Thursday, April 26, 2007

Grocery Shopping in New York

In New York City, grocery shopping is a challenge. And not a nice one. I don’t know if it’s because of the lack of space and super markers are so tiny, narrow and small. Or because NYC legislation forbids liquor sales in super markets with the exception of beer. And, despite the abundance of delis, small corner stores and organic shops (really trendy all over the world these days), the truth is that grocery shopping in NYC is a bit of a pain. The reason being: not able to find EVERYTHING in one place that is affordable that will also involve wine! That’s impossible.

I miss London (and many other cities worldwide) where I could go to my local super market which was pretty big and had everything: from non-organic tomatoes, milk and turkey to organic options of the same products for the sensitive, health freaks or vegetarians, to wine from New Zealand and Australia. Don’t get me started with New York. If I want to buy wine, I have first to visit the wine store, then drop in to Whole Foods for the plain soy yogurt (a product that only exists in WF to my knowledge) and a few other products I like and I am prepared to pay for. Then, if I opt for fair trade produce and also affordable options, I will move to Trader Joe’s. Here things are nice but nice are the long lines you have to face – always have a book with you to spend the 20-minute line. You can also start chatting to the person in front or behind you – always open and generous to share their secret experiences among the aisles of the store. To finish off my shopping, I would wait until Saturday for a quick visit in the Union Square market for fresh veggies and fruit and yes, I am done for my weekly shopping!

A friend of mine recently asked me: Why you don’t buy everything in Whole Foods that sells your favorite soy yogurt? Well, because even if I think it’s a healthy choice, it’s also overpriced. So, full weekly shopping at WF means thinner bank account at a very fast pace. Grocery shopping is an interesting and challening experience not only for me but for every single New Yorker. Recently my roommate was complaining for the same problem. The good news is that you walk a lot, visit various stores, check prices and chat to unknown New Yorkers while waiting in line. At the end, you end up making new friends or applying for a job in a nice organic store.


EVENTS

New York

Don’t miss Billion Dollar Babes event this coming weekend in New York
CHAMPAGNE AND SUSHI TO CELEBRATE OUR FIRST 3-DAY SALE + SUNDAY SHOPPING, PLUS... Complimentary makeovers from Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, Mini Facials by Peter Thomas Roth and hairstyling by New York’s Cutler Salon. Hachette will be giving away audio books The Debutante Divorcee and Lipstick Jungle to the first 500 babes daily. And… guests can chill out at the hosted open bar courtesy of Pink sparkling wine, Izze sparkling juice and low-cal favorite Amstel Light. New “Deliciously Zen” yushi restaurant will be selling sushi lunch packs onsite to combat those shopping sugar lows as well as samplings from Sanctuary Tea and Dove Chocolates. Fashionistas Alert: merchandise will continually be replenished through the entire three day sale.
RSVP at:
http://www.billiondollarbabes.com/html/rsvpevents_nyapr07.html

The Altman Building135 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Aves)New York, NY 10011



LONDON
An invitation from the Mayor
Our latest Annual London Survey shows that Londoners are seeing more police in their neighbourhoods this year compared to last. Tackling affordable housing and property prices in the capital are now Londoners' top priorities for improving the city, and concern about climate change and energy conservation is increasing.
The State of London Debate is your chance to discuss with London’s policy makers what you think is best about London and what you think needs improving.
Date: Saturday 12 May 2007Time: 10am to 4.45pmLocation: The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre and Central Hall Westminster
http://www.london.gov.uk/stateoflondon/register.jsp?pcode=SOLD-23

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