Yay! Aldi grocery store in Mira Mesa opened today!
Finally, a grocery chain opened in Sorrento Valley zip code after a lengthy wait. Until late 90's, there used to be an IGA food market at this newly opened Aldi location. It closed down in Spring of '98. Neighborhood residents were hoping for another food chain to appear at this good 'ol IGA location. After giving up hope, we saw 'Fresh & Easy' opened in 2007 after almost 10 years since IGA closed its doors, only to see yet another grocery chain to go away in 2015. Now once again, we'll keep our fingers crossed looking forward to Mira Mesa Aldi, the first Aldi in central San Diego to stick around here long term.
Brand new from ceiling to floor, the store is bigger and better inside than I expected. At first, I thought the choice for each food-group product is limited but the overall experience was quite rewarding with low prices (even on organic foods and gourmet items), with overall faster shopping done in lesser time, as 90% items are Aldi exclusive brands that includes 'LiveGfree' (gluten-free), 'Simply Nature' (their trademark for organic and non-gmo items - which I would very much like to see them expand on every food groups including fresh produce). Right now, the choice for Organic foods in the store is quite limited. There's nothing exclusive on Breakfast cereal aisle, mostly common ones like cornflakes, rice crispy, cheerios etc. Although I'm happy to see refrigerated packaged meats and cooked gourmet foods at best possible price than any other store, I want to see other packaged items like low sodium, no preservatives "organic whole wheat tortillas" and grass-fed organic dairy products, that's trending in every store, not just health food stores. Aldi being an iconic German food-chain, I would also like them to bring some popular European items like ages old British cereal, 'Weetabix' and Britain's popular 'PG tips' black tea. For now, Aldi's German Schogetten decadent chocolates (for $1.49) are keeping me happy!
On my first-ever visit to Mira Mesa Aldi, a shout-out to the store-manager and also to cashier Lester, who were patient, upbeat and helpful in answering my questions. read more