Zabar’s: A Family Story

In partnership with the Preservation League of New York State, Landmark West! invites you to participate in a book talk of author Lori Zabar‘s homage to her family’s beloved Upper West Side market, Zabar’s: A Family Story, With Recipes.

When you think of New York City food destinations, it’s impossible not to think of Zabar’s and their sliced smoked salmon or sweet black-and-white cookies. This is the epic story and family history of an iconic Upper West Side institution. When Louis and Lilly Zabar rented a counter in a dairy store on 80th Street and Broadway in 1934 to sell smoked fish, they could not have imagined that their store would eventually occupy half a city block and become a mecca for quality food of all kinds. A passion for perfection, a keen business sense, cutthroat competitive instincts, and devotion to their customers led four generations of Zabars to create the UWS shrine to the cheese, fish, meat, produce, baked goods, and prepared products that heralded the 20th-century revolution in food production and consumption.

In her book, Lori Zabar–Louis’s granddaughter–paints a delectable portrait of Zabar’s as it is today–the intoxicating aromas, the crowds, the devoted staff–and shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes of the long-time employees, family members, eccentric customers, and celebrity fans who have created a uniquely American institution that honors its immigrant roots, revels in its NYC history, and is relentless in its devotion to the art and science of selling gourmet food.

This program is part of the League’s monthly “Preservation Book Club” so bring all your stories of Zabar’s to the discussion! The book club starts at 4pm — grab your copy (although you don’t have to have read it to share your Zabar’s memories) and join this very special coffee klatch!

RSVP – FREE TICKETS (Note 4pm start)