Mike's Seafood & Oriental

If you like cooking Asian or buying your own fresh fish (and you'll smell it coming in), Mike's is the place for you! I'm not much of a fish eater, but whenever I'm in Mike's, there is always a line of people at the back fish counter. However, it's the Asian Market that grabs my attention - and my wallet - every time. Tofu here is in general $1.25 cheaper than any grocery store for the same brand. Miso is about $2 cheaper than Fresh Market. Soba noodles are roughly $1 cheaper than World Market. And then there's all the various ingredients and treats (like lychee or coffee-flavoured candy or duck eggs) that most grocery stores would never even think of stocking. Can't recommend highly enough. more

For anyone who likes to cook, this strip mall grocery (next to Big Lots) is a great way to challenge yourself or add some authentic to your wok. There are two main parts to this store: the seafood and the grocery. When you walk in you'll be fully aware of the seafood section. Don't let the smell fool you, the majority of the fish is fresh caught (purchased that morning from wholesalers). The seafood at chain grocery's doesn't even compare as that is mostly flash frozen and pre-filleted. You'll find full fish (head on) and other wonders from the sea. The staff is friendly and knowledgable, and will let you know the catch date, and if its previously frozen. They will fillet anything on site and even give you suggestions on how to prepare. I'd reccommend bringing a cooler, or at the very least a leak-proof container, to transport your catch home without leaving something fishy in your car. The grocery is a great resource for everything asian. Prices are usually cheaper than the ethnic aisle at the chain stores, and you'll find a bigger variety (and more authentic flavors). They have a small produce section in the back, where you can find asian produce not available elsewhere. Ginger is cheaper and fresher here than anywhere in town. This is also my favorite resource for baby bok choy (sometimes found in $1 bags of four heads) As with all vegetables, wash thoroughly. They also have a small selection of oriental style dishes, cooking utensils, candies, and sometimes they have asian style gifts. All in all, this is one of my favorite stops on a Saturday. I always feel inspired to cook something new, or try a new flavor. more