Week 71: Vine Ripe Market

Week 71: May 5th-11th, 2024

New favorite grocery store alert! It sounds crazy, but up until today, I had never been to one of the local grocery stores called Vine Ripe Market. To be fair, for the first year I lived here in La Mesa, the market was closed for construction. I think they were doing a massive renovation, and though I never saw the previous version, I can say they did a pretty good job.

Sharing the parking lot with our beloved neighborhood Chili's ("beloved" is a stretch, I have only been there once for the Nicki Minaj margarita), Vine Ripe Market is actually easy to miss when you're driving down Fletcher Parkway toward my apartment building. The hustle and bustle of the Costco parking lot and gas station combined with the long traffic light at the intersection by Chili's makes Vine Ripe Market kind of blend into the background. I couldn't tell you how many times I've driven past it without a second thought. That all changes today, as I finally made it inside and was greeted by low prices and friendly staff.

I'm embarrassed to admit it but I actually drove to Vine Ripe Market, even though I could've (and should've) walked. The eco warrior in me is screaming but hey, pick your battles. Its only about a ten minute walk from where I live, but I was going in without a list, and what if I wanted to buy something really heavy or inconvenient to carry home? It was also a hot day, and the thought of getting sweaty was very unappealing.

The outside of Vine Ripe Market

Immediately when I walked in, something smelled really warm and delicious, like baked bread and spices. I explored a bit and looked in each aisle. There were tons of delicious hot foods at the deli and a wide variety of bakery items. They also had a big selection of fresh juices and I got myself a lime, green apple and mint one. Throughout the entire store, there were a ton of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean brands that were a nice change from Kroger, Kirkland or whatever they have at Whole Foods (Market Pantry? 365?).

The juice selection at Vine Ripe!

Lots of canned beans

The produce section was pretty busy, so I didn't take any photos. I was too worried about bumping into people or getting in someone's way while they're reaching for the celery. I got some lemons, since I forgot them during my recent grocery restock and kept moving. Like Whole Foods, there was also a prepared food section with hot plates, and I picked myself up a chicken kabob plate with rice.

More options of hot foods

I wandered around some more but didn't grab anything else. At the checkout, the cashier was a cute older woman who asked me if I spoke Arabic. I said no, sadly, I can barely speak English, and she laughed. She said she asked because she thought I looked Lebanese, which was funny.

When I got home, I realized I'd finished my green juice before I got a good photo of it, so here is the empty bottle. It was a very refreshing bevvy on a warm day, and it felt like a treat.

I'm surprised I hadn't visited Vine Ripe Market before this week, but I'm glad I finally did. I plan to add it into my current grocery store rotation alongside Trader Joe's and Albertson's. It is super close-by and convenient, and on a better day, I'll be able to walk there instead of drive.

This upcoming week includes my 25th birthday, so as I embark on my official quarter-life-crisis, I'll find Something New to do and keep you all posted.

See you next week.