Introduction to Markets and Food

There are many markets to shop at in Encino and, depending on your point of view, that's a blessing or a curse. In this section we want to encourage interest in shopping at markets you haven't visited and to point to interesting efforts being made by these markets to provide better food.

So how many markets do you shop at? Ralphs or Vons, Gelson's, Trader Joe's, the Farmers' Market (on Victory on Sunday mornings), the kosher/ethnic markets (by White Oak or Newcastle), Tapia Brothers (Hayvenhurst), Smart and Final Iris (on Balboa) and faraway Costco? Most people shop at at least 4 markets if they want a diverse range of food and good prices.

This is a bit different from other countries where people shop at 2-3 markets and some of them are within walking distance. In other words, a choice means having to drive further and that means having to stock a week's worth of food rather than a few day's worth. Current lifestyles mean eating less fresh produce and snacking more, which studies indicate is the prime cause of obesity and other health problems, and much food sold today simply doesn't taste that great.