GROCERIES - GO HENRY'S - BETTER THAN VONS OR ALBERTSONS!!

[paperstone]

I have posted this in transportation but thought someone might benefit from it here too:

We are 4 kiwis that have been back in New Zealand for 19 days and for groceries we highly recommend Henry's Farmers Market, in Orangethorpe. When we arrived we got in late afternoon so took a taxi to Vons to stock up. (The taxi alone cost $20 USD return). Several days later we stumbled upon Henry's - well what a find!!

Reading everyone's experience about the yellow taxis confirms what we were warned about! Although the front desk didn't advocate 'local' transport, we found the bus driver's on the OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) bus routes extremely courteous and friendly. (See route 43 on attached map) http://www.octa.net/schedules_maps.aspx

Henry's Market http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry's_Farmers_Markets is situated at 1447 S. Harbor Blvd. Full. 92831 (at Orangethorpe), 714-441-1233, a 10 minute local bus ride (Bus No. 43 - $2.50 per person. return) was a pleasant surprise. As well as a lot of organic food at reasonable prices, there is a LOT of fresh fruit packaged in practical portions, bottled water (much cheaper than the vending machines) and a great bakery. Basically this place was heaven on earth, much better than Vons (or Albertsons.)

Just make sure if you are going by bus do it during the day and make sure that you have enough hands to carry all your groceries and your water! We wished that someone had told us about Henry's before we left!

[nini]

Thanks Paperstone.. We are heading over in under 3 weeks and am grateful for any tips.Had a look at the website and it looks great.. Totally despairing at the exchange rate though!

[Carina]

We were very happy with the prices at VON's ( get a customer card for the discounts - its available immediatly)

We had a vehicle so transportation was not an issue!

[paperstone]

You're welcome Nini. I know you will have a fabulous time. If you are eating out Mimis is really good and reasonably priced too. Bubber Gumps (straight out of Forrest Gump) in the Garden Walk is great too for seafood. I would avoid the 'all you can eat' menu at Captain Jacks (directly opposite the Disneyland main gates) if you want 'good' food though!

I hope I have not put anyone off Vons or Albertsons, they are still good. We got the discount card too. It is just that Henry's was remarkable - with the corner grocery store feel but with the selection and value of a big market. Great when you are hanging out for fresh produce like we were.

[nini]

We are big on healthy food... I looked at Mimi's menu and must admit cringed at some of the stuff available..The healthy food seemed very limited.... Do you get the Von's discount card immediately?

[Carina]

.... Do you get the Von's discount card immediately?

Yes!

[nini]

Thanks Carina.. I just spotted your previous answer.doh..

[Violetta]

A big thank you from another Kiwi for sharing this info. I wonder which local fruit and vegetables will be in season late September/ early October?