Comments on: N/Yay for Groceries

By: Dottie

Dottie — Thu, 31 May 2007 05:23:42 +0000

Steph– Yes, other cities seem more… various somehow than Phoenix is. I miss my Baltimore farmer’s market quite a bit. I never got Wonder bread or jello puddings, though I craved them, so I cannot answer your question…

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 29 May 2007 03:28:35 +0000

This is one of the things I like about Chicago as compared to Phoenix: far more ethnic grocers, small produce stands and variety every which way you look. Although, as you so astutely point out, Erin, all of that variety can be overwhelming.

Do you suppose things were simpler in the days when we all ate our Wonder Bread and jello puddings and simply enjoyed it? And did not question or reason why?

By: Dottie

Dottie — Fri, 25 May 2007 16:36:22 +0000

Sarah– yes, the pricing at albertsons can be spotty. And yes, we have TJ but not near the house. there is another grocery store not too far away called Sprouts that I have liked ever since the produce guy invited me to admire the lettuce with him “Isn’t this beautiful lettuce?” he said. They did have falafel mix (yay!) but in general their processed foods are very limited and very expensive. I guess that’s how it should be, eh?

Kate– I forgot you saw that bagboy when you were here! He is very cute in a boy scout sort of way. I don’t know if I have the chutzpah to photograph him in action though.

Karen– I do the list thing, too, with the same results. I imagine I’d feel the same as you about supertarget. BTW, Sprouts is selling a line of gluten-free cookies, but they are about $3 a box.

By: Karen Joy

Karen Joy — Fri, 25 May 2007 03:51:44 +0000

I have a love/hate relationship with grocery shopping, too, for many of your same reasons. I try to go fast, I really do. But I’m never successful. I always go with a list that I’ve prepared in advance, matching (hopefully) what we need with what’s on sale, but there are always labels to read, things forgotten on the other side of the store, figuring out if my coupon for Brand A makes the item less expensive than not-on-sale Brand B…

Last night, I thought I’d try out the new SuperTarget that’s sort of near my house. I about pulled my hair out in there. The best thing I can say about SuperTarget is that they have an Archer Farms substitute for Doritos that has no MSG and no wheat flour, and is mighty tasty. Everything else — price, selection, layout — gave me this anxious feeling inside and I couldn’t wait to leave.

Bashas’ has falafel mix in their natural foods department. I don’t know about Albertson’s. Bashas’ has nice employees, in general, but I’ve never seen/heard any singing bagboys there.

By: kate

kate — Wed, 23 May 2007 20:36:18 +0000

That bag boy is cuter than a box of buttons! Seriously. I’d shop there just because of him. (hm, does that make me weird? Approaching middle-aged, and weird?)
You should totally snap a photo of him sometime and post it here for the deprived masses. I bet it would shock, but secretly please, him.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 21 May 2007 17:06:22 +0000

Our closest grocery store is Albertsons, as well. But we hate it. The one by our house is just so…depressing. And expensive! On several occasions we’ve found that we actually paid more at Albertson’s for a certain item than what we pay at the upper end locally owned store near our house.

I’ve never made falafel…but I bet they have the mix at Trader Joe’s! (Do you have TJ’s in Phoenix?)

By: Tara

Tara — Mon, 21 May 2007 05:52:14 +0000

Your moment of horror—-eeeew!