. My photos do not do this place justice – be sure to check out their Instagram feed!
Social Media
Follow Blended Bowls on Social Media – Interact with them on Facebook and scroll through their Instagram for ideas.
Phat Platters proves to be another of the few restaurant options inspired by the Halal carts of New York City. They have their signature “White” and “Hot” sauces that are also available for sale in both 8 oz and 12 oz bottles. Be sure to ask for a couple of the white or red sauce containers to accompany your delivery. This place is pumping out the Phat Platters continuously during the lunch and dinner hours.
Aside from their Phat Platters, they offer Schwarma Panini, Gyro, burgers, Phat Sandwiches, Salads and Wings.
Since they serve only Halal food – you can try “beef bacon” to accompany your order.
The mixed platter with extra protein is my go-to dish which requires me to grab a large stack of napkins to continually wipe the perspiration off my face.
Ample parking is found in the rear of the building or on the street.
Scott’s Review:
Jersey Farmer’s Market has been around for years and has grown in a quality market. When you enter the store, a giant Pineapple Welcome Banner greets you. Then you will notice that there is an amazing florist in their section the left. Further along their left wall, you will find the seafood counter is fully stocked with fresh fish and seafood.
Right after the seafood counter is a fully stocked spice section, bread and then dried fruits and nuts. But this market is known for their consistent quality with their fresh fruits and vegetables. Unlike other farmers markets, your produce should keep for a while before it spoils.
I almost left out the best part! Sushi! This market has their in-house sushi take-out window between the florist and seafood counter. The previous sushi chef retired and now the new chef is making a name for himself. Be sure to grab a menu to call in your order or place your order at the beginning of your shopping trip.
After you check-out, and if you didn’t pick up any sushi, you can visit Juicy Platters located in the same building as the market. Try (a little bit) of their “Spicy AF” hot sauce at Juicy Platters where they whip up rice, salad or gyro platters at reasonable prices.
