Are food prices affecting the way you shop? That was the question posed by Caron, who does the fine San Diego Foodstuff Blog, in her May 28th post. I recall reading the post, and for some reason it has occupied a place in the back of my mind for several weeks. If you’re like us, fuel and food price increases have had an effect on how you shop, eat, and play. I’ve noticed that we’ve been eating at home more. And over the last couple of months, there’s been sort of a shopping "rotation" that occurs on either Saturday or Sunday. And at first I thought the rotation was purely random, until I realized that there was a reason, some of them having nothing to do with $$$ cost, but still a reason for doing things in the order I chose. Yes, you’ll finally be able to get a look into the anal-retentive mind of yours truly. I’ve always been a bit odd in that way. My late Mother always enjoyed kidding me about my childhood hobby of reading flight schedules. I remember my favorites were the schedules of the now defunct Western Airlines(who remembers, "It’s the oooonly way to fly!" ). I also hate crowds, so early weekend mornings are best for me, even back "home", my friends used to kid me, saying, "you like to shop with the Obachans(Japanese for Grandmothers)".
So the mmm-yoso express is taking off…….
Stop 1 – Henry’s Farmer’s Market – Clairemont:
Why? Well first off, the place opens early, 7am. I usually get there at about 800-815. There are always a few cars in the parking lot, but the place is pretty empty. This location of Henry’s is also only 3 miles from our house.
For what? Mostly cheap, basic produce. And the Missus always has a list of bulk items. The mid-week ad helps us decide.
Henry’s Farmers Market
4439 Genesee Ave
San Diego, CA 92117
Stop 2 – 99 Ranch Market:
Why? Next stop, 3 miles from Henry’s, and 99 Ranch Market opens at 8am. I’m usually there a bit after 830 (you’ll see why next). I hate crowds, and especially hate the shopping cart demolition derby that occurs later on in the day. It’s nice to see the parking lot looking like this.
At this time of the day you won’t have to worry about coming back to your car to find a whole new set of dings in your door.
For What? All the Chinese ingredients that are running low at home. Chinese greens, and other vegetables, the fruit at 99 Ranch is a bit disappointing. And if you want help at the meat or seafood counter you never have to worry about getting "hip-checked" by grandma…..
The empty aisles also allow for some nice browsing. No matter how many times I shop here, I always find something Id never seen before. I’ve mentioned my preference for shopping here at an early hour before.
"Chinese Spaghetti Sauce" anyone?
99 Ranch Market
7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
Stop 3 – Zion Marketplace:
Why? Only 1.24 miles from 99Ranch Market. Zion also opens at 9am…even on "Holy Days". This is one market that gets crowded pretty quickly, so I want to get in and out ASAP. I’ve been jostled, knocked aside, and almost run over by many customers here. I want my shopping experience to be as enjoyable as possible, not something akin to a blood sport. Plus, this parking lot is hell…even with the parking lot across the street. Seeing it like this brings a smile to my face.
What for? Zion always has fruit on sale, also the garlic is usually the cheapest and best quality, along with other produce. Of course there’s the panchan, and the meat. Among other things….
Zion Marketplace
4611 Mercury St
San Diego, CA 92111
Stop 4 – Nijiya Market:
Why?: 1 mile from Zion, Nijiya opens at 9am but is not as busy until later on.
What For? Most Japanese staples, some fish, one of the few places we’ll by chicken. Has always been our dependable standby.
Nijiya Market
3860 Convoy St Ste 109
San Diego, CA 92111
Sometimes I’ll drop by First Korean Market, but usually it’s.
Stop 5 – Mitsuwa Marketplace:
Why? .41 miles from Nijiya. I know it’s backtracking, but there’s a reason. Mitsuwa opens at 9am.
What For? Stuff I can’t find at Nijiya. I enjoy selection of tsukemono at Niitakaya’s little "alcove".
Mitsuwa Marketplace
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd Ste 119
San Diego, CA 92111
Stop 6 – Marukai:
Why? Marukai opens at 930, that’s why I backtrack. .34 miles from Mitsuwa.
What For? We get the monthly ads for Marukai, and because all the sale items are sold at LA/OC prices, they are pretty cheap. So we can plan on what we need from Marukai.
Marukai Market
8151 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111
Sometimes, I’ll hit Vien Dong on Linda Vista, and backtrack home on Genesee. Or like on this morning, I’m finished at 940…just in time for Costco…..
So, how have gas prices affected your eating and shopping habits?