Markets & Grocers – Page 34

Vien Dong III Supermarket – Another Morning, Another Market

January 15, 2006 mmm-yoso Markets & Grocers

*** Vien Dong Market is now Thuan Phat Supermarket. A post can be found here.

*** Updated posts on Vien Dong Market can be found here and here.

I'm sure most regular Visitors already know that we really don't care much for crowds. And that I find shopping at an unhurried pace rather "relaxing". So I usually will do my shopping at the local Asian Supermarkets in the morning; and Vien Dong is no exception.

Though the parking lot at Vien Dong on Linda Vista Road, never seems to be very crowded, I can't really say the same about the Market. If anything, the small isles and store configuration makes it feel like Vien Dong is always packed to the rafters. So a morning shopping excursion can provide some relief from the claustrophobic experience.

When entering one of these Markets, I noticed I usually follow the same "pattern". Head to produce, either to the right or left and and walk the perimeter of the Market, before exploring the isles. Today as I entered and headed toward the produce section, I passed a fairly large display of New Years items. I believe that this year the 3 days of Tet(Vietnamese New Year) starts somewhere around January 29th. BTW, I've been told that the phrase "Cung Chuc Tan Xuan", on those bright red New Years banners mean something along the lines of, "Many wishes for the new spring".

Oh, and I made sure to pick up some flavored melon seeds, the Missus's latest obsession, as well as the important red-dyed watermelon seeds:

As with most Asian Markets, there are always a few "interesting" signs. Here's one that Sammy and Frankie may or may not like:

The produce section at Viet Dong is large and sprawling, and also quite diverse. The one thing to know is; if you ever need mint, you will almost always find it at a Vietnamese Market.

Because Viet Dong also serves the local Hispanic and Filipino community, you'll find a great variety of produce. I'll just be quiet for a few seconds and post some photos.

There used to be a Vietnamese-Chinese Fast Food stall next to the produce section; but it is now mostly gone, except for the roasted meats.

Along side the roasted meats is the requisite fresh "bread" stand. One thing I noticed is that the price of these French-style baguettes have risen. They are now 30 cents a piece; they used to be 20 cents. Also, I apologize for the blurry "bread" picture. As I was pressing the "shutter" I was blind-sided by a Little Ol' Lady whose shopping cart almost knocked me over into a crate of bittermelon.

With my pride somewhat damaged, and my shins aching, I decided to leave the produce section and head over to the meat and seafood section. At Vien Dong, the meat and seafood section occupies almost one-third of the entire store.

A section with pre-cut and packaged meats occupies the South facing wall, while the meat and seafood counter takes up the entire rear of the market. There is quite a variety of "cuts" available, everything from thin sliced rib for Pho' to "carne asada" cuts. Also, some of the more "interesting" cuts are available. Like Beef Tendon:

You could say that Vien Dong has everything from snout to tail:

Vien Dong is a pretty good resource for those more "exotic" cuts of meat.

About this time I checked my watch, and did notice the Market getting crowded. So it was time for me to leave. Walking to check-out I passed this collection of steamers sitting on top of some deli-cases that line an entire wall. For some reason it always catches my eye:

Some Notes on Vien Dong: The "pungency" factor is not very high in the morning; in fact the smell of bread baking as you enter the store is quite enticing. The check-out counters at Vien Dong always throw me off, they are set-up "backwards". That is you place your groceries on the conveyor and walk behind the register. So for most of the transaction you are facing the back of the Cashier. I just find that a bit odd.

Vien Dong Market III
6935 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Happy New Year!

December 31, 2005 mmm-yoso Markets & Grocers

Just a real quick post for New Years! I’ll be busy making Nishime(Vegetable Stew) and other dishes this evening. Then will gorge myself silly, take a short nap, watch some DVD. Around midnight, I’ll walk outside into the front yard(hopefully it won’t rain), and take my first deep breath of the New Year. I’ll then walk back in the house and have some Soba, and other stuff.

Of course I had to do some shopping this morning, and stopped by the two nearby Japanese Markets; Nijiya and Mitsuwa. I managed to snap a few quick photos of some Osechi.

Osechi are Japanese New Year "food", and most of the items are very symbolic. Usually Osechi-ryori are sold in lacquer or similar type boxes called "Jubako".

Prices can range from $25 up to over $150. And many of them will sell out by the early afternoon of New Years eve. Many off the items included in these boxes represent good health and prosperity for the New Year. Don’t know about that; I’ve had my share of Osechi-ryori, and I don’t really think I’ve gotten any more prosperous, healthy, taller, or anything else. But why take chances?

Some of the items found in these boxes are:

Kamabuko – The standard Red and White steamed fishcake.

Kuromame – Sweetened black soybeans.

Kazunoko – Herring Roe. Here’s an really great article.

Shrimp – Represents long life.

Some type of Tamago – Either Dashi-maki, or Date-maki(sweet) omelette.

And many more items. Even the Nishime that I’ll be making:

Looks a heck of alot prettier then my version for sure.

I’d like to send out our sincere wishes for a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Ker-Little India Megastore

December 20, 2005 mmm-yoso Indian Restaurants, Markets & Grocers

After leaving Ashoka the Great totally stuffed, we decided to take a walk around Little India Center. After stopping to do some shopping, we came across the Ker-Little India Superstore.

I don’t recall seeing Ker on previous visits, so we walked past the adjoining vegetarian buffet, and while the Missus went to purchase some desserts from the dessert counter("ooohh snacks…"), I went to check out the rest of this very large warehouse sized grocer.

I could tell by the signage, that items and shelves were still being moved around. With palates of rice and other items being carted about, things seemed to be in a transition stage.

Produce was separated into three sections, but all of them had the same vegetables. The Indian Eggplants looked particularly tempting:

As were the Karela:

I was told the these were a variety of Bittermelon.

The isle of spices seemed to go on forever.

I’m fairly certain that whatever Indian spice you might need, that you’d be able to find it here. And several varieties of each. I’ve hesitated in attempting to make Indian dishes at home, using the "possible" inability to access some of the spices as my excuse. Well I guess that’s another excuse that bites the dust.

I was totally amazed at the 2 isles of packaged and ready to eat food available.

Many brands, many boxes, where to start?

The items that really caught my attention were these:

Indian Style Chinese Hakka Noodles, anyone? Leave it to me to find Chinese Food anywhere! Has anyone tried these? There was Indian Style Kung Pao as well.

Large freezer cases lined a wall holding everything from Naan to Frozen Vegetables and Entrees:

About this time the Missus turned the corner, munching on some Indian sweets, poking me on the shoulder to awaken me from my dazed circling.

Apparently she had done pretty well at the desserts counter Herself, as was in the process of tasting everything she had purchased.

As we left the store we stopped and checked out the Vegetarian Buffet offered by Ker($6.99). It looks like we’ll give it a try in the near future, so I’ll save that for another post and another day.

Ker-Little India Megastore
9520 Black Mountain Rd # 8
San Diego, CA 92126

Local Kine Stuff in San Diego – Oh Poi! A Revisit to Orient Bowl/First Korean Market

October 29, 2005 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Markets & Grocers

On one of my recent visits to Dumpling Inn, I decided to check out Orient Bowl Market again, here’s a post I did earlier. On my last visit there were Redondo’s "Winners", yes it’s called "Winners", not wieners, as well as Redondo’s Portuguese Sausage, and S&S saimin. So, I dropped by to see if they still carried all of these. And to my surprise there was even more "local kine stuffs". But the item that surprised me the most was Da’ Poi:

Yes, it’s poi! It was frozen though, it’s pretty much the first time that I’ve seen Taro Brand poi in San Diego($5.99). So if you’re willing to buy frozen poi, you can find it here.

Along with S&S Saimin, there was Okahara Saimin(79 cents):

I actually prefer Okahara to S&S, and bought few packages. Boy did this make my day!

And now Orient Bowl stocks more then the Redondo’s Portuguese Sausage. They have Purity(my favorite brand) as well as Gouvea’s($3.49) brand:

I think I’ll do a Port Sausage comparison in the near future, just to "jog my memory", if you know what I mean. They also have Frank’s and one other inferior brand sausage. Also Keoki’s brand Laulau and Kalua Pork are available, though I really don’t care for "Keoki’s" brand products.

As I walked the isles I kept finding "stuff", Hawaiian Sun and Aloha Maid Juices:

And even Diamond Soda, Saloon Pilot, and Creme Crackers:

So I picked up a package of Soda Crackers ($3.99) for the people at work. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without the Guava Jelly:

Oh, and of course they have Aloha Shoyu($8.99/Gal):

So a pretty impressive visit, I guess I don’t need to drive to Los Angeles for these anymore. I tried to find out what the Hawaii connection with this place is, but the Cashier really didn’t understand what I was asking so I’ll save that for another day. So, if you’re looking for these "stuffs", you can find it at:

Orient Bowl/First Korean Market
4625 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Seafood City

October 11, 2005 mmm-yoso Markets & Grocers

If 99 Ranch Market is the center all things Chinese in Clairemont Mesa; then Seafood City is the center for all things Filipino in National City. I think I’ve been to alot of Markets recently!

After breakfast at Zarlitos this past Friday, the Missus had requested that I drop by Seafood City, and pick up some "Native Delight"????

Prima Toast is her latest obsession, I guess Haw Flakes are out! But she didn’t want just the brand she’s been buying, she wanted a "variety". And we all know, we don’t mess around with the cravings of the Missus! But all I could find was 1 other brand, so I picked that up!

I thought about picking up some Sky Flakes:

But I already had some, and they last forever if you don’t open them.

Doesn’t the "Family Pack" Longanisa look good!

Or maybe the boneless Daing (Milkfish):

Fried up, dipped into garlic and vinegar; this is one of the Missus’s favorites. Don’t forget the rice!

Actually, Seafood City has probably the busiest seafood department in San Diego. What you can do is select your fish from the counter, or the almost endless isle of fish, BTW doesn’t this guy look like he’s doing "something" in the fish isle?

Bring it to the counter, take a number, and they’ll announce the number over the loudspeaker when your fish is ready. And this place is cranking! When I entered I heard number 82, when I left about 30 minutes later, they were already on number 136! On a Friday morning no less. But the really entertaining thing is just hanging out listening to the fish guy on the microphone.

I guess it must be a pretty boring job, calling out numbers and lining up the endless red/pink bags on the counter. So the "announcer" has to keep it lively. So you’ll hear stuff like, "pretty girl, num-ber 92, pretty girl come see meeeeee", "Lo-laaa, Lo-laaa, number 105, you have dinner", "handsome, Mister handsome, number 123", or my favorite of the day; "number 85, number 85, come get it, your fish is going to swim awaaay soon"! Always cracks me up!

Seafood City does a pretty good job merchandising; you see on the way to the cashier, you always pass the Ice Cream:

Talk about needing self control! I got out with 3 packages Pamana Prima Toast, and 1 package Barrio Fiesta Prima Toast, about 7 bucks total….

If there’s one thing I’d wish for Seafood City, it would be that the Cashiers would have the levity of the guy I deem the "Seafood Announcer". I’ve never ever seen one smile. Most of the time, they stare off stonily into the distance. In fact, if there was a "stare down" between the 99 Ranch Market cashiers, and the Seafood City cashiers; Seafood City would win going away…..

Seafood City
1420 E Plaza Blvd
National City, CA 91950

Relaxing at Ranch 99, or This Little Piggy Went to Market

October 9, 2005 mmm-yoso Markets & Grocers

*** Some additional posts on 99 Ranch Market can be found here and here. And one silly post on "Chinese Spaghetti Sauce" can be found here.

I know what you're thinking. How can a trip to Ranch 99 Market, that crazy, hectic, center for all things Chinese, supermarket, be relaxing?

I mean, if you're like us at all, you view your trip to 99 Ranch Market with some trepidation. Too crowded, lousy parking lot, small isles, cashiers that are burnt out, and basically dealing with a mass of humanity that's doing the same thing you do; get in, get what you need, and get the heck out of dodge, ASAP!

But when I'm able to, I get to 99 Ranch Market when the parking lot looks like this:

What I do on weekends is do my shopping at about 845 in the morning(there's another reason, keep reading the post). It's not opening time which is 8am, after all, you never want to be first in line and appear too anxious, right!

When the market is at this somewhat "empty" state, the walk to the produce department can seem to be oh, so far away……

What you hit first are the fruits, especially the "special" fruits, as in what's in season, what's popular, or what's on sale. Any any given day it could be Lychee, Jujube, Persimmons, Sugar Plums, or in this case, Longan:

99 Ranch Market also stocks some really great and interesting vegetables, like this one:

This is "Stem Lettuce" also known as Celtuce, Asparagus Lettuce, Celery Lettuce, Woo Ju, or Woo Chu. I'd seen this for many years, but never knew what to do with it. Until one night we were watching an old Chinese Movie called the Girl from Hunan. In that film, the characters are munching on this through the whole movie. Well my Father In Law is from Hunan, so on his next trip out, I asked him how to cook this. In short, peeled and sliced Stem Lettuce is great in stir fried dishes with smoked meats, makes sense, since smoked meats are one of the food items Hunan is known for. So stir fried with some garlic, soy sauce, green&red bell peppers, onions, and a smoked pork, chicken, or my favorite, duck, really brings out the celery-like taste. And if not over cooked the texture will be like a softer water chestnut. Stem Lettuce is also used in soups, though I've never tried using it in any of my soups.

The meat department is large and comprehensive. This is also where I usually get the "pork butt/shoulder" for my Kalua Pork:

But what many people come to 99 Ranch Market for is the full service Seafood/fish department, and at 9am in the morning, you have it all to yourself, especially if you want them to do any of this to your fish:

I like the signage at 99 Ranch Market. For some reason they make me laugh. Check out the one over the boxes of very live crab, I guess somebody has actually grabbed those by hand?

About this time, I'm finding that I'm really relaxed, and am kind of enjoying myself; at 99 Ranch Market no less! And just then I pass the bakery, and all the smells of the fresh bread:

Maybe some taro cake, or red bean cake in my future? No, not today. There used to be a shaved ice snack bar within the market, but it's been turned into a "deli" case with prepared cold dishes:

There's a pretty large selection on display, in fact it could almost be dizzying! The "smoked fish" (Su Shih Hsun Yuu ), looked especially enticing; but I'd already gotten what I needed, and made my way to the cashier, who although yawning and looking very sleepy, rang me up, and I was on my way…well almost. You see on my way out I saw this:

And I swear, the duck was actually calling my name…..in a very Stephen King-ish way:

You see Sam Woo opens at 9am, how convenient…..so I got a half duck($6.75). As I waited for my duck to be chopped, I heard something else calling my name:

Luckily, I ignored the call. Paid for my duck and was on my way.

So who needs meditation, visualization, and all those other relaxation techniques? Just give me 99 Ranch Market early on a weekend morning……..

Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego – From Nijiya Market

September 17, 2005 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Markets & Grocers

Today while shopping for ingredients for Sukiyaki at Nijiya Market I noticed quite a few "Local Kine Stuffs". Luckily, I had my camera, and took a few photo's of the "stuffs".

One of the most important "local" cooking ingredient for me is 'Alaea, a red/orange sea salt:

From what little I can remember; this type of unprocessed seas salt is mixed with red clay which enriches it with ferrous oxide. The Hawaiians used to reserve it for important feasts and ceremonies, and the salt was said to hold special medicinal properties. The salt has a mellower salty taste, with a touch of sweetness. This is an indispensable ingredient for my Kalua Pork and Poke. Alaea also adds a nice flavor to steaks, and grilled meats. The price at Nijiya is quite high, and I'll usually pick mine up at Marukai, but it's good to know that I can get some if I'm in a pinch.

Hawaiian (sea) Salt is also sold at Nijiya:

And there's actually two brands available, "Kama'aina" and "Old Time". I've never used Kama'aina brand, and have always used Old Time; don't ask me why – it's just brand loyalty. In the 1800's salt provided income to the Hawaiians. If you're interested in a Food Anthropologists take on salt, or Hawaii's Culinary Heritage, Rachel Lauden has a interesting book called The Food of Paradise.

In the "snack" isle I found two items of interest. The first were the boxes of Kauai Kookie:

I've actually started to see this in other Asian Markets in the area. I'm really not much on sweets, so this didn't make much of an impression. The other item did though:

I was amazed! They actually had Diamond Bakery Saloon Pilot and Soda Crackers. Diamond Bakery was founded in Hawaii in 1921, and is probably the only company that still makes Saloon Pilot crackers; large, round crackers which I understand was based on Hardtack and sea biscuits. Ah, Diamond Bakery Saloon Pilots, the sweeter Cream Crackers, and the crispy Soda Crackers, were staples of my "small kid time", back home. These soda crackers are not as light and crisp as the standard saltines that most are used to, but thicker, and better designed to withstand the humidity. I'm sure most kids from Hawaii would remember sucking and chewing on Soda Crackers and mushing them up in your mouth, calling your Mom or some other victim, opening your mouth to show the world its contents!!! I didn't buy any because of the price. And frankly, a case of crackers would probably last me a decade; I'm better off buying the single packages from Marukai, but the memories were nice.

One final little story that I'm sure some will relate to. Soda crackers and 7-up was one of the universal treatments for Gastrointestinal ailments (I'd put it in simpler terms, but it would be kinda gross) when I was growing up. 7-up, or any carbonated beverage was not the norm in the household of my youth, so I'd actually not feel so bad when I got sick, since then I'd be able to drink some "soda". Another "special" elixir of my youth was 7-up with a special "medicine", which was the treatment for chest colds and such. Well I never found out what the medicine was, but it sure made me feel nice and warm, and most of all made me sleep comfortably. Fast forward about a decade. While at a party, a friend of mine hands me this "sissy-drink", telling me to try and taste this, that it's not really half bad. So I take a sip, and something goes off in my head. This really tastes familiar….then "Damn, this is my medicine-drink"!!! So I asked them what is it that I'm drinking. It was Southern Comfort and 7-up! Tasted terrible, but exactly like my medicine. It's really funny if you knew my Mom. She was a a complete teetotaler, and allergic to alcohol. How she figured this would work was beyond me. But it sure worked, I guess…..

Road Trip – Marukai Costa Mesa & Meat Jun in the OC?

September 14, 2005 mmm-yoso Korean Restaurants, Markets & Grocers, Orange County, Road Trip

Returning to San Diego from Market World, I noticed that the traffic was unusually light, so I decided to take a chance, and head on over to Marukai Costa Mesa. This was done in typical SoCal fashion, that is, via multiple freeways. So it was the 60 East to the 57 South, to the 5 South, to the 55 West, to the 405 North…..that was easy, wasn’t it!

I found Marukai Costa Mesa on busy Harbor Blvd, in a building that was obviously some other Supermarket in a previous life. The parking lot was busy, and so was the market. I just took a short trip around the perimeter, and the "Hawaiian" section caught my eye:

All of the usual suspects where in display; the Hawaii Miso, Portuguese Sausage, Zippy’s Chili, etc. The one thing that really caught my eye was the Park’s Brand Chili Pepper water, a real rarity here on the mainland.

Over in the fish department, there was very fresh Maguro and of course, Ogo!

Since the Costa Mesa location of Marukai is a little closer I may end up shopping here instead of driving to Gardena. The selection is good, and I was surprised at all of the "Local Kine" people everywhere.

After doing a bit of shopping I stored all my "Stuff" and took a walk around the Food Court. Suddenly I was caught totally off guard and surprised:

Not by that sign, but by this:

Yes, that is Meat Jun that you see on the "menu board". I’ve never seen Meat Jun on the Mainland! I was fairly surprised, after all I had always been pretty sure that Meat Jun was more or less a Hawaii thing. Meat Jun is marinated rib eye beef, coated with an egg and flour coating and fried. It is usually served with a sweet-salty dipping sauce. Reid on his site Ono Kine Grindz has a great photo of what Meat Jun should look like.

So, overcome with nostalgia, I had to order it ($5.95). And what I ended up with was this:

As you can tell the Meat Jun is totally burnt! Can you imagine how egg batter tastes burnt? Bitter, and totally gross. The Jap Chae had no flavor. The only thing edible on this plate was the egg and rice. "The Boyz" ended up with the meat; I had to scrape all the batter off before they’d eat it though! I guess they really DON’T make Meat Jun on the Mainland…..

A funny note; if you’ve ever "read" any of my other posts, you’ll notice that I try to include a picture of the store-front of all the places I visit. I tried to do this as I was leaving; but a very persistent Security Guard kept following me around. He kept looking at me and talking on his "radio". I’d stop, and he’d stop, and start talking on his radio. Never said a word, but he really creeped me out! I felt like I was at Fuddruckers again!!! So I just decided it was probably best to leave without photographing any "state secrets", geeez!

Marukai Costa Mesa
2975 Harbor Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Korean Kitchen
Marukai Market Food Court
2975 Harbor Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Road Trip: Hannam Chain Market World – Diamond Bar

September 10, 2005 mmm-yoso Los Angeles County, Markets & Grocers, Road Trip

Had to make a quick trip to Los Angeles today. I was able to make it there in almost record time, and picked-up what I needed. Since it was still early, and I had already had a quick lunch, I decided to drive around the "old neighborhood" to see what changes have been taking place. Driving up Colima Road, to the point where it turns to Golden Springs, I noticed Market World:

I entered this huge, and packed Super Market. I immediately zeroed in on the produce department and noticed the Jujube’s:

Though not of the best quality, the price was right so I quickly "bagged" a pound.

Next up the "noodle" section, and I grabbed a package of the "instant" Naengmyun, at least that’s what I think it is:

I just went on the pictures, there were no English labeling, so we’ll see what happens. I immediately picked up a scent (Whooo-ah! ), of something being fried. Following my nose I came up to a "deli" section, and noticed a new batch of fried crab being wrapped:

This being a "solo" trip, I knew I needed "offerings" for the omnipotent deity, that is the Missus. I knew this would fill the bill.

The selection of items is staggering, you find yourself walking in circles in a complete daze forgetting what it is that you’d been thinking of getting just the minute before. Then turning the corner you come upon the shelf of Korean "pancake" mix (Pa jun).

Ohh-Kay….There were at least 9 different brands/varieties. I ended up getting the one with English instructions. This may be a mistake, but I don’t have the slightest idea how to make this, so I’ll need to start somewhere.

Of course no Market could survive without the isle of snacks:

Floor to ceiling, brand after brand. No one could possibly survive without those twenty brands of Corn Puffs Marketwor08 , right?

And of course the Panchan "bar". The selections looked good and fresh, though I did not partake.

There are also two "restaurants" within Market World. The one at the East end, was positively "rocking". Too bad I’d already had lunch. I’ll give this place a try next time, every dish I saw people eating looked good (except the sushi…)

There was a Woman rolling out dough and making Mandoo by hand. I’m definitely trying this next time!

This was an interesting and fun time, though I shudder at thought of the "damage" that Jo and Mills could do here! The crabs were a success, all gone in a few minutes, I also purchased some "Flaming File Tiles", and other items. Market World is definitely worth a visit!

Hannam Chain Market World
21080 Golden Springs Drive
Walnut, CA 91789

United Oriental Food Market

September 7, 2005 mmm-yoso Markets & Grocers

*** United Food Mart has closed.

If I need Thai ingredients, or produce like galangal or ngo gai(saw leaf) I'd head over to United Food Mart:

Though a bit worse for wear, United Food Market carries a pretty large selection of canned and fresh Thai, Laotian, and Vietnamese Food. This is also one of the few Markets where I can always get Kaffir Lime leaves. The prices are very reasonable, and there's an added bonus:

On weekends there's some satay action going on in the parking lot. The drill goes like this – go into the cashier and tell them how many you want. You pay the cashier ($1.25/ea), take the receipt outside to the barbecue Guy, and hand him the receipt. He'll ask you (sometimes very hard to understand) if you want chicken or pork. He then grabs the number of skewers purchased, wraps it in foil. Places it in a sack with some napkins, and you carry on. Today, I bought three ($3.75):

You'll notice only two here; well the Boyz and I got to one before I remembered to get my camera. The chicken is fairly tender and moist, though I found a bit of gristle. There's the distinctive taste of lemongrass and galangal, though very mild overall. Not bad really. These two "sticks" with some musubi (onigiri/rice ball) made for a nice dinner. Untied Oriental Food Market also now has a "hot table" with a variety of food items, I'll probably check them out at a later date.

Oh, and I did actually buy some stuff to justify my stopping here!

United Oriental Food Market
5349 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115-4730
(619) 582-8999