Let me tell you how fantastic this hidden gem is:…read more
1) The owner is the friendliest guy in Kalamazoo. You may see him at the Farmer's Market, or running into his neighbor's restaurant, Nonla Burger, for a snack, or being very, very helpful at the store. You can identify him by his HUGE smile and welcoming manner.
2. Fresh meat, of all kinds, Lately, we're really into the tiny cubed bits of beef, for a quick spicy stir fry, but there are also all kinds of sausages, and spiced meat for fajitas, etc.
3. All kinds of tortillas - both corn and wheat.
4. Fresh veggies, including papaya, aloe, tomatillos, avocados, and a slew of hot peppers.
5. Speaking of hot peppers, you'll find a variety of dried ones in front of the meat counter, and on the spice rack.
6. ROASTED PORK every weekend! It's in a blue cooler by the cash register, and you just pick out the bits you want, and have them weighed and sealed up at the meat counter.
7. At the farmer's market stand, get the fresh chips, freshly made salsa, and our favorite, homemade tamales. YUM.
Now, I could go on and on (all kinds of canned goods, including Dominican red beans; dried goods; laundry soap; pinatas; and more), but the main thing is that you know you're in an authentic shop when people from that culture shop there. This is clearly a hub for excellent food, supplies, and even medicine from abroad.
We go here at least once a week!