I was shopping at an Asian grocery store the other day looking for some slightly unusual ingredients. I could have gone all the way to Koreatown to one of the big mega-markets like Kaju (California Market) or Assi, where they do volume business so the prices are dirt cheap.
Instead, I chose to stay closer to my neighborhood and went to one of the smaller grocery stores. It's about the size of a convenience store, so it doesn't carry volume, but it does have a little bit of almost everything. Plus, it's about twice as expensive.
One of the things I noticed was an ice chest next to the freezer section, where it looked like people were gathered around waiting - for a free sample perhaps? On the weekends, the markets usually set up small tables at the end of aisles giving out samples of new products.
When I walked over, hoping it might be something sweet and cold to battle the heat, I saw the sign. "Free Ice." The chest was full of ice and had small plastic bags next to it. Customers could scoop ice into a bag, tie it off in a knot, and place it on their freezer and refrigerator items to keep them cold until they got home to put their groceries away.
Kind of makes you appreciate the little guy.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-31-2006 @ 10:11PM
Casey Potenzone said...
The little bit of attention makes a world of difference. Where is the store you are talking about? I'd like to give them a try.
Reply
8-01-2006 @ 1:18AM
spline9 said...
Yes, please post addresses. I'd like to check it out if I'm close also.
My personal fave Korean market is here;
Galleria Market Northridge
10201 Reseda Blvd
Northridge, CA 91324
818 772 5755
Grocery store size market, has all sorts of good stuff, including those tiny stores-within-stores (mini food court of about 6 different vendors, a video store, a bakery(yum!), and a few others.
Another good one in the Valley is;
Greenland Market
17643 Sherman Way
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818 708 7396
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8-01-2006 @ 3:26PM
peggy said...
when i worked at wild oats market, our meat department was always happy to give out bags of ice for frozen or dairy/ meat items. the cashiers would even suggest it on a hot day. it was a little consideration that we could do.
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8-03-2006 @ 2:22AM
Andrew said...
I love that market!
Everytime I go there, I marvel at the free ice.
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