Despana Brand Foods- Spanish Grocery Jackson Heights
Despana Foods (86-17 Northern Blvd Jackson Heights 718-779-7438 & 408 Broome St NY 10013) This tiny store in Jackson Heights is much smaller than its sister store in soho. It manages to pack all that Spanish goodness into a space so small- there isn’t even room for a window. The service is friendly, but it helps to speak Spanish. The foods offered come mostly in jars and are generally used as a cooking aid rather than a ready-to-eat product, like mousse de esparragos (asparagus mousse for white fish or salads), legumbres y verduras con bonito del norte (beans, vegetables and fish in sauce to mix with rice), and peras del bierzo (sweet pears in juice). They have fruit preserves of all kinds, gourmet crackers and olive oil soaked pita. There is paella seasoning or mix- for first timers who may need assistance preparing the delicious seafood dish. Espana has a large selection of fresh regional cheeses, to name only a few- aragones- from cow milk, murcia el vino- goat milk and gariezo- sheep milk. They carry Spanish sausages to accompany your paella. This tiny store is a real treat for those willing to make the trip, but you’d better start your weekend shopping early. They are open until 4pm on Saturday and closed Sunday. Be sure to stop by the Broome St location for freshly made sandwiches & hot soups.
