Nancy: The better quality of meat, seafood and produce is at Marina Market, IMHO. I think I have posted here before that the folks at Food Center have some unconsumer- friendly habits. They sometimes put a price sticker over the sell-by date and they pre-package their produce. I can't say there is anything wrong with it, I am just very suspicious. And yes, I have talked to them.

I would think that K-Mart would have something like a beach umbrella, but I have not personally seen one! You can also try Cost-U-Less.

Thanks, I think I've read the same about Food City.

I appreciate your time.

Nancy G

Drive to Tutu Park Mall and check out Plaza Extra. I've known George the butcher for a bunch of years (way before he went to Plaza Extra) and he runs a very tight ship, knows his cuts and will also do special orders.

IMHO Marina Market is way overpriced. Sorry, East Ender, seems we've sort of butted heads on this forum on this issue a couple of times...AARGH!

I've found Food CENTER" (not Food "City") to be rather pricey, Their produce selection is VERY limited and rather expensive.

Just my two very tired cents!

I have to say that I have never shopped at Plaza Extra. It is not on my shopping loop. I didn't mean to say anything bad about it. Do they prepackage their produce like their brethren at Food Center? I am suspicious that they would use some of the same techniques.

And Nancy asked specifically about Food Center and Marina Market. Yes, Marina Market is expensive, but the better of the two for those items she asked about. IMHO, of course, STT Resident! 😉

Food Center for meats, I would say.

Plaza Xtra does prepackage a few produce items but their produce is generally "loose" and IMHO they have a generally better selection than Food Center which I've checked out but found to be most sparse.

I HAVE looked at the meats at Food Center but wasn't much impressed and see a much better selection at a much fairer price at Plaza Xtra.

As a restaurant owner, I buy most of my stuff wholesale but I'm as picky as the next one when it comes to general grocery and meat shopping.

And if you're staying on the East End, all these stores are really within easy reach for anyone with a vehicle - six of one and a half dozen with the other!

Happy shopping, Nancy! And also check out Cost-U-Less.

Thanks so much for all the talk about groceries. We own a condo on the island now so knowing the *best* places to shop is useful to us. We're just part time islanders right now.

Cost-U-Less is a membership store right? What's the yearly cost?

Thanks again.

Nancy G

Nancy:

Cost-U-Less is not a membership store. But you can join their "frequent shopper" club for free. You can find a beach umbrella there. Also, we bought the "chair in a bag" there. It's great for going to the beach with. We have the one with the foot rest.....cost $15. We store ours in the owner's closet at our condo.

Since you're on vacation and every minute is precious do your shopping at Marina Market (we do). Yes the prices may be a little more expensive, but they won't break the bank. Convenience is the key.

And while you're at Cost-U-Less buy your liquor there too. Best prices (IMHO).

Hope this helps.

F.I.

I have to agree with East Ender and disagree with G'Dub.

Food Center has mediocre meats. I've had to throw away a lamb roast beacuse it was prepackaged and green on the bottom (of course) $50 in the trash on Christmas Day. Plus if you look at some of the meats in the cases they looks a little brownish on the red meats and a little grayish on the white fish meats. I have asked them to go cut some fresh cuts for me and they did that since the pre cut sirloin looked gross.

But overall I've always had a much much better experience at Marina Market, and they are only a $1 or so more a pound and TOTALLY WORTH it.

There is a small shop down next to Roses Too and Pueblo near the airport that has a good selection of fresh meats as well from what I have seen.