11.14.2004
Relief from dull food
I moved here from California about two months ago, and there's a lot I really like about Duluth and not all that much I miss about California. I can admit though that the food here is generally not good, at both grocery stores and restaurants, in terms of both quality and selection and sometimes even price, compared to back home.Today I found some relief at a new little Asian food market that has opened up on 4th St at 12th Avenue (1131 E. Duluth). It's called Duluth First Oriental and it's run by a nice Filipino lady who quit her job as a nurse to run the store with her husband.
I found things there that I was thinking I would have to go back home for (or to the cities) - a big jar of Kim Chee, jars of Patak's Indian pickles and relishes, Chinese Egg Noodles, rooster brand Sriracha sauce and Sate sauce, pickled mustard greens, a bag of bok choy, assorted pre-cooked indian dishes (a brand I'd never seen), and a small can of broiled eel. Like most Asian markets I've been into, there's also a ton of stuff I have never had and will need a little courage to try.
I hope this store is a success. I plan to shop there occasionally. I want to encourage people to check it out, especially if you are suffering because Duluth is too small-town for you.