Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

Now that I am firmly ensconced in my new 'hood, I decided that I would venture out and head to my new local grocery. It's not a huge excursion, I just decided that instead of heading back to the old neighborhood for the Ralph's at 3rd & La Brea, I would try to Ralph's at 7th & Western.

But let me tell you, traffic... on Western... at rush hour... mmm, not so good. And then add to the fact that the grocery store shares a parking structure with the Wiltern Theater, and it was a madhouse, Jerry, a madhouse! (shout out to all the Kids in the Hall fans)

But other than the hairy parking, it was nice. I mean, I know it's a chain and all, but this Ralphs is much bigger than the old one, with a light and airy produce section, and oh so slightly different product selections. Think more Mexican/Central American-type flavors and foods (mango & pinapple Yoplait?) and less kosher. There was even a whole endcap devoted to Bimbo (think Hostess or Little Debbie of Latin America).

The only draw back was no self-check out. I get such a childish thrill by doing my own scanning (I wanna push the button!), plus I know I'm not being double charged. But, I felt like I am finally trying to make an effort to get to know the new neighborhood.

I think I'm going to like it here, even if some homeless guy decides to root through the garbage cans at 4 a.m. That's what i get for having my bedroom facing the street.