Alhambra Ralph's closed, to be 99 Ranch (Altadena, Claremont: sales, groceries, mall)

[annonymous0381]

Originally Posted by kasuga888

But the problem w some of these 626 chinese stores is the freshness/quality of the produce or meats (a place that smells like a dead animal doesnt seem to be the cleanest place to buy meat and fish).

I typically just shop at Ralphs and load up on which ever meat/produce/item is on sale that week.

I don't blame you. At least Ralph's is clean.

[thelopez2]

Originally Posted by jm1982

westside to the van nuys store perhaps.

The Garden store would probably be an easier drive.

[Mr_Geek]

Good riddance Ralphs. Especially this location.

Oh Publix, how I miss thee! (originally from Florida)

[Voyageuse]

Originally Posted by kasuga888

But the problem w some of these 626 chinese stores is the freshness/quality of the produce or meats (a place that smells like a dead animal doesnt seem to be the cleanest place to buy meat and fish).

I typically just shop at Ralphs and load up on which ever meat/produce/item is on sale that week.

This made me laugh. Our Siberian Husky eats raw meat. When we first adopted him (12 years ago), I used to buy his food at Hawaii Supermarket in San Gabriel. The smell of the market was so foul that I refused to breathe through my nose while I shopped. I now shop for most of our food (his included) at Super King. It smells much better.

[kttam186290]

Originally Posted by jm1982

Will be interesting to see what the Haggen stores will be like.

When I was in Florida I went to an Aldi, i was curious as we don't have them in L.A . It's owned by the same company as Trader Joes and there were some similarities to trader joes, but definately more a less expensive version. It was funny to see all of the generic store brands that they came up with. Chips ,granola bars, cereal ,etc. The brands were clearly knockoffs of the bigger brands. Prices were very cheap though.

I liked fresh and easy in a way , but there was always something kind of off with it. Prices weren't that great too. It was pretty easy to find things though versus ralphs.

I wasn't too impressed with too much of the 'grab and go' /prepared stuff versus trader joes though. The quality just didn't seem to be there.

I remember sometimes they would have some amazingly cheap stuff on clearance though later in the day..but that was hit or miss.

The first Aldi's to open in the Greater L.A. area will be up in Palmdale. My brother lives out there and I saw the announcement in a city flyer they send out. They just opened a Haggen's out there too, back in March, and I went when it first opened on one of my weekend visits.

I wasn't that impressed with Haggen's, to be honest. I was expecting a Whole Foods-like environment and it looked/felt like a slightly polished Albertson's. They did have a nice seafood selection, though.

[jm1982]

Oh ok interesting. I was definitely was impressed with the Aldi prices, seemed a lot lower overall than any of the markets in L.A, I didn't buy anything there so I don't know how the quality of their store brands are though.

[HyperionGap]

Originally Posted by Voyageuse

This made me laugh. Our Siberian Husky eats raw meat. When we first adopted him (12 years ago), I used to buy his food at Hawaii Supermarket in San Gabriel. The smell of the market was so foul that I refused to breathe through my nose while I shopped. I now shop for most of our food (his included) at Super King. It smells much better.

I'm surprised people travel that far to go to Super King, but that parking lot is always PACKED.

[genjy]

The best Super King is the one in Claremont... that one is awesome. Clean and modern.

The Super King near the LA River is meh--kind of dirty, kind of dingy. Parking at that one is a nightmare too.

There's a new one near Van Nuys or so... gotta take a look at that one.

[annonymous0381]

Originally Posted by kttam186290

The first Aldi's to open in the Greater L.A. area will be up in Palmdale. My brother lives out there and I saw the announcement in a city flyer they send out. They just opened a Haggen's out there too, back in March, and I went when it first opened on one of my weekend visits.

I wasn't that impressed with Haggen's, to be honest. I was expecting a Whole Foods-like environment and it looked/felt like a slightly polished Albertson's. They did have a nice seafood selection, though.

I'm curious to check out a haagen. I wonder I'd haagen will stay in bussiness in southern California

[Voyageuse]

Originally Posted by HyperionGap

I'm surprised people travel that far to go to Super King, but that parking lot is always PACKED.

So true! I'm actually much closer now that I'm in the San Rafael area. The prices and produce are worth the drive; and going before nine o'clock definitely helps.