Everything Glendale

Filed Under: Automotive Services, Guest Bloggers, Lexus of Glendale

[This is a guest post by Phyllis Harb, a realtor who also publishes the highly ranked LA Real Estate Blog.]

Who doesn't appreciate a luxury car? My first automobile was a used Maverick, and it was hideous! After several years of working as a loan processor, I was finally able to afford both a down payment and a monthly payment for a new car. I had my heart set on the Mazda RX7, but due to affordability I settled on a Honda Accord.

My only complaint with the Honda was the poor service at the Glendale dealership. I needed some part for a repair (it's been so long, I can’t remember what), and the dealership scheduled at least three or four appointments with me. My mom met me at the dealership and then dropped me off at Glendale's Allstate Savings & Loan (which was merged out of existence during the late 80s). After several hours at work, I phoned about the car's progress. Each time I was told the part wasn't in, was never in, and that they would call me when the part arrived and reschedule.

The first time, I felt it was an honest mistake; the second time I asked repeatedly if they were certain that the part was there; I think it was the third or fourth repeat of this fiasco when I complained to both the Better Business Bureau and Honda headquarters. The response from the Glendale dealership was that I was no longer welcome–they were refusing me service.

I later drove a Ford Explorer (what was I thinking?), then two Jeep Cherokees, and finally worked my way to the Lexus. Originally, at the time, the Lexus SUV was less expensive than my jeep. I finally splurged on the sedan.

I love the car, but it has never been about the car; it has been about the maintenance experience. As a matter of fact, I am at the Lexus of Glendale this morning, sipping a complimentary cappuccino, and using one of their two computers at the time of this writing.

What am I here for? A complimentary car wash! No service, just the car wash, and I was in and out in less than 30 minutes.

When I do have my Lexus serviced at the Glendale location, I am courteously and quickly dealt with. They offer complimentary shuttle service and often provide a free loaner car upon request.

Lexus of Glendale
1221 S. Brand Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91204
800.640.4479
www.lexusofglendale.com

Hours:

For Service, Parts:
Monday-Saturday: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

For Sales:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.


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Filed Under: Food, Grocery Stores, Guest Bloggers, HK Market, Jons Marketplace, Seafood City, Shopping, Super King

[This is a guest post by Kendyl Young. Kendyl is a longtime local realtor, and runs Kendyl's Open House, a hyperlocal blog about real estate and the communities of Glendale, La Crescenta, and La Canada, above the 134. Kendyl's Open House features the best real estate deals and up-to-the-moment community happenings every day.]

We live in an area of amazing culinary diversity, and this is completely reflected in our grocery stores. Now, I'm not even going to address the intimate family markets that populate so many of our corners. These are often hidden gems of ethnic yummies and super fresh backyard produce.

This post is about the supermarkets that cater to our diverse cultures and, frankly, kick the major chains' butts from here to you-know-where.

They all share common traits. First, there is the produce. The produce is amazing. Large. Beautiful. Cheap. Did I say cheap? Okay, when Ralphs has red bell peppers at $4.29 a pound, these markets often have them at $1.29. Sometimes even 2 pounds for a dollar. There are items not available at the major chains—Persian cucumbers, Mexican papayas, and cactus paddles are just a few examples. And everything seems fresher and tastes better.

A word to the wise: avoid shopping mid-morning on weekends. There are crowds of very sturdy people who have a single-minded focus on getting the very best tomato or cucumber from that pile over there. They will knock you down in a New York minute if you get in the way. They are NOT rude (mostly)—they are as oblivious to you as a crowd of sorority honeys would be at Barney's annual sale. Move aside. Your life (and shin bones) are more valuable.

Second, there are the items catering to ethnic cooking. Special vegetables, spices, condiments, and prepared foods. Often you can strike up a conversation with a casual shopper and find out what that strange green veggie is, how it is prepared, and what it tastes like. Everyone likes to talk about their food! I love to buy snacks and drinks labeled in other languages. I've had some real stinkers, but most are just amazingly good.

Third up are the meats, poultry, and seafood. Now, I'm sorry for all you die-hard Middle Americans out there. I know that the cuts of meat that Anthony Bourdain refers to as the "nasty bits" are off limits for you. You are just missing out. My motto is "eat first, ask questions...never." In these markets, I've seen ox tail (so very very very good), whole fish, chicken feet (also delectable), undefined cow innards, and whole sheep's heads (beyond MY comfort level, but who am I to judge?). The great thing is that, unlike the Chinese markets of my youth, none of this stuff smells!!!! It is all as modern and aesthetically pleasing and American as you could want.

So, here is a list of some of my favorites in Glendale and surrounding areas:

Jons Marketplace
1717 W. Glenoaks Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91201
818.244.2575
www.jonsmarketplace.com

600 E. Colorado Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91205
818.956.0999
www.jonsmarketplace.com

This is my first choice, partly due to location, partly due to the outrageous produce. Seasonal fruit and Persian cucumbers are the standouts in a sea of amazing offerings. If the price is really low, the items are sometimes misshapen or irregular. This does not affect the taste! Bulk spices and enticing juices and snacks labels in Armenian are also very good. Watch out for the sturdy peasant-looking women of all ethnicities. They can be dangerous if you try to get that choice tomato before they do!

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Super King
2716 N. San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA 90065
323.225.0044
www.superkingmarket.com

2260 N. Lincoln Avenue
Altadena, CA 91001
626.296.9311
www.superkingmarket.com

Too bad this market is a bit of a drive. I would go there every day if it were closer. The San Fernando Road location was formerly the flagship store for Hughes Market. It is spacious, modern, and huge. The produce here is better, more diverse, and even cheaper than Jons! Yesterday I got 4 huge artichokes, 2 for 99 cents, and Kobachan squash, a dollar each. Such a score. Oh, I also got 6 ounces of ground cinnamon for $1.69. I thought the meat looked very fresh.

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Seafood City
Eagle Rock Plaza
2700 Eagle Rock Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323.543.2660
www.seafoodcity.com

This market caters to the Filipino population and specializes in seafood (duh). The selection is amazing, and, while it is no Fish King, the quality is very good. There is a definite fishy smell going on here, but nothing like the smells of my youth. There is an entire WALL of frozen lumpia—that delectable Filipino eggroll—and the greens and vegetables are closer to my Chinese heart than the veggies at Jons or Super King. Weekends are an absolute hoot—they always seem to have some sort of event that involves loudspeakers, cheesy music, and announcers speaking a mixture of Tagalog and English.

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

HK Market
831 N. Pacific Avenue
Glendale, CA 91203
818.247.4949‎

The flagship store is located on Pacific. This is a large, modern building, and the offerings are a bit mind-boggling. Produce, like in all these markets, stand out for its diversity, freshness, and price. Things are not as cheap as Jons or Super King, but still very good. I find the Koreans have the most ginormous Napa cabbages in the world. They also love huge Fuji apples and Asian pears. On the far left side of the store are the prepared foods and Kimchee offerings. Thanks to my friend June, I have been tutored in what to buy and eat and it is very exciting food. I recommend the delectable fried chicken wings in the hot case. Sweet, spicy, salty, and crunchy. Totally addictive.

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

In these uncertain economic times, maybe we should rediscover a well-cooked meal in the comfort of our own homes, surrounded by the people we love. It's a thought, huh?


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