What it is like:
The feel is immediately 'mom and pop' as you walk in. The store is small and the selection equally so...
The goods:
Despite its small stature, many of the items that are on the shelves are unique or at least unusual. They have many of the basics, - including name brand stuff - but have some interesting items that you might not see at the big stores such as mango-chutney and often unencountered brands.
The prices:
I always expect to be gouged at small stores when it comes to groceries, but I was pleasantly surprised here. Tomatoes were $1.59/lb and reasonably ripe, for example. Compare that to Vons or Ralphs who sells the same, under-ripe tomatoes for $3.99/lb. As you can see, shopping here could be advantageous for certain items. Other items, such as drinks in the cooler, mayonnaise etc.. were on par with what I'd expect to pay at a big grocer.
Deli products:
They have Boar's Head deli products, including meats, cheeses, honey mustard etc... Boar's Head is very good, but often a little pricier than your in-house deli brands. The prices for these products are equal to or even less than that of other competing markets (Ralph's carries Boar's Head for overall slightly more and Gelson's for quite a bit more...). They have fresh-baked baguettes, the usual veggies, BH deli meat and a variety of condiments - which makes this a great sandwich stop.
Prepared Food:
They offer sandwiches (I hear they are good, which makes sense since the ingredient they carry are good), smoothies and more. I have yet to try any of these though.
Payment:
They accept credit, but only for purchases over $5.
Pros: Unusual items, overall decent prices with many items priced 'well' to 'very well', quality items such as Boar's Head, local business
Cons: Closed on Sundays, $5 minimum for credit cards and a varied - but small - selection
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