MANHATTAN – Running a little behind their original schedule, Agata & Valentina is opening their brand new Upper East Side store Thursday. Sitting directly across the street from the family-owned market’s original First Avenue location, we’re getting a first look inside the shop.
The new 2,000 square foot market, located on the opposite corner of East 79th Street, focuses on serving those with dietary restritions— featuring only gluten-free, vegan, organic and dairy free products, both packaged and freshly prepared in-house.
Just like the original A&V, there is a cappuccino bar near the entrance where you can sit, sip, and eat. There’s also a pizza counter, fresh made pasta and decadent pastries.
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Agata & Valentina promises gluten free version of their top selling dishes.
In fact, they say everything made in the new market will be gluten free to ensure there’s no risk of cross contamination.
The new market focusing on serving those with dietary restrictions was born out of necessity after Valentina, of the namesake mother-daughter duo, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease— an immune system disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat.
“We wanted to give people in the community with dietary restrictions a place where they feel comfortable and have more organized options. At most regular grocery stores you just have to take what you can get in terms of gluten free products and foods,” says owner Valentina Puleo.
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“The new store will also make it easier for people who aren’t gluten free to shop for a family member or friend who is gluten free and give them a chance to discover new healthy products,” she added.
The new gluten-free Agata & Valentina store is open from 8:00am to 9:00pm seven days a week.
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