Discoveries of the first week
I feel a list would make things simplest, because I've done so much wandering around in my neighborhood, I can't really say how I found each of these places, in what order, or even if I could find my way back to them. There are several that I see myself frequenting throughout my time here, however, and they come first.
1. Super 88 Asian Market
This is the biggest Asian grocery I have ever seen. Half the fun of Asian markets is that you don't ever know quite what things are: you're lucky if there's an ingredients list in English, or any English at all. The Super 88 is especially peregrine in this respect, and almost every other respect as well. The smell takes some getting used to- it hit me as smelling like a cat shelter at first, then more and more like an uncleaned fish tank, depending upon your proximity to the meats & seafood section. It also doesn't uphold the cleanliness most Americans expect from a grocery store: you may have to pick through some rotting produce to find the good stuff, and some of the shelves look like they've been rummaged by many a picky grandmother since the last restocking. Despite all this, I could wander around the 88 for hours playing "what food group is this?" with the products, and end up spending far too much money on pork buns, quail eggs, lychee flavored gummies and exotic bits of meat. Goat tongue, anyone?
2. The Avenue
I take pride in not being a regular at any bar, but The Avenue lured me in. This little bar has it's beer list covering one wall, and possibly the most beer taps I've ever seen in one place. However, I don't go there for the beer. They're little 4oz burgers are only $1 on Mondays- that's what I go for. Compared to the 99-cent equivalent across the street, The Avenue's burgers are to die for. They're juicy, well-seasoned, and actually taste like real beef (hallelujah.), plus they even come with lettuce, tomato, and cheese (fries are extra, just like at that place across the street). Not eating out is always the hardest part of my budget, but now I've taken to saving my change for a couple burgers every week. Quarters aren't just for laundry anymore, and I've even started using the dollar-burgers as a currency in my head-- why buy a $4 Starbucks coffee, when you could have FOUR burgers come Monday night?
3. Berezka International Food Store
I would never have ventured into this place were it not for many reviews online touting it as a hidden treasure-- This little (mostly Russian?) market looks like nothing more than a shabby convenience store from the outside, but is a wonderland for the curious foodie. From homemade chicken pate to beautiful layered tortes and desserts, it's definitely a place to explore. Although I didn't purchase anything while I was there, I am most definitely going back to sample their bulk candies, aged salami, and the very inexpensive selection of frozen fish: even the big-name grocery stores can't beat this.
4. Refuge Cafe
I highly approve of the liberal use of avocado here, and the fact that their full espresso/coffee bar includes several beer taps, all of local brews I want to try.
5. Clear Flour Bread
I haven't summoned the money to purchase anything there yet, but I would pay for the smell when you walk in the door (And I've walked in four times, just to ogle and inhale). I think that's all I have to say for now.
1. Super 88 Asian Market
This is the biggest Asian grocery I have ever seen. Half the fun of Asian markets is that you don't ever know quite what things are: you're lucky if there's an ingredients list in English, or any English at all. The Super 88 is especially peregrine in this respect, and almost every other respect as well. The smell takes some getting used to- it hit me as smelling like a cat shelter at first, then more and more like an uncleaned fish tank, depending upon your proximity to the meats & seafood section. It also doesn't uphold the cleanliness most Americans expect from a grocery store: you may have to pick through some rotting produce to find the good stuff, and some of the shelves look like they've been rummaged by many a picky grandmother since the last restocking. Despite all this, I could wander around the 88 for hours playing "what food group is this?" with the products, and end up spending far too much money on pork buns, quail eggs, lychee flavored gummies and exotic bits of meat. Goat tongue, anyone?
2. The Avenue
I take pride in not being a regular at any bar, but The Avenue lured me in. This little bar has it's beer list covering one wall, and possibly the most beer taps I've ever seen in one place. However, I don't go there for the beer. They're little 4oz burgers are only $1 on Mondays- that's what I go for. Compared to the 99-cent equivalent across the street, The Avenue's burgers are to die for. They're juicy, well-seasoned, and actually taste like real beef (hallelujah.), plus they even come with lettuce, tomato, and cheese (fries are extra, just like at that place across the street). Not eating out is always the hardest part of my budget, but now I've taken to saving my change for a couple burgers every week. Quarters aren't just for laundry anymore, and I've even started using the dollar-burgers as a currency in my head-- why buy a $4 Starbucks coffee, when you could have FOUR burgers come Monday night?
3. Berezka International Food Store
I would never have ventured into this place were it not for many reviews online touting it as a hidden treasure-- This little (mostly Russian?) market looks like nothing more than a shabby convenience store from the outside, but is a wonderland for the curious foodie. From homemade chicken pate to beautiful layered tortes and desserts, it's definitely a place to explore. Although I didn't purchase anything while I was there, I am most definitely going back to sample their bulk candies, aged salami, and the very inexpensive selection of frozen fish: even the big-name grocery stores can't beat this.
4. Refuge Cafe
I highly approve of the liberal use of avocado here, and the fact that their full espresso/coffee bar includes several beer taps, all of local brews I want to try.
5. Clear Flour Bread
I haven't summoned the money to purchase anything there yet, but I would pay for the smell when you walk in the door (And I've walked in four times, just to ogle and inhale). I think that's all I have to say for now.
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