Man cannot live on takeout alone and, at some point, even the most stove-averse Long Islanders are going to have to start cooking. The good news is that some big-time restaurant suppliers, in an effort to shore up their flagging business, are now delivering to regular folks. Many local food purveyors are ramping up or initiating takeout services so you don’t have to go to the market, and some enterprising restaurants and caterers are even getting into the grocery game. In general, these companies offer quicker and more dependable delivery than regular supermarkets whose stock must be ordered through Instacart. But they are all overburdened in this new age of takeout so be prepared to be patient.
GENERAL GROCERIES
Baldor Specialty Foods: You’ve been eating Baldor provisions for decades without knowing it: it is one of the Northeast’s largest wholesale importers and distributors of fresh produce and specialty foods, a staple supplier of fine restaurants and markets. Now Baldor is making its vast inventory of specialty food available directly to consumers. All the staples are here, as well as foie gras, fiddlehead ferns and beef cheeks and pretty much anything you have ever eaten. Free delivery to all of Long Island with a $250 minimum. More info: baldorfood.com
The Chef’s Warehouse: One of the tristate region’s leading food service suppliers is now offering you 10-packs of frozen Neapolitan pizzas, 1-pound cans of jumbo lump crab meat, 5-liter tubs of gelato plus meats, produce, dairy and grocery items. Delivery takes up to four business days; trucks come to Long Island on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; free delivery for orders over $250 ($35 fee for smaller orders). More info: chefswarehouse.com
DiCarlo Foods (1630 N. Ocean Ave., Holtsville): You’ve probably seen DiCarlo’s trucks on Long Island’s roads and highways. The Holtsville-based company, founded in 1963, is one of the metropolitan area’s largest food distributors, supplying restaurants, pizzerias, hotels and institutions. But attached to the 5-million cubic-foot warehouse is a “Cash & Carry” open to the public that carries a wide range of fresh, frozen and packaged foods. Home delivery is available as well. More info: 631-758-6000, dicarlofood.com
Dinemarket: The cloud-based food-service supplier has pivoted to the home market, selling meat, dairy, produce, pantry items and beverages as well as those new staples: bleach, gloves and masks. Order online for delivery within Nassau County. More info: dinemarket.com
Elegant Affairs Caterers (110 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove): The high-end caterer has reoriented its business to provide a wide range of groceries and household supplies, as well as heat-and-serve dinners. Order here for delivery or pick up. More info: (516) 271-1619.
J Kings: The venerable Long Island restaurant supplier has launched a “shop like a chef” service with a good selection of meats, produce, pasta, rice, beverages, heat-and-eat dishes and even Junior’s cheesecakes. Plus bleach, gloves, masks, gallon plastic zip bags. See the price list on the website and place your order at shoplikeachef@jkings.com or by calling 631-289-8401 ext. 2500. There are pickup locations in Bay Shore, Bohemia, Holtsville and Riverhead on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. More info: jkings.com
