I definately will not cross the picket line at my usual grocery stores, so shopping has been a little bit of a challenge. Trader Joes has been wiped out of many LC products, so I'm stuck. I'm able to buy cream, cottage cheese, and eggs at a dairy, but finding FRESH meat is difficult. Where are you fellow Californians finding meat these days? I wouldn't buy meat from one of the striking stores because I'm afraid the meat has been in the case too long.

We're lucky that a Mayfair Market (owned by Gelson's) is right down the street from us. It's generally much BUSIER than usual, but it's been well-stocked and worth the wait.

Trader Joe's, yes. And also a little corner market in the Hollywood Hills that has NO corporate ownership whatsoever. We always tried to go there anyway, just to support a local merchant, but these days it's really GREAT to have it so close by.

I hear Stater Bros. is another good option, plus Smart & Final, if there's one of those nearby. Even if you're not a member of the latter, you should be able to get in on a one-day guest pass and stock up on your meats (and then freeze them).

Good luck!

Bon
210/181/165
Atkins since 12/15/02

I've been going to Stater Brothers, Costco, and Food-4-less.

If you're having trouble finding a place to shop, just go to your old store and ask the strikers! They're bored. They'll have lots of good suggestions. And be sure to give them a V-sign because it drives them nuts.

My 83 year old mother apparently has made herself very ill lately, partly because of the strike. She has made it her self-appointed good deed to buy $50 of donuts and drive around to her favorite supermarkets, giving them to the strikers. So don't cross the line! You'll break my mom's heart. Although it's tempting, seeing the prices in the papers lately...

I'm used to shopping late in the evening, and it's hard to get somethings that I usually get because the stores are running out. They have told me that the best thing to do is come in in the morning after they've stocked the shelves.

**************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

Dr., how sweet of your Mom!

Yes, I've been shopping at Stater Bros. (great fresh meat there), but I support my local Mexican markets here. I like the produce at these markets anyway. They carry the seconds (crooked cucumbers, etc. , but always very fresh) so the prices at the Mexician markets are great. And I ususally find my favorite brand of sour cream (Daisy) at better prices than Ralphs or Albertsons. Eggs are ususally a good price there, and tortillas (for my non-lc family) are ALWAYS fresh there.
And of course, Costco and Sam's Club. I wish we had Walmart Supercenters with groceries here, but I guess that's one of the issues the market owners are arguing about, that soon Walmart is planning to bring in the super-stores.
We have a Food 4 Less near us, but I don't like the neighborhood or the store. Also, there is a Pac 'N Save near us (like Food4Less, but run by Vons). I haven't gone there, but they are not striking either.
TJ's is a little more crowded than usual. I also hit the "day old" bakeries (for the non-LC family), but I've always shopped there for bread.
Yesterday I stopped in Smart 'N Final.

I really haven't found this strike very hard to deal with. I'm not going to cross the picket line either. I don't always agree with Unions or strikes, but I think the workers have just cause for this one.

Teri

You might look into the German Meat market On Western and 182nd in Torrance. I don’t remember what the name is because it German, but it’s been there for over 40 years. I left CA, 16 years ago but last summer when I was in CA to see my Mon we stopped in for some goodies. The market is on S. Western Ave. just north of 182nd. You’ll see a Yellow Basket Burger joint in the corner of Western and 182 and it’s the building right next door on the west side of the street.
Sandra

The German market must be near Alpine Village. It's October, so it might be a little tempting to wander in to sample some beer.

The Food 4 Less stores within my driving distance are in ratty areas, but I think I will try the Mexican and Asian markets.

Hello Nettie,
Sorry to tell you the German Meat market it not even close to the Village. The Village is out by the 405 and Harbor Freeway. But the Market doses have some German Beer and other high carbs but it really dose have the best cut’s of meat in town or I should say Torrance.

If you wondering how in the world someone in WA know about Torrance CA, I grew up in Torrance 20+ years.

Sandra