Groceries
As an adult, there are few things I seem to enjoy more than a spirited and informative discussion of grocery stores - the prices, the layout, the produce selection, the location and parking and the overall vibe. After living in the Chicago area for 15 years I became spoiled with the likes of Caputo's, Valley Produce and Mariano's just to name a few. The whole Chicagoland area is blessed with diversity and there's no better place to reap the rewards than in the produce section. Every kind of hot pepper, mushroom and tomato exist in harmony here along with mountains of meats, cheeses and seafood - including a lobster tank. Not to mention things I was always going to get around to using like cactus and lemongrass. I remember going to the Caputos by my old house. It was new, and they built a little cafe and a little restaurant and juice bar in there. It looked like a little town, and it even had some natural lighting from the big entrance way windows. I used to thing " who hangs out at the grocery store cafe? " And now I know, it's me. It's future me. Maybe near future.
I have since moved back to Michigan and no longer have access to such "exoitc " foods like thai chilies or oyster mushrooms. I immediately took charge of the situation by filling out a comment card at my new grocery store politely expressing my disappointment at not being able to find pita bread. I will say that there are now definitely more shiitake mushrooms now than there were 4 years ago, so, I like to think my comment card made a difference. On top of that, I contacted Krogers HQ and suggested they open a Mariano's here in Grand Rapids for those who crave a more luxurious shopping experience. They thanked me for my vigilance and loyalty. Now, we wait. In the meantime, Meijer stores, offer a great selection of some of those hard to find peppers and mushrooms and seem to be expanding their world food isle, especially the Asian food section. However, if you're looking for more unique Asian sauces and ingredients I suggest Asian Delight Marketplace , and while you're there, check out Horrocks Market a delightful, grocery store, nursery, and giftshop. Lots of unique finds here as well as a beer and wine bar. Great place to escape for a hour or so when you need some alone time but still want something pretty to look at, and a drink.
http://www.asiandelightmarket.com/
Sometimes I just want to get some stuff and go, so at those times,Aldi is my favorite go to.Great meat selection, great cheese, organic veggies, great prices, small store (ok, long lines) my kids love to put the quarter in the shopping cart or hustle up a willing shopper in the parking lot who needs a cart in exchange for a quarter, thus providing a small but valuable social interaction as well as an exercise in cooperation.
Lastly, one of my favorite, most comforting stores to shop at Trader Joe's. Whimsical and quirky, there is something old-worldly about it. I feel like I'm stepping into a European Christmas market all year round! I loved taking my kids here when they were little. They loved the tiny shopping carts just for kids and if they found the monkey hidden in the store they get a sucker or a sticker- depending on the store. I have Trader Joe's cereal bars to thank for the survival of my children since they are the only thing they ate for the first six years of their lives! Yes, T.J's does make me nostalgic and broody, but that won't stop me from waiting in line outside for 15 minutes during a pandemic for salted peanut butter, vanilla coconut milk or one of the many, many other items that I will be sharing with you. Stay tuned!