Tokyo Central is a specialty Japanese grocery store in California and one of my go-to markets. It offers various imported Japanese goods, fresh produce, beauty products, and prepared Japanese food. They opened a second Torrance location on Pacific Coast Hwy and Hawthorne Blvd, next to Best Buy. Tokyo Central’s newest location opened on the weekend…
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Papa Cristo’s – A Greek Restaurant and Marketplace
In an industry where most restaurants struggle to survive, 70-year-old Papa Cristo’s stands tall as a beacon of longevity and success. This Greek grocer/bakery/deli/eatery is more than just a place to eat; it’s a part of the neighborhood’s fabric, where familiar faces and repeat customers are the norm. Second-generation owner Chrys Chrys is the face…
Where To Find Hatch Chiles in LA
Once a year, Melissa’s Produce brings Hatch chiles to select Bristol Farms and Lazy Acres locations and roasts them as they do in supermarket parking lots in New Mexico. It is an annual tradition with New Mexicans because they buy the roasted chiles in bulk and use them in recipes throughout the year. For a…
Donut Man opens in Grand Central Market
Donut Man is a popular donut shop located in Glendora and known throughout LA. They recently announced opening a new location within the Grand Central Market in downtown LA. Impatient fans kept inquiring about the opening and were eventually rewarded when they opened in Grand Central Market on June 26. Since Donut Man’s grand opening…
Saffron Food Mart, a Great South Bay Find for Middle Eastern Cuisine
I drive by the Saffron Food Mart on a regular basis. The market is on the way to many stores I frequent. Because it does not have an entrance facing the street and it lacks visible windows, I think of it as a grocery store and not a restaurant. Seeing a recent social media review…
Mitsuwa Del Amo – First Impressions
Mitsuwa Marketplace is a Japanese supermarket chain located in strategic areas across the U.S. MItsuwa recently moved its Torrance store from its location on 184th and Western and faces Carson Ave. in the Del Amo Mall. The storefront was formerly occupied by Marshalls. Mitsuwa Del Amo distinguishes itself from other Japanese grocery stores by offering…
Hanukkah 2018 – Restaurant and To Go Offerings
Hanukkah takes place December 2 through December 10 this year. Because I enjoy latkes, I decided to pull together my first attempt at a Hanukkah Holiday roundup. Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights at one of the restaurants or eating establishments listed below. AKASHA Dec 2-9, AKASHA will feature their famous Yukon Gold Potato Latkes served…
Gelson’s Adds Upscale South Bay Grocery Experience
Gelson’s is a regional supermarket chain operating in the more affluent areas of Southern California. After a multi-year struggle with the City of Manhattan Beach, they finally opened on Nov. 14. I visited them a few times and have made some personal observations. Gelson’s is best approached from the north on Sepulveda because from the…
Huntington Meats For Exceptional Quality and Great Value
Now that we are past Thanksgiving, it’s time to start planning for upcoming holiday parties and holiday family dinners. What really gets people excited is seeing a beautiful roast in the center of the dining room table. To get ready, I recently visited Huntington Meats at The Original Farmers Market. Huntington Meats opened in 1986…
Lazy Acres Opens with a Splash in Hermosa Beach
A shuttered Albertson’s grocery store used to occupy the corner of Artesia and Sepulveda in Hermosa Beach. I became curious when I learned that a new natural foods market, Lazy Acres took its place. Lazy Acres is a small chain of natural food stores and is owned by Bristol Farms. They signed a multi-year lease…