Markets & Grocers – Page 23

Kababayan Oriental Market (Nestor area of San Diego)

November 1, 2013 Cathy Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

This location of Kababayan Market closed and has moved to become Kababayan Bakery and food to go: 8423 Paradise Valley Road Spring Valley 91977 (619)267-1493

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and Kirk is still way too busy at work to blog about anything; he'd rather sleep. Ed (from Yuma) is busy (in Yuma) and would probably also rather sleep than blog. So, here's Cathy today, blogging.

Earlier I began writing about the first stop on a Food Crawl I shared with fellow bloggers, caninecologne and Dennis earlier this month. (If you look at the bottom of the post belonging to caninecologne, you'll see all the places we stopped that day). I try to return to places to get a better post-or to try other items which piqued my curiosity, and this week, The Mister and I ventured South to Kababayan Oriental Market. I don't know why it's named 'Oriental', since all the items for sale here are Filipino in origin and style and 'Oriental' would mean there are items from other East Asian countries, but that's the name on the sign.

Located in the mall at the NorthWest corner of Coronado Avenue and Saturn Boulevard, in the part of San Diego known as Nestor, Kababayan is in the middle of one of the two strip malls of storefronts in this area with a very large parking lot.

I'm always curious about the various vending machine offers I see at stores lately; a far cry from 'penny candy', bubble gum balls and Chiclets that were my choices growing up.

The signage in the front window lets you know some of the goodies available for sale. Bulaklak means 'ruffle fat'…

Bibingka-you can read the link, or

just look at the display on the table, which holds all the ingredients. This traditional Filipino rice cake, coconut flavored dessert that is cooked in a banana leaf over coals is very time consuming to make and finding it here, fresh and available was a delight. The texture is sponge-like and this particular version was particularly tasty.

At the back of the store are the trays containing Pulutan- fried finger foods…our reason for this food crawl. From the left-pata (fried pork skin leg), bulaklak, dilis(fried anchovies) and chicharon manok (chicken skin). We ordered about a pound of mixed of the three items to the right, since all of know about fried pork skin.

Here's a close up of the bulaklak-ruffle fat…or fried intestines, as is an accurate description.

Here's a bit of each that we shared when we sat down- the chicken skin is wonderful, and I liked both the fried anchovies and the bulaklak (when I stopped thinking about what it was and instead concentrated on the flavor and texture). We were given several containers of the garlic-vinegar dipping sauce, which is very complimentary (opposed to salting everything).

When I went back with The Mister this week, we grabbed 1/2 lb of the fried chicken skins($4) and from the cash register area, garlic peanuts ($2.50).

We were very good and waited until we got home to eat our snacks. The chicken skins are a new craving of mine…

as are the garlic roasted and salted skin on Spanish peanuts.

Another great place, where I might not have stopped if not for this food crawl. This link to caninecologne's blog has more detailed descriptions of Filipino foods and what is available in this store.

Kababayan Oriental Market 1840 Coronado Avenue San Diego, CA 92154 (619) 575-0800

2014 Rose Parade Float Road Testing-Baja Ranch Supermarket-Pasadena Farmers Market (Road Trip)

October 27, 2013 Cathy Farmer's Markets/Night Market, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Markets & Grocers, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping and reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food-centric blog. There are numerous ways to find and acquire ready made food and ingredients for meals at home. Today Cathy will share a couple of those ways along with sharing a bit of a quick Road Trip from San Diego. Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are relaxing today.

The Mister and I woke up late yesterday morning. It was 4:45 a.m. and the dogs had to be fed and let out, we dressed quickly and were out the door at 5:07 a.m.. There was a low fog overhanging the freeway the entire drive. We got to the Red Hill exit from the 5 (in Tustin) around 6:25 a.m. and stopped at the Starbucks for coffee then drove up the street to Cream Pan and picked up three hot, fresh pastries. The cinnamon pecan roll ($3), which is filled with crispy, whole pecans; a raspberry bottomed cheescake in a paper cup ($2) and a ham and cheese croissant ($2.50)…light breakfast to eat in the car. The freeway entrance is just around the corner.

In about 45 minutes, we were in Pasadena, parked, crossed the Metro tracks and the Rose Parade float Road Test was already underway. The eHarmony.com float (the first dot com float ever in a Rose Parade) was going to be tested with people on board. (During the parade, Natalie Cole will be on the float, singing along the parade route).What will end up being the last float in the parade was also being tested- it looks like a football…and it looks like two GIANT screens will be inserted into those frames…we don't know, but speculate may be playing highlights of either prior Rose Bowl Games (2014 will be the 100th anniversary of the Rose Bowl Football game) or of prior parades (2014 will be the 125th Tournament of Roses parade). We'll have to wait and see… This VERY large float will be one of the first you will see in the parade- it is by Honda, the sponsor. we suspect it will look somewhat futuristic, because

it will be preceeded by these five smaller (powed by Honda motocycles and one driver, no 'viewer' inside) floats, depicting various "Dreams Come True"-the parade theme-along time… The famous WWII poster (and some sort of circular float behind it).

A sort of Model T vehicle.

A construct of the Spirit of St. Louis. There's also a small diorama depicting Man landing on the moon.

Other floats tested were in their basic stages… The City of Beverly Hills will be celebrating 100 years as a City and will have a float in the 2014 Rose Parade.

The RFD-TV float looks like a large barn-like dance floor will be on the front of the float, with smaller buildings behind. I'm interested in seeing how this ultimately will appear. The front piece, made with heavy steel beams (instead of rebar) is unique.

We left the road testing area, and had no plans for breakfast, drove up to Orange Grove Boulevard and stopped at Baja Ranch Market, which I only mentioned slightly in another float road test post last November. We wanted to grab another quick bite. When you first walk into this medium sized Mexican/Latin American Market, you are in the Bakery area.

It is right around the corner, next to an extensive steam tray area.

We picked up 1/2 lb of those fresh chicharron from the end tray.

and also asked for one of each flavor of the empanadas- the ham and cheese and the ground beef (which is made with corse ground hamburger, hard boiled egg, olives and raisins; a very traditional and wonderful flavor combination), sometimes called 'picadillo'.

We also picked up a few other items, went to the car and started driving East while munching on an empanada.

Baja Ranch Supermarket 475 Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena 91101 website

Parking on a side street, we had a short walk to the Saturday Pasadena Farmer's Market on Sierra Madre Boulevard (see Pasadena High to the right? The set up of booths is in the parking lot of the school.) This is the street where the Rose Parade floats line up at the end of the parade route.

I have become enamoured with young, small, tender jicama ever since I bought it here. It is so good, a bit sweet and easily a craving without needing to be mixed with other foods or topped with Tajin.

The autumn vegetables and fruits are in abundance. This Farmers market is central to so many farms and really is the nicest one I've encountered other than the one I went to when I was young..

I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!

Sunday Stuffs: Hinotez 2 replacing La Playita, Bristol Farms discounts, and what’s fermenting in our hallway

October 6, 2013 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Markets & Grocers, yoso-silly

Just some odds and ends for an "atsui" Sunday.

Hinotez 2 to open in the former La Playita location:

Cathy originally noticed the sad news that La Playita had closed.

This week she followed that up by telling me that Hinotez 2 was opening in that location. So I went over and sure enough, that's what it says.

I kinda find this a bit odd…..I've been to Hinotez a good dozen times and the place has never been what I'd call busy, but maybe I'm going during the wrong time. It'll be interesting to see what this tiny shop will be doing…..perhaps take-out only?

5185 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117

Bristol Farms discount:

I know, it's already pricey, so what's 10% gonna do? Well, we do shop here about once a week, the Missus enjoys the sausages, and I like the meat department, especially when there are good sales, like baby back ribs for $3.99. So anyway, I saw this on my last trip and though some folks might be able to take advantage of the discount…it's for both students and faculty, which is nice.

Bristol Farms
8510 Genessee Ave
San Diego, CA 92122

What that fermenting in our hallway:

Well, the Missus decided She wanted to make Her own sauerkraut, go figure. So after doing some checking online She decided to go with the 10 liter Harsch Gairtropf Fermenting Crock Pot. So we've got a bunch of purple cabbage fermenting away……this type of crock uses a water seal, so every so often gas is released through the water with a fairly loud "blooop". It can throw you off a bit. You'll be sleeping then hear "blooop"……

As for the smell? I just blame that on Da' Boyz…..

Evora: Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of the Bones), The Public Market, and the University of Evora

October 4, 2013 mmm-yoso Desserts, Markets & Grocers, Portugal, Portuguese Food, Travel

Breakfast at Albergaria do Calvario is no joke.

It is locally sourced, organic, and most of all, well prepared. There's a nice variety of items available; they cram a lot into a tiny space.

You can also have eggs done any way you wish and even bacon if you desire. The Missus had Hers poached. We decided on getting a good sized breakfast since we had reservations for dinner that I was certain (it was) was going to be huge amount of food.

This was to be the day we'd just explore the walled city, stretch our legs, but do things at a relaxed pace. We always identify the one or two things we want to see and leave the rest to fate; it's not important to see everything, rather, we like to take in the atmosphere, people watch, and see how folks live. That's why we just can't do tours, get on the bus, get off the bus, take a bunch of photos just to prove you were there, get back on the bus, rinse…repeat….

There was one place I wanted to visit in Evora…..

Near the Southwest corner of the walled city lies the Igreja de São Francisco, the Church of St Francis.

Now the church is quite grand and beautiful…..

But what really drew me here is in a Chapel outside and to the right of the Church entrance and is probably one of the popular sights in Evora; though there was no one there when I visited. It's called Capela dos Ossos, the "Chapel of the Bones". Ok, I'll admit, inside of me is a adolescent just waiting to burst out and see stuff like this…..

The Missus had no interest in checking this out, so she went on Her way to explore a bit and I walked down the rather peaceful and sedate entrance into the Chapel of the Bones……

Paying and admission and walking under the inscription that reads "We bones that are here, we are waiting for your's", you walk into the rather dark…there are three small windows that let light in on the left side of the structure, kind of eerie, but not particularly spooky "chapel". From what I've read, the chapel was built, with over 5,000 skeleton's by monks who were worried about the deteriorating values of wealthy Evora in the 17th century. They wanted to make people meditate on how fleeting life was and contemplate ones mortality. Oh, and in case you're wondering, the monks who built this aren't included in the collection……

On one of the pillars hangs a poem by Father António da Ascenção:

"Where are you going in such a hurry traveler?
Stop … do not proceed;
You have no greater concern,
Than this one: that on which you focus your sight.

Recall how many have passed from this world,
Reflect on your similar end,
There is good reason to reflect
If only all did the same.

Ponder, you so influenced by fate,
Among the many concerns of the world,
So little do you reflect on death;

If by chance you glance at this place,
Stop … for the sake of your journey,
The more you pause, the further on your journey you will be."

I found this to be sobering and yet beautiful at the same time……

The Missus met me right down the stairs from the church. She had been exploring and told me we should take a walk through the Public Market…which She said was small and empty, yet charming in it's own way. The building that houses the market looks very modern.

It probably wasn't the best time of the day for the market, which was empty except for a few customers…..

After visiting the public markets in Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto (which seemed the busiest), we could only wonder…..had the busy supermarkets (which we also checked out) made these a thing of the past?

We hope not……..

Even after just a day, it's hard to get lost in Evora. We headed Northeast and easily found the University of Evora. So, what's up with visiting a University? Well, this one has a long history. It was a Jesuit university established by Don Henrique in 1559. It was one of the crown jewels of Evora's time as the city of artists and intellectuals. When the city lost favor and the Jesuits expelled in 1759, the University was closed. In 1973 it became a state run University again.

Still, it's a University, right? Well, you have to realize that both the Missus' parents taught in Universities….which I've covered in posts before. I think there's a part of the Missus who feels an affinity for College life…..it is part of who She is and what She is. So why not visit an historic campus founded in the 16th century.

What I remember the most about our visit here…..the place is just welcoming and wide open to visitors, are my first really up close encounter with Azulejos, the traditional Portuguese tilework.

Each scene told a story…….

Many of which I interpreted to be of Portugal's travels to Asia……

We peeked into a classroom and were delighted to find that the tilework in the roon reflected what was being taught.

It was well worth the visit.

We left and wandered around a bit….and guess what? Just as on previous walks we ended up at Templo Romano, the Roman Temple. We really got to see how it looked different during every part of the day.

I'm thinking that this is as good a place to stop for now as any.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Valley Farm Market, The Sandwich Shop and BBQ (Spring Valley)

August 19, 2013 Cathy BBQ, Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy are busy with everyday things and somehow find a way to document the mealtime portion of their days. Today's blogger, Cathy, is writing about one of her adventures in East County.

I've shared quite a few Grocers and Markets and their eat in the store food areas. This Spring Valley Market has been in business since 1956 on the NorthWest corner of Campo Road at Bancroft in Spring Valley. It never had an eat in area and never has had a deli section, selling prepackaged cold cuts in the store refrigerator.

Right there, on the corner of the parking lot at the intersection is a small building.

Note those two smokers to the left.

You kind of can't miss it. The small building has been here about a year now.

Walk up to the window, and a simple menu is on the White Board. Order, pay and have a seat…or go shopping in the store if you are going to take it to go (more on that later).

When we ordered, we saw one of the workers walking out a cart of ribs to add to one of the specially made very large smokers.

They know their business model and how much meat they will need- to sell inside the store as well as at the BBQ Sandwich Shop.

Our order- 1/2 smoked chicken with fresh made, smokey meaty baked beans and really good, fresh slaw ($6.99) There is an orange colored mustard based sauce that goes with the chicken available with other condiments at the counter; you can see a sliver of the cup at the top. The other item on the right is 1/2 lb of pulled pork ($7/lb)- smokey with a slightly sweet (also house made) sauce.

I apologize for the photos. We sat at one of the two outside tables, which have red umbrellas… In any case, the chicken is perfectly cooked, moist, smokey witha ring and doesn't need the sauce; it's that good.

We do shop here as part of our rotation of markets. The Produce Department is always interesting. You can see part of the wine, beer and liquor selections against the wall in this photo.

This isn't the whole butcher counter, which spans the back of the store. There are pork, and lamb, house made sausages as well as house made chorizo and house made carne asada (wet and dry) and pollo asada.

Prime and Choice beef cuts are for sale too. There's also a poultry counter…

Opposite the meat counter is an area of warm shelves and smoked meats and fish, sold by the pound. (In case you'd rather try some of the smoked items at home)

The seafood counter has high quality selections…wild caught and sustainable.

They make the Ahi Poke here too. It's good.

I mentioned if you didn't want to eat at one of the two outdoor tables, there are options…take a left out of the side parking lot (go North on Bancroft) about 3/4 mile and on your right is Eucalyptus Park.

Given to the County of San Diego on Christmas Day 1929 from Walter S. Lieber…trees here were planted in 1880. For the inspiration and pleasure of the people.

There are picnic tables, slides, swings (old and new) and horseshoe pits and even a working water fountain! It's a nice neighborhood.

Valley Farm Market 9050 Campo Road Spring Valley, CA 91977 (619)463-9595, meat department (619) 463-5723 open 9-9 daily. Sandwich shop (619)303-8343 open 10-7 daily. Website

Saturday Stuffs: What going on with the old Zion Marketplace (U Mart?), where Voltero’s is moving to. Blue Korea House? I hadn’t even noticed. how I pack for 3 weeks of travel and a Xiang Chun Ya update.

July 13, 2013 mmm-yoso Cooking, Korean Restaurants, Markets & Grocers, Pizza, Travel

Here's a far ranging edition of Saturday Stuffs for you.

U Mart? What's U Mart?:

I had been wondering what was happening with the old Zion Marketplace site. I don't recall seeing some of the old food court shops in the new Zion and thought perhaps they were hold-outs? So imagine my surprise when I drove past that location and saw this:

No, there weren't any businesses in the empty shell of a location, but what was U Mart? After calling around a bit, the best info I could find was that the folks behind First Korean Market will be running this place. Not sure why "U Mart" for a Korean Market….but I guess "K Mart" is already taken, right?

4611 Mercury St
San Diego, CA 92111
Between Engineer Rd and Dagget St

Where Voltero's is popping up:

Not sure if you folks have noticed, but that strip mall on Balboa where Einstein Bagels used to be is going to become a Chipotle and a Five Guys. I was wondering what happened to Voltero's? I did a post on the cheeseseals there, during my cheesesteak round-up that started in 2010. Voltero's is pretty much your generic neighborhood pizza joint, nothing amazing, but they had a pretty loyal following, and if I recall were owned by local folks.

So I was fairly pleased to see this sign when I ate at Szechuan Chef.

4344 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

It's now Blue Korea House:

Did you even notice?

Haven't been here in over a decade, as I didn't care for the food. An acquaintance of mine used to call this "Baegin-gyp", 'nuff said.

Anyone eat here since the change?

4620 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

What I wear for three weeks of travel:

"David" emailed me about my comment on only taking about 6-7 kilos in a carry-on for over three weeks of travel. He asked how much did I really pack….well, other than what I wore, that was it. If we didn't have a couple of more formal dinners, I'd have lost the two dress shirts. I was actually going to take a jacket, but didn't in the end. I use Eagle Creek packing cubes and a packing folder. I went for it and actually used a $30 Campmor Essential Carry-On, which weighs about half a pound. The packing folder gave the rather floppy bag structure and I had no problems with the bag, nor laundry either. What about wrinkles? A spritz from a spray bottle, a good shake, and a steamy bathroom does wonders…irons are perfectly fine as well of course. I did end up buying a "hoodie" from H&M, which are everywhere in Europe for about 10 Euros.

I'm now sold on One Bag Travel….until I have to go home or visit relatives…you know, the "gifts" thing, right?

The Missus favorite new "pet" – Xiang Chun Ya:

One of the dishes the missed most by the Missus is eggs with shoots from the Xiang Chun Ya, the Chinese Toon tree. This was one of Her favorites growing up and was one of the first things She wanted to eat when we visited QingDao.

We finally got a plant this year….thank "SL"! Sadly, SH left the tree in her hot car that day and it looked dead. But, after transplanting and some TLC, shoots are coming out which has the Missus going nuts…..you see, it's the tender shoots of this plant which are used for scrambled eggs:

The Missus has told me that She's going to pick these shoots already and buy some eggs…I said, "based on the size of these, it better be quail eggs….."

I also told Da Boyz that they aren't Her favorites anymore….they've been replaced by a tree!

Seriously, it's about time we actually used the space in the backyard to grow some stuff.

Anyway, I hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Marion Crépes- a pop up inside Mitsuwa (available for a short time)

June 30, 2013 Cathy Desserts, Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for dropping by mmm-yoso!!! Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are sweltering. Cathy somehow escaped the heat and discovered a treat.

This weekend was a scorcher! On Saturday, the temperature was 99• in the shade of our backyard. I wasn't too hungry and also was seeking a place to cool down. The Mister and I decided that driving West might yield some sort of option for a meal as well as air conditioned comfort. (The light meal is a future post.) When we were finished eating, we headed across the parking lot to Mitsuwa Marketplace.

We wanted to see what was on sale and maybe grab a cold beverage and snack as a 'dessert'. The automatic sliding glass doors opened and this stand was right in the middle of the Lobby.

Well. You know I pulled the camera/phone out of my pocket and started snapping away…

Plastic food models fascinate me, and the ones here are beautiful. There are 18 crépes to choose from: 16 sweet and two savory (the savories are hot- tuna with cheese and tuna with pizza sauce and cheese).

We placed an order and were told to wait on the far side of the booth setup.

In just a few minutes, our order ( a #12) was ready. ($5.50). A fresh made, not too sweet-battered crepe was filled and handed to us in the heavy duty folded paper cone. Filled with fresh whipped cream, blueberry preserves (not overly sweet) and a very good quality green tea ice cream (we had the choice of vanilla or green tea ice cream). Tasty, not too sweet and a delightful dessert for the two of us.

The signs show that the last day will be July 14, so stop by if you have a chance; it's good.

Marion Crepes 4240 Kearny Mesa Road San Diego 92111 (inside Mitsuwa Market)

Stehly Farms Market opens in Bay Park – A quick look

June 22, 2013 mmm-yoso Markets & Grocers

**** This location of Stehly Farms is no more.

I read on Eater San Diego that Stehly Farms, a Valley Center Organic operation was opening a brick and mortar shop on Morena Boulevard. Because this is in my neck of the woods, I was a bit surprised that I hadn't heard about this. So that very afternoon, the Missus and I went to check them out.

The shop is located at 1231 Morena, right next to Andres.

The shop appeared to be well spaced and the selection of produce was good.

Considering this is a local, organic operation, the prices are pretty much in line.

In addition to the wonderful looking produce, there's a selection of jams, some random Asian type stuff, bread from Bread and Cie, a cold case with dairy/almond milk, and of real interest to us….at least on this day, was the selection of cheese.

Even though we had come in just for a looky-look, we ended up getting some Franco and Angelo Burrata.

This is a nice addition to the neighborhood. Now we've got a good set of shops, from Seisel's and Catalina Offshore, to Stehly Farms and the Fruit Stand. Now all we need is a great bakery……..any takers?

Stehly Farms Market
1231 Morena Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92110

Hours:
Open Daily from 9am – 7pm

We put the burrata to good use.

Nijiya Market – snacks that make a meal

June 13, 2013 Cathy Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

Yes, you are reading mmm-yoso!!! the blog about food. Kirk is gradually acclimating to this time zone. Ed (from Yuma) has already returned (to Yuma) and had no acclimatization problems. Cathy has been here all along and has had no changes in her environment, so she continues sharing posts about food.

My first encounter with this blog was more than seven years ago, when I was searching for more information about one of our favorite ethnic markets, located on Convoy street. So much time has passed, and I've only written one post while I can see over 500 mentions of Nijiya on this blog. The Mister and I shop here for basics, since almost everything sold in this market is organic. We also enjoy dropping in to grab a quick snack and purchase ready made items, sold in refrigerated and covered heated tray areas along the West wall of the store. There is also a new item sold along the counter there.

Noodles with dashi! ($3.50) Tell the nice person behind the counter which noodle you'd like (udon or soba) and they will turn around and go to the back wall of pots and cook up the noodles, bring a bowl of noodles back and give you a choice of four toppings (seaweed, green onion, bonito flakes and those tiny fried wheat balls that will expand in the broth) which you place on top of the noodles yourself, in any amount. The broth is placed in a separate container. You can also optionally add fried tofu (50¢), mixed wild vegetables (50¢), curry sauce ($1.50) and/or seasoned beef with onion ($1.50). We've had this several times, trying the various ingredients.

The above is a bowl with soba and the included toppings as well as the optional mixed vegetables (50¢) before the dashi broth was added.

The above photo is after the dashi broth was poured. For $3.50 plus the 50¢ added vegetables, this is a really nice meal.

Of course, fried foods are available here…and make a nice, quick snack. The above area is covered croquettes and patties of wonderful handy snacks.

This is the $1 vegetable croquette. Always crispy, never greasy and a medley of slivered carrot, squash, onion and potato.

Chicken Karaage (fried boneless chicken) is pre-packed and on the table in front of the covered croquettes. It's $7.99/lb and this container was $3.76. It's always fried properly and is juicy and usually crispy (we are usually at the store when they are placing the karaage out for purchase)

The Ika Geso Karaage (fried squid) is $12.99/lb, (this much was $2.53) and was a good amount for me to snack on. Crunchy and chewy, I do enjoy this squid when it is hot or cold.

This is called an "Edamame Salad" ($2.49) and yes, that's tuna on top. There are also red kidney beans and corn on top of the lettuce-cabbage mix. The dressing is peanut butter and soy based and really goes well with the various flavors.

There's also a sushi and sashimi area (of course) and this is called "Diamond Chirashi" ($6.99) Plenty of various fish and shrimp pieces, cucumber and egg on top of organic rice, all topped with large fish roe.

There's a small refrigerator at the counter and also near the cash registers that has both a cold and a hot section. I always grab a can of hot green tea (~$1) when I'm here.

I hope everyone is having a good week!

Nijiya Market 3860 Convoy Street, Suite 109 San Diego 92111 (858)268-3821 Website

Zion Market-new location (finally!)-first look

May 24, 2013 Cathy Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome to mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog. Kirk is vacationing-following plans, ed(from Yuma) is planning for a vacation and Cathy is writing today about something unplanned.

Yesterday I was talking with a friend I hadn't seen in a year. We were (of course) talking about food and somehow the conversation went to the new Zion Market, which she told me was going to open today. Finally!!! (Kirk wrote about Zion Market in 2005 and again when announcing it would be moving (look at the date when he knew it would be moving). (Zion is a Korean Market, in case you didn't know)(I've posted about the 'food court' area inside the old Zion).

I hadn't planned on the market ever opening, and had a major assignment Friday morning, but managed to make it here in the afternoon. Located inside the old Kmart/Sears building on Clairmont Mesa at Convoy, the parking lot is able to handle the crowds.

I don't exactly remember the footprint of the old Kmart, but when I walked in, this place seemed a LOT larger than I recall! To the right will be the many individual run shops and franchises. None are open yet.

To the left when you walk in – the grocery aisles.

Wide aisles that run far to the back of the store.

A refrigerated wall runs along the front…

Items for sale are the usual suspects. Quite a few sale items are located interspersed in the store (not necessarily on the end caps).

The seafood and meat counters dominate the back wall…

as well as a really large refrigerator of panchan…

Sort of near the center back of the store is an 'island' area that looks like it will have ovens going all the time.

for now, the surrounding counters are holding the pre-cooked grab and go items.

The produce area is at least three times larger than at the 'old' Zion.

There is so much extra space and a greater selection. This Zion has 12 cash registers. The overhead lighting is all LED, not florescent (probably what took a bit of time in getting this space ready).

This is the view from the cash registers to the 'other side' – the storefront area of the building…see all the storefronts to the left? I cound eight.

If you look to the right from the checkout registers, you can see the soon to open Paris Baguette store.

Today was the first day and so things are a bit of a frenzy, as I would think will be happening all this long three day Memorial Day weekend.

Zion Market 7655 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92111 (858) 268-3300 Website