I have sent gifts by Goldbelly around a dozen times. Junior’s Cheesecake, Prantl’s Tortes, Russ + Daughters, and some subscriptions.
Goldbelly now delivers some items to Canada. I was happy with the Guelaguetza Chiles Rellenos from LA., my first order to Canada.
Which have been your favourites to send or receive?
Russ & Daughters, to be sure, but I (and my dad) ordered from Russ and Daughters long before they went with Goldbelly. I liked the “before” way better. We’d call, and ask what was the best salmon. They’d wrap smaller portions for me so I could freeze them. Get extra onions in the pickled herring, stuff like that.
I think I ordered from Russ and Daughters once before they became associated with Goldbelly.
I’ve had Vienna hot dogs and Lou Malnati’s pizza sent to me, which was nice, but the markup is CRAZY.
I bought several packs of dogs last time I was in town at the factory store and they reside happily in my freezer. And I learned to make my own deep dish.
I’ve never tried Russ and Daughters, but I note that they have Langer’s as a choice, and honestly I don’t find them worth the trouble when I’m IN L.A., never mind ordering them special. I’d much rather go to Canter’s.
You can still order directly from R&D — you don’t have to do it via Goldbelly
The question is almost backwards to the way I think, because for us Goldbelly was a way to order local favorites from nyc when I was away during the pandemic 
— so bagels and bialys mainly, with the cream cheese.
Then we moved on to Chicago deep dish, and later some pies and bbq we had read about.
But I appreciate the ability it provides to “travel” via food coming to you from places you can’t (or won’t) go to otherwise.
Many local institutions offer direct shipping with more choices than via Goldbelly, so if you’re looking at a specific place I’d look at their own website — eg most NYC places that have been shipping long before Goldbelly like pastrami and smoked salmon sources, Zabar’s, and elsewhere spots like Zingerman’s etc.
I am mostly excited that Goldbelly is now shipping some foods to Canada. I found out yesterday that there is often an additional $20 surcharge to ship to Canada.
Most companies in the States that ship food I want don’t ship to Canada. Off the top of my head, See’s, and Apricot King. I don’t think Zabar’s or Zingerman’s shipped to Canada last time I checked.
Russ and Daughters has their own webpage, and local pickup and delivery options, but if you click on national shipping, it takes you to goldbelly’s site. (russanddaughters,goldbelly.com). They do local pickup and delivery orders through Toasttab.
My friends liked the Greens Shabbat in a Box that I sent them.
https://www.goldbelly.com/restaurants/greens-bakery/shabbat-babka-box
Pecan pie from Goode BBQ
We are enjoying Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte. Would buy it again.
I ordered the 5 lb organic fruit box from Frog Hollow Farm in Brentwood, CA. This was a bit of a crock.
https://www.goldbelly.com/restaurants/frog-hollow-farm/organic-mixed-fruit-box
3 navel oranges, 4 heritage Arkansas Black apples (which are not available in Canada), and 4 red pears (similar red pears are available in Canada).
I was hoping there might be some more interesting fruit inside.
I will let you know if these navel oranges taste any different from the $2.49 CAD/ $1.75 USD/ lb navel oranges I buy here in Canada.
Live and learn.
Most orchards in California that ship across the States don’t ship to Canada.
I used to make, pack and ship Goldbelly meals. I was stunned at how expensive it is. I have never used it. They do have a lot of options that I would try if it wasn’t so much money.
I don’t understand why people are using Goldbelly - the prices are incredible high/overpriced
My Facebook WFD group has used it on several occasion when one of our members was grieving or going through tough times. Of course, it’s much easier to afford a gift when multiple people can contribute.
Others may just see it as an occasional treat. I myself was the recipient of an amazing Goldbelly gift box from Katz’s from our group when I was going through serious health issues a couple of years ago.
Obviously, it is worth it for people, and if one has the disposable income? 
I use it to send gifts to people I can’t visit in person.
Over the past month, I have been using Goldbelly to bring us treats here in Canada since I can’t travel the way I once did. Chiles Rellenos from LA, Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte from Pittsburgh, Organic Fruit from California for a Birthday Gift, and Maryland Crabcakes in the future.
I have also sent gifts through Zingerman’s and Mouth Foods in the past. Same kind of mark-ups.
Businesses that deliver tend to be expensive.
I don’t use UberEats or DoorDash for local delivery. I guess whatever I’ve been saving by picking up my local take-out food is what I’m spending on Goldbelly splurges.
