Another Pasteur Pharmacy visit

[Teddyboy]

Listen, especially newbies. At the risk of sounding like a loudmouthed NYer, if you are within traveling distance of NYC - and before you load up with goodies from the fine online vendors that we all deal with, ya' gotta go to Pasteur's (I specifically use the one on 34th St., not the one in the 60s, which I hear is also quite good). I routinely go b/c I live nearby and all I can say is that this place keeps expanding its traditional shaving offerings week by week. I go in every few weeks, even if I just spend $3 on an Arko stick, I just want to check it out. It's like a pothead going to Woodstock...or so I hear. Anyway, the brands they carry appear more exotic and new to me although the names seem somewhat familiar from some of the posts here. They have many razors, e.g., Ikon, Muhle, Merkur and a near full line of Simpson's brushes. They have other brushes also. Their prices in general are competitive with online vendors.

I would bet that the Pasteur people check out BB b/c their stock seems to reflect the latest "news" and suggestions posted on BB. Anyway, for the 10 minutes or so I spend there, it's a hoot.

If you go during the summer, call first - they are always closed Sunday, and I believe they close on Saturdays in August and perhaps[?] July. I went on a Friday afternoon.

Anyway, thanks for listening.

 

[prbutterfield]

I was in NYC all last week for vacation and on the recommendation of several B&B members I went to Pasteur's for the first time. My hotel was in Chelsea so I also went to the 34th Street store. I ran into a couple of other guys who were also visiting NYC and making the pilgrimage. It was everything I heard and more! I spent at least an hour looking through many products that I'd only seen online. There were at least 6 sections of ceiling to floor shelving dedicated to wet shaving products. They have testers for many of the colognes which is no small thing when considering a pricey bottle of cologne. It was a big plus to look at a couple of brushes up close that I'd been considering. Products were priced competitively with the internet.

The thing that really impressed me was the personal service. Leon (one of the owners) came out of the back and struck up conversation. He was well aware of B&B, very knowledgeable and very helpful. Some of my selections were too large for FAA carry on rules and because Leon only charges his cost for shipping it was far cheaper to have him ship my product than paying Delta $25 to check my bag. I got home on Saturday night and my package arrived today by Priority Mail. It was well packed and everything arrived safely. Leon gave me his card and said I should call him directly for any phone orders until I am back in NYC. Customer service like this has become so rare that it was a refreshing experience and I will be a repeat customer.

If you want to see extensive pictures of the selection offered check out Chefbaze's posts http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/276296-My-weekly-trip-to-Pasteur-Pharmacy-)/page3.

 

[Teddyboy]

Very, very cool. A great Pasteur story. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.

If you stayed in Chelsea, did you eat at El Quijote on 23rd between 6th and 7th? If not, wait till next trip. Seafood paella to die for.

 

[JoshuaNY]

Pastuers is a great place, I stop in there from time to time. I dont know if they follow B&B, but they definitley know about us. The last time I was there, the owner(forgot his name) asked where I heard about the place.

Great place to see all of the products.

 

[prbutterfield]

I placed an email order with Leon at the 34th Street store 2 days ago and it arrived today well packed. Love the service! Teddy, I didn't try El Quijote but it's on my list of places to try. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Artimid]

I was in China Town last week, but unfortunately the people I was with wouldn't understand why I wanted to make the journey, and I got out-voted and ran out of time. I was |---------------| close! Due to the smell of the city, and the fact that I would have gladly gone my whole life without some of the sights I saw there, I will probably never get another chance. So I will continue to read stories like these and dream, "If only..."
I even had a wad of cash ready to spend and my phone ready to take pictures of what might have been. I do agree though, everyone should visit their local Shaver's Mecca, but you people in NY have to make more for those of us who can't!