*** SF Supermarket is now GW Supermarket
On a recent trip back to Rowland Heights, I was unable to suppress a laugh when I saw this branch of Shun Fat Supermarket(aka SF Supermarket). I'm sure if you take a look at this photo, you'd have no clue as to why I find humor just staring at the front of one, of many Asian Supermarkets in the area.
Well let me explain. When we lived two blocks from here, this used to be a Vons Supermarket. Aside from the Produce Guys, this branch of Vons used to have some of the ruddest employees I have ever experienced. So rude, that we used to avoid shopping here, and would take the time to drive several miles away and shop at the Albertson's on Azusa instead. I'm sure those cashiers could now be gainfully employed at Hong Kong Market across the street, home of the ruddest(yes now that Vons is gone there has to be a #1) cashiers. So I guess I enjoyed, and savored the irony and "Karma-tic" moment.
As I entered, I passed the Tea and Boba stand, the dried and preserved snacks stand, and the bakery, and made sure to stop in…..Produce, of course!
And all the usual suspects were there, from the Celery-Lettuce(Celtuce):
I have some smoked Hunan Pork at home that would cook up real well with this.
The Chinese Celery looked really fresh:
If you've never had Chinese Celery, you'd be in for a surprise. Chinese celery, though much thinner then the varieties we are used to in the U.S., is very resilient and fibrous, and the celery flavor is much more intense then regular celery.
I thought the Pea Shoots made a nice photo-op.
As I was leaving produce, I noticed these jumbo packs of Boba. They probably should sell them at Costco….
In keeping with the standard configuration of Supermarkets, the meat and seafood section took up the entire rear of the market.
Overall, very clean, with a minimal pungency level. The selection was good, for example the selection of every part of the pig except the oink.
And what would a trip to that market be without an interesting sign.
This one was right above the "basins" that held clams and other shellfish. Can you imagine what prompted the posting of this sign???? Of course it could be that no one could understand what the phrase "plesa don't wash your hang" meant.
As I was walking along the chiller, something caught my eye:
I couldn't believe my eyes. Kohala brand kimchee, from Hawaii. Unbelievable, I can't even remember the last time I saw a bottle of this stuff.
Right across the Kimchee and milk(what a combo), was a nice collection of dried fish:
Good stuff, though I don't think I'll be bringing it to the company potluck.
There was one area in which SF Supermarket was lacking.
It was in the snack isle. Pretty unimpressive. The largest display was for this:
Well maybe tastes really are changing……
Shun Fat Supermarket
18475 Colima Road
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
After driving around a bit, we found an interesting restaurant that I really don't remember seeing before. It was on Hacienda, right next to Malan Noodle House:
The English name is Boiling Point, but the Chinese name is something along the lines of "Boiling Point, Stinky-Stinky Pot". Anyone eat here? I'd be very interested.