I'm exaggerating, of course, but it's a big wake up call realizing how comfortable I've let myself get in my old neighborhood bubble. I've been shopping at my local HEB for nearly ten years now. This new spot does have an in-store area to get a whole grilled chicken meal while you wait, so that's pretty cool. Also has an insane tortilla selection.

Haha, enjoyed the Fiesta Mart posts earlier in this thread. The company I work for recently started working with them and I’ve heard some interesting things. Mostly about the clientele.

What have they told you?

I'm pretty sure Fiesta recently got acquired by another chain, which I guess is why your company works with them now.

I can’t remember specifics, but basically lots of weirdos.

There's a Church's chicken inside the mega one on San Jacinto and Wheeler. They also have a baller pinata selection.

They opened one of these type Whole Foods next to our neighborhood’s train stop, and yeah, it’s kinda underwhelming. I’m not even sure they have carts, just baskets.

I’d ignore it completely except it’s the closest grocery store to us, since they closed down the super convenient Treasure Island two blocks from us last fall. I still don’t go there often, but it’s annoying having to drive to the grocery store in a Chicago. I seem to go between Mariano’s (which is usually ridiculously packed) and Fresh Thyme (which is similar to Sprouts). Neither is ideal.

I hope they replace the old Treasure Island with another grocery store eventually. I’d even take a Target with groceries. It remains vacant currently.

Yep.

Treasure Island sounds like it was magical.

When I “lived” in Australia for a couple months a decade ago, I’d go on solo journeys to the grocery store during the day while my soon to be wife was at work. I remember making it a mission to find ground turkey for tacos or something, because I was told there was no such thing there. I found it after a few days and lots of tram trips.

It was super interesting of course, so now I do little tours of grocery stores whenever I travel to other countries. It can tell you a lot about cultures; makes me feel a bit like Bourdain.

It was. It had all the staples plus an emphasis on international foods. Solid produce and bakery too.

I can relate to a lot of that. I'm the same way.

I'm still searching for this one particular Panamanian hot sauce that ruddo claims can't be found in America. I'm convinced it exists somewhere in Houston. It has to.

Did you just truncate me?

Might be the weekend I finally give Aldi a visit.

they're starting to pop around here..ive only ever been to one in italy...people swear by them

The store reminds me of thodoks. Maybe I should have posted this in Alex's stupid "reminds you of RMers thread."

UPDATE on this: I'm learning to love the new store after a full-on produce and meat run. The open layout of the produce section is so user-friendly and visually much more colorful. Several new types of produce at this location too (nopales, chayote squash...) HEB is really good at tailoring their produce and butcher areas to the neighborhood. Lots of good looking stuff at the seafood counter too. Maybe I wrote this place off too soon. Still hate those gigantic shopping carts, though. And I really miss the bulk grain aisle.

Been inside a few Fiesta Mary’s this week for work. They really are like super market sized bodegas.

Been inside a few Fiesta Mary’s this week for work. They really are like super market sized bodegas.

That's awesome