It’s always easy to spot the tourists visiting Manhattan. We see them taking pictures in front of popular landmarks like Grand Central Station and the Empire State Building, and even some not so popular locations . . . like random apartment buildings — but that is okay, since these people most likely don’t have anything that looks like this in their hometown. Today, however, I saw a couple taking a picture that surprised me . . . and then confused me.

The wife was standing in front of D’Agastino pretending to be about to walk in (the exit door, since that was directly under the store’s sign), while her husband took a picture of her. I resisted the urge to go up to them and say, “Um… you know this is a supermarket, right?”

I don’t know where these people are from, but I am fairly certain they are exposed to supermarkets — actually, superstores in the league of Wegman’s, Safeway, Publix and Winn Dixie, among many others. Stores like these blow D’Agastino away. Walk into Wegman’s and find yourself in a world where your every wish is literally at your fingertips. In college, we used to go out to dinner at Wegman’s. They had freshly prepared food — all kinds — in addition to everything else you would ever need to live AND enjoy life while you’re at it. You name it, Weggie’s had it. Same can be said for the other superstores I mentioned — and believe me, these are ALL over this country. You can even find Whole Foods in New York City, if you want a store with lots of great prepared stuff.

So why is D’Agastino so fascinating to these people who are most likely used to stores far superior? D’Agastino is really just your regular run of the mill supermarket, they’ve got the basics plus a little more . . . but nothing over the top, nothing spectacular, nothing to make it that much better than Food Emporium or Gristedes really. Sure, it’s a major improvement over Key Food. But then again, what isn’t?

I guess it is very cool for these people to go back home and tell their friends and family they went to D’Agastino . . . I just don’t get why. And if they really feel the need to take a picture in front of a New York City grocery store, might I suggest The Gourmet Garage? Now that is a unique store. Plus, they’ll find lots more cheese.

But all things aside, let me reiterate that this couple took a picture in front of a SUPERMARKET. If groceries are truly the highlight of their trip to New York City . . . well, they’re a different kind of people. Clearly.

I’m sorry if I sound like an asshole, or if I sound like someone who is from New York so I don’t get the touristy idea . . . but I really don’t think that is the case. I understand taking a picture of the Statue of Liberty as much as the next person . . .but I like to think that I draw the line at popular food chains.

Next time I am in a place with what I have labeled a superstore, I will be sure to take a picture in front of it. Because after shopping at places far superior to D’Agastino, I know what is truly cool in grocery shopping.

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