Mind your Ps & Qs everyone – especially your ‘Ps’ (Mr Trumpf take note!). Politics, potential presidents, and pounds (not to mention, Putin!) seem to have morphed into profanities this week; if you dare to bring up any of these topics at a dinner party or on social media be prepared for a barrage of opinions and possible defriending!
Although I was worried I might not be able to stock up on things like Marmite and PG Tips as the American multinational Unilever was in a dispute with Tesco over pricing – so Tesco retaliated by threatening to remove the offending items from their stores! As press time I read the two companies had made a deal, which is a relie because I did not want to be stuck stuck with Gelsons as my supplier of overpriced Marmite for the time being (they keep it in the baking section if you are ever looking for it; as it is a ‘yeast extract!).
Coincidentally one of the most popular questions of the week was “Where is best to grocery shop?” I remember when I first arrived here in 1997 I was clueless and mostly ended up at the rather expensive Bristol Farms, purely because it was the closest to me. It is actually quite hard to tell a grocery store from the exterior as they don’t window dress like the supermarkets do at home. If anything they often have so many plants outside you would think they were garden centers! For years I thought Trader Joes was an affiliate or copycat of the famous restaurant and cocktail bar Trader Vic’s, so I was quite annoyed to find out it is actually a really great place to food shop. For those of you who don’t know, the wine is REALLY reasonably priced – in fact French wines are often cheaper there than they are back in the UK! It was definitely a winner amongst the Brits in LA members too, so if you haven’t been yet make sure to check them out. They are all over town or visit TraderJoes.com to find the nearest one for you.
Ralphs, Vons Albertson’s and Pavilions got lots of votes too, and but you must make sure to sign up for their loyalty cards as this will save you at least 20%, if not more. I have the Vons app on my phone which offers extra discount coupons and also the occasional free item, plus Ralphs and Vons give you discounts on petrol at Shell and Chevron. People suggest avoiding Whole Foods aka ‘Whole Paycheck’ but again if you download their app they also offer discounts, this week’s coupon offers $5 off fruit and veg! Sprouts was a runner up, and get a special mention for their bread which is less sweet and more similar to British bread apparently, but they are not everywhere so you might need to make a special trip. A few people recommended the recently opened Aldi (there is one in Inglewood) who coincidentally own Trader Joes. Special mentions for Vallarta, Ranch 99 and Farm Boy – none of which I have heard of but am definitely going to check out as they were spoken so highly of. Do you have a favorite or any frugal recommendations? Then come and join in the discussion over on Facebook @BritsinLA.
Another great saving tip we have for you is 20% off tickets for the pantomime at Pasadena Playhouse – it is produced by Lythgoe Family Productions, so you know it will be authentic!
Don’t forget we have Pub Quiz at the Pikey next Tuesday, October 18th hosted by Sandro Monetti – it is a great way to meet new people and also if you are lucky, there is a chance to win a bit of cash or a gift certificate to spend at the Pikey. Louise won the raffle for a pair of tickets to see the Pet Shop Boys at the Microsoft Theatre on October 29th at the last quiz night! If you are a PSB fan check out goldstar.com who currently have a deal on tickets! Stick with us and you will never have to pay full price for anything again!
If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at info@Britsin.la
Cheers!
Eileen
