On the way home from work today Blain called and said he was in the area, so I told him to stop by and I would follow him home. It was really for the evil plan I hatched to be able go into my local QT to get coffee, just in case the crazy lady was there again, I would have protection…and a witness!
As we were driving home, I told him about an oriental market I had heard about, but had never been to. The girl I car pool with is the one that pointed it out to me months ago, but she has so far refused to stop and actually go in. Her flimsy excuse has always been that she is low on money. Like what does that have to do with just checking it out. I could have stopped by myself on any of the few occasions I am just driving myself. Problem is, I hate going into place by myself the first time. I know, kooky, right?
Blain said he was up for it, and still agreed after I made us turn into the wrong shopping center and get stuck in the traffic jam from hell. I guess it was just my lucky day! 
First of all this is not the kind of oriental market I have been to in the past (in Utah or Japan or Thailand). This was a full blown HUGE market. Bright and pretty with large isles and tons of selection, just like a brand new Kroger or Publix. My jaw dropped to the floor, I swear I heard the hallelujah angel chorus faintly in the distance and I started to jump up and down and squeal like a little school girl! OK, now I see why the car pool mate doesn’t want to stop without enough cash.
Unfortunately, I had no money with me! It was torture!!!! The place even smelled like Okinawa, probably because of the ginormous fish section. Oh, you would not believe the fresh seafood section. Beautiful! This was bigger than the stores in Japan, because, duh!, everything there is teeny tiny compact.
We walked up and down every single and looked at every single item. THEY HAVE AN ENTIRE ISLE OF GYOZA/POT STICKERS. OMFG!!!!!! My most favorite food in the entire world!!! And at good prices too. I have always loved the way the asian’s food packaging is. So bright and cute. You could easily buy the most disgusting thing (like whole tiny dried fish to eat like chips), just because the package is adorable.
Guess where I am going grocery shopping next pay day?? I wouldn’t be surprised if I spent my entire check!
August 5th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Sounds dreamy! The asian market I went to last week sounds similar to what you’re talking about, but not as pretty. I totally agree with the packaging.. it’s brilliant, especially if you’re selling the stuff in America (to me, it’s like dangling shiny keys)!!! But I’m sure Vegas has some great markets too :o)