Allegiance to regional food is near unshakable. For some reason, those comforting flavors and local nuances don’t translate from state to state. No matter how artisanal, no matter how fresh—it’s just not the same!
But this endless bummer has been rectified now thanks to Goldbely, a startup that ships legendary local delicacies to your doorstep. Like the iconic, melt-in-your-mouth pastrami from Katz’s Delicatessen, the heavenly (or down right sinful) Frrrozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity 3, and the classic West Coast ice cream cookie sandwich IT’S-IT. Plus now, you don’t have to settle for second-rate versions of your favorite regional foods: craving authentic Texas BBQ? Want to know what all the fuss is about with New York bagels? Get it straight from the source with Goldbely.
The Goldbely staff considers themselves “explorers of food” who pride both culinary originality and craftsmanship, so you can rest assured knowing that the products available on their site are top notch.
Take for instance the fresh, brisket-blend burgers from New Jersey’s Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, a third generation family-owned operation that supplies iconic New York eateries like Shake Shack with its meat patties; or the classic flavor pack of 1/2 gallon ice cream from Blue Bell in Texas, which was named Best Ice Cream in the USA by Forbes (and a fave here at Brit + Co!). To Goldebly, their vendor’s stories are just as important as their food—its respect for quality and its investment in shared experiences is a mindset that truly excites us.
On the website, you can search the curated collection of 80+ gourmet vendors by region, theme, or type of dish—everything from sweets to seafood is covered. Goldbely slings both fresh and frozen items, which are shipped with dry ice to ensure its integrity.
Prices, quantities, shipping rates, and delivery times all vary per item, so you really need to read all of the fine print before you place an order (for which, you need to create a free account on the site). Pay special attention to delivery method: since all products are perishable, Goldbely doesn’t accept returns or cancellations. Similarly, no signature is required to receive your packages, so make sure someone’s home to slide those Maryland crab cakes in the fridge ASAP.
While much of the excitement lies in reconnecting with the familiar (as a born-and-raised Chicagoan, you bet I’m placing an order for a set of deep dish pies from Lou Malnati’s), Goldbely is really all about discovery. Not only do you get a chance to share your much touted local favorites with your friends, but you by default become a patron to some of the country’s finest eateries, all from the comfort of your couch.
Would you order food from legendary eateries with Goldbely? What foods are you most excited about getting shipped to your doorstep? Or do you prefer to eat local, no matter what? Talk to us in the comments below.