Asian Supermarket in SoNo
Does anybody know anything about this market going into South Norwalk (in the old US Marine store space)? I'm curious, since I live in the general vicinity. I have often done my Asian specialty food shopping at the market in Broad River. I wish that they had more fresh produce, but I almost always find what I need in bags, jars and cans.
I might swing by there this weekend. If I find anything out, I will post it.
-
Tabasco77
Dec 16, 2008 07:34 AM
My guess is they are done. Haven't been by the store recently, but I just happened to check their website to see if that had any additional info. Turns out the website has been taken down, so if that's gone, I'm sure it means the place has gone under.
-
I just went in today to buy some veggies because it is nice and convient, it beats driving all the way to Chinatown to buy groceries but this week there was much less selection than there was two weeks ago to my disappointment.
They use to have egg custard tarts, roasted pork buns and live fish but no more. I hope this isn't a sign that they'll go under.
They do however still have a good selection of fish. The mark up isn't bad neither, 10-15% more than what you'll find in NYC.
Nice selection of dried noodles, I buy their all vegan feed eggs from a farm from Brandford which taste good and a bargain to what you'd pay in a super market. If you ask the meat guy in the counter, you can order freshly slaughtered never frozen chickens from New York. Those chickens are to die for, but be warned, it'll still have the head and feet attached if your not use to Asian chickens.
Hopefully with more patronage they'll bring back all the good stuff they use to have and a huge bustling market soon.
›4 Replies-
-
re: UWStoSONO
We were just down in Sono and thought I'd see what was happening at the Asian Market. Unfortunately it was "closed temporarily". There was a sign in the window thanking everyone for their support and patience and sorry for the inconvenience. It did not say when they would reopen, but from the looks of it I think they might not be. The shelves were mostly empty. Too bad, could have been a nice addition to the neighborhood.
-
-
-
My friend (Korean) and I (Chinese) checked out the new Asian market in SoNo today and were quite disappointed. We purposely waited this long to make a visit based on the comments here and expected the store to be well stocked by now. Given that we both live in the area, we were excited over the prospect of a sizeable Asian market. However, the two of us together couldn't even find $25 worth of things to buy in order to have our parking validated! The market lacked basic Asian staples such as fresh tofu in the refrigerated case. We could only find the shelf-stable tofu. Their selection of Lee Kum Kee condiments was paltry compared to the selection I've seen at some conventional grocery stores. The vegetables did not appear fresh at all so we stayed away from them. Bakery case mentioned here was bare and can't remember seeing any fresh seafood. For now, I will continue to shop in White Plains and at the little market on 123 in Norwalk. And my friend will continue to trek to Jersey's Han Ah Reum. We didn't see speak with anyone at the store to see if more stock was coming or what their plans are for all the empty shelves. They did have a suggestion box prominently placed by the front door and it seemed stuffed with comments. So perhaps there will be more to come however I don't think it's smart to disappoint eager customers. The store should have been better prepared for their Grand Opening.
›2 Replies-
re: wangsilly
I admit I haven't frequented this store, since the last few times I've gone I've also been a little disappointed. It just feels weird in there, even though the people are really nice and try to be helpful. I went by a few days ago, and I'm wondering if they are having severe problems. Most of the shelves were even more naked than I remember. The freezers and refrigerators were nearly empty and they had the odor of when you unplug your refrigerator and get rid of all the food in it...kind of funky. Will they close? Will they survive? It's such a shame. I had higher hopes for this market. Maybe the space was too big to survive in this area. I just feel bad for them.
-
re: luvarugula
Honestly, I think the size of the space is fine. The problem is that they after being open for 3 months, they still haven't stocked the shelves. I don't get it. What's the deal with this place? It's like they don't want business. Niche Asian products are only going to get you so far. They need to A. fully stock their shelves and B. sell more mainstream items that people need. I'm just really confused as to why this has not happened yet.
-
-
-
half-page ad in todays (8/15) Norwalk Hour
"Far East Super Market"
fresh seafood
meat
poultry
asian grocery
bakery & deli
Asian style sushi bar5 Washington Street
203 853 7200›3 Replies -
I just didn't have time to get over there this weekend. Anyone have anything new to report? I am curious to know what kinds of produce and prepared foods they're going to have. Hopefully, fresh kaffir lime leaves will be readily available.
›4 Replies-
-
re: Tabasco77
Hey...that sounds good Tabasco77. Kaffir lime leaves are a very aromatic flavoring, often used in Asian cooking. I've only tasted it in soups and curries, but I'm sure there are a bunch more uses. I think I've seen it used to flavor vodka and ice cream. It's usually just the leaves of the plant, and not the actual fruit, that is used. The flavor is citrusy and you would most likely recognize it if you knew what it was. Believe me, if you haven't tried it, and you like citrus and lime flavors, get hold of some fresh kaffir leaves and use them in your next curry. Then...let's talk.
-
-
re: luvarugula
Tabasco77
Aug 13, 2008 02:30 PM
Very interesting.... I may have to try that!
Yesterday I went, and as UWS says below, they're still not fully stocked, but they did have some baby bok choy, which I absolutely love. Spoke with one of the people there and they really seem very nice. Asked about a bunch of products that I'd hope to see them carry. They seemed more than happy to order things for me, so next time I've gotta bring in the brand names.
So they had a pretty good selection of veggies already. Rice and noodles are pretty well stocked, as well as cannned veggies. They have one or 2 types of sambal, tons of soy sauce, but not the semi-sweet kind i need. No kimchi or raw peanuts yet tho. Some spices, but it looks like there will be much much more. Their frozen stuff is probably the best stocked aisle. Edamame, potstickers, shumai, and a few different types of ice cream, just to name a few.
Forgot (again) to ask about the parking validation. Went in at 6:02pm yesterday, left at 6:14, figuring i made it under the 15 min mark. Nope. $2 since it was after 6pm. :( Not a huge problem, but it is a bit of a hassle. Would be nice if they validate in the future.
-
-
-
-
-
-
re: lattelover
Stopped there today. Same promise of fully stocked shelves next week. Looks like it is going to be a great place. Very friendly staff.
Regarding parking, they have not yet gotten approval from the parking authority to validate the tickets. However, if you spend 15 minutes or less in the lot, it is free. Validation should be coming however.
15 minutes was enough to get a variety of frozen items, fresh noodles, walk through the market and find the SELECTION of sweet rice...
-
-
-
-
-
-
re: UWStoSONO
Tabasco77
Jul 23, 2008 08:59 AM
There was an article in teh Hour sometime last week that said they didn't have a set opening date, but it would be within the next 2 weeks. Can only hope it's soon, I'm really excited to see what they've got to offer.
Gonna keep my fingers crossed for raw peanuts! :)
-
re: Tabasco77
Just wondering...how are they going to handle parking? I'm about two blocks from there, so I can walk. There's that lot caddy-corner to the market lot, which is free, but do people know about that? Won't it hurt business, if free 5 minutes of parking is all they offer? Who can food shop in that amount of time?
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
re: luvarugula
They did open today. Very few items still in the store. Mostly dry goods. The city of Norwalk, delayed their CO. The owner came up to me and thanked me for coming in, another gal came over a few minutes later and explained the delay, and stated the store would be fully open on Monday.
Here is what I was able to see:
4 aisles of dry and packed goods, asian snacks, mostly chinese styles sauces.
Two large tables that would most likely be for vegetables.
Many water tanks already filled with a couple of very big crabs, mabye Dungeness, but not sure. As well, about 3 4x 5 foot tables that would be for fish etc.
Adjacent to these more tables that might be for meat, poultry etc.
In the far back corner they have a section with a large steam table, looks like they may have food to go as well.
Sorry, I don't have more detail. Sounds like some of you will check it out this weekend. I'll give a another update on Monday during my lunch.
-
re: greguar
I had the chance to stop by this afternoon. It's slim pickins' at the moment. All they really have is a dozen or so frozen items...mostly steamed buns. Some of the shelves are stocked, but I didn't really look. I want to go back when they are all stocked up. I'd forgotten how huge that space was. I think it will be a couple of more weeks before they are fully functional, but, I think it's going to be great.
-
re: greguar
Tabasco77
Aug 5, 2008 12:13 PM
Worked from home today and was able to stop by there quick on my lunch hour. Everyone was very polite, perhaps because I was the only customer in the store, or maybe they are just nice people. :)
There were many people unloading boxes and stocking shelves and freezers, but I was able to get a great look around. As greguar said, there are going to be a few different stations.
I asked the girl who was ringing me up what else they were going to have, and did confirm that the "kitchen" area in the back would be for take-out or sit-down dining. They'd also have a sushi bar as well.
I'd like to clarify what greguar said about the 2 large teables for veggies. Large is not the word I'd use. Immense might be a better representation. HUGE tables ready to be stocked with wholesome goodness, and as I confirmed, RAW PEANUTS!!!! :-D
Another guy told me that their grand opening won't be until September, but they'll be getting more and more stuff in as the week goes on. By the weekend there should be a good amount more, as I got the impression another big shipment was coming in Thurs or Fri.
Only spent $20, but walked away with a ton of stuff, including edamame, shumai, and noodles. Will I go back, yes.... probably this weekend! :)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
re: luvarugula
we are validating parking for one hour free for our customers when you buy $25 or up.
for example:
if you had brought a total of $31 we would subtract one dollar off so you would pay $30 and you would use that dollar that we subtracted off to pay for the parking...
the town would not let us stamp the parking ticket so we have to do it this way...
and 15 minutes is free parking.
-
-
-
-
-
-
I noticed that a couple weeks ago as I live on Washington Street. This is such great news now that I don't have to get in the car and drive to Stop and Shop for produce/most groceries anymore. SoNo has needed this badly to make it a legitimate "urban" place to live. Especially if you can't stand driving in Norwalk. When I walked by the other day, I saw they have all the aisles and refrigerators constructed. Just waiting for the groceries/produce. That's all I know so far. Anyone else?
›6 Replies-
-
re: plumerella
What? Where? SoNo you say? US Marine...US Marine...was that on Water St? I know WEST Marine. Im trying to place it. Please give me more nearby landmarks.
I live in South Norwalk I would LOVE to have an asian market closeby. I always go to the one on new Canaan ave but one day my sister called me grossed out and said the man who owns the place was clipping his toenails inside the store. When in Rome..-
-
-
re: UWStoSONO
UWStoSONO...thanks for finding that out. I went by a few weeks ago, and couldn't tell, nor did I see anyone about.
Man! that is really disgusting about the "clipping of toenails" on New Canaan Ave. I wish it weren't true, since I go there alot. I'd be sticking to the canned and packaged goods until the one in SoNo opens...which is just a week or two away. YAY!
-
-
-
-
-
