notbob wrote:
> On 2005-11-02, Chris > wrote:
> > Stopped in at the local Asian market yesterday to buy a few ingredients for
> > tonight's dinner. Couldn't believe the produce prices! Lemons and limes,
> > 11 cents each. Green beans and broccoli, $.79 a pound. Strawberries (yeah,
> > I know, out of season, but the kids like 'em) $1.50 for a container that is
> > usually $2.50 at the supermarket. Herbs, ridiculously cheap. Etc, etc,
> > etc.
>
> Yep. Most ethnic markets are under gringo radar. I do most of my
> produce shopping at a Mexican fruit stand around the corner, the
> prices being half to a third of the supers. They even carry lemon
> grass and fresh basil. When I do make the occasional trip over the
> hill to an oriental market, I stock up on pork and spices.
>
Yes, one of the great advantages of living in a populous, diverse
place. But you have to be selective. The Mexican grocery near me has
good produce at low prices, but low quality meat. Even so, a far
better selection of oxtails and beef shanks and beef short ribs than
the anglo supermarkets. The Asian groceries are not as close but the
produce and seafood and fresh Asian noodles are great. Poultry is
good, pork is good, beef is not. I get good beef at Costco even though
I then have to freeze some of it. -aem