Wednesday, March 15, 2006

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.

3 comments:

dizzy von damn! said...

i love how the grovery stores around here have weird different things based on the neighborhood.

it's like a suprise!

Ellen Bloom said...

Hey Sara!
There are a ton of great Korean grocery stores in the neighborhood too. Wait until you see the aisles and aisles of soy sauce! Incredible. Also, most of these markets have restaurants inside...yummy for take-out!

If you wanna get fancy, you can go to the Pavillions on Vine and Melrose or the Mayfair on Franklin and Bronson.

Have you been to Tere's Mexican Restaurant yet on Melrose and Cahuenga....it's in a mini-mall..faboo machaca!

LadyLinoleum said...

Girl, I love Bimbo...good stuff. Not good for ya, but yummy!