Local convenience

Sometimes, later in the evening, say 11 pm, you remember a grocery item that you'll need for tomorrow. For me, it was coffee grounds for my wife's morning coffee. The Ralphs supermarket is just a few blocks away and is open from 5 am to 1 am, every day.

New Year's aftermath

I've had the sniffles for the last couple of days, so my New Year's celebration this year was pretty much limited to seeing these balloons in my local Stater Brothers supermarket. Thankfully, the crowds that filled the parking lot yesterday had disappeared by this afternoon, so that I could restock my refrigerator in peace.

It's all Greek to me

With the Downey Greek Food Festival quickly approaching, I thought it would be timely to share about this new deli in town: To Nostimo ~ Greek Food & Deli. I have passed this several times and finally stopped in this afternoon. Located on Florence Avenue just west of Lakewood, the deli has been open only a few months. The girls behind the counter were gracious and welcoming.

I couldn't resist buying some fresh feta cheese for a snack (it was yummy). I was also tempted by this jar of Masticha—produced only on the island of Chios in Greece. It is created from the resin of a small evergreen tree. Fascinating! I'm definitely coming back for lunch.

When Trader Joe's was little - now and then

Would you believe there used to be a Trader Joe's store in Downey? Well, before the Hall of Fame Market, before the Hi-Ho Market, there was Pronto Market.

According to the Trader Joe's website, "It all started in the 50s... Would you believe we started out as a small chain of convenience stores? It’s true. Way back in 1958. We were called Pronto Markets. In ‘67, our founder, the original Trader Joe, changed our name (yes, to Trader Joe’s) and the way we do business."

Legend has it that, way back then, someone in the city government offended Joe, who said, "If we leave Downey now, we're never coming back." And they never have.


Photo courtesy of the Downey Historical Society Archives

From the farm to your homes

Fresh fruit is hard to resist when it is piled up high, in baskets and wooden crates that create the impression of a simple country store. And of course, the stores (in this case, Fresh and Easy) know that all too well.

Feliz Navidad

Olvera Street, Los Angeles. This world-famous Mexican marketplace sits on the area considered the birthplace of Los Angeles and has been in operation since 1930.

The first time I visited this historic sight was on a field trip from school (I think it was from Spencer Williams Elementary). I don't come very often now, but I do like to visit around the holidays. It is always so festive and colorful.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has come to town!

Fresh & Easy opened its newest store on Firestone Blvd. in Downey this week. Today I dropped by to check it out. It has an appealing atmosphere and the philosophy is all about simple (cement floors, efficient lighting, no coupons or clubs to join). My favorite things were the small, neighborhood feel and freshly prepared foods.

When I decided to snap a few pictures for this blog I heard a small voice calling out "cheese, cheese." And there he was, this little guy, shopping with his family. One more "cheese" and I couldn't refuse. As I pointed my camera to take his picture, he bent down (I wondered for a second if he was hiding from me). He popped back up from behind the basket with his little sister held up in front of him so she could be in the picture too. Talk about your neighborhood store!