atrocious grocery, pt 4

Most disturbing of our pizza mishaps was not the confusion in doubling the recipe. Was that two cups of water? Really, six more cups of flour?

Not the rotten cheese sprinkled over a beautiful pie before we detected the smell.

Not the large pizza baked to perfection, pulled from the oven only to slide, topping side down, to the carpeted floor.

Most distressing was a dairy case encounter with mock-cheese.

Good Day Pizza Topping
shredded imitation mozzarella cheese
Albertsons
Orem, UT
Albertsons preferred-card price, $5.99/ 32 oz.

It's worth noting, this is not a vegan product, nor free of common allergens. It claims to be cholesterol-free. Is that possible when partially hydrogenated oil is the second ingredient? Inquiring minds want to know but Good Day appears to have no web presence.

If only I had a picture to document our eventual triumph in the world of home-made pizza. With real cheese.

atrocious grocery, pt 3

The plant inside the dirty glass doors has a sign resting on its soil. "No cigarettes or trash in plant." Not specific enough. There's a fast food cup and mis-matched napkin.


The Stone-Grant Asian Market is a brick and mortar store, the centerpiece of a shopping development mostly abandon. Nestled by empty storefronts, it and a smoke shop are the lone inhabitants of the once modern mall. With its in-house butcher counter, it was surely touted as "convenient for the modern housewife."

We came for the tofu. Fresh, frozen, fried, marinated, canned- they have it all. Vacuum-sealed pickled mustard greens or durian popsicles? No thank you. Partly in response to our culturally acquired tastes and partly for concern of the not-so-thin layer of dust and grime colonizing the market's inventory.

Much has been written on the politics of food availability and cost in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The formula seems to fit this market as well. A small flock of whole, frozen ducks suffer freezer burn. Ice crystals an inch thick coat dis-colored ribs. Packages of noodles are split and taped closed, the onions are soft and sprouting. Competing for today's atrocious grocery recognition are three common "food" products- aerosol cheese, canned meat loaf and a marshmallow shortbread "treat". Our winner, the Gamesa/Frito-Lay cookies, have not yet expired.


Arcoiris- high fructose corn syrup, enriched flour, coconut, sugar, vegetable shortening, hydrogenated oils.

For those with allergy concerns- this product may contain soy, milk, wheat, and nuts

(side note- anyone into the ghost theory of digital photo orbs? Are these cookies haunted or is that just a reflection from florescent light reflecting off an asbestos floor?)

Atrocious grocery find of the day

AJ's Fine Foods, La Encantada Mall
2905 E Skyline Dr.
Tucson, Az

Cajun Speciality Meats-Turducken, 14 lbs.
Frozen. Sale price- $99
Serves 10-12


*Note. Selected works of John Lennon will be on display at the mall March 16-18.

Atrocious grocery find of the day

Fry's Food Mart (A Kroger Co.)
1st & Roger, Tucson

"Kid's Doughnut"
A glazed doughnut topped with gumi bears, m&ms and heavy stripes of orange icing
2 for $1; Baked fresh daily