Organic Grocery Stores & More

Without a doubt, the biggest Whole Foods store in the LA area is just a short walk from the Del Mar station. Two-levels, an escalator that rides with you and your shopping cart, a seafood section that serves fresh fish and a meal, a juice bar, a tapas and wine bar, a cheese section to rival any French fromagerie , fresh brick oven pizza, 100% grass fed beef burgers, and yes, a sushi bar. And among the two floors of groceries you'll find raw-foods and hundreds of impossible to find items, including goat's milk soap. No need to look for a gluten free grocery store since Whole Foods has a comprehensive gluten free section. Whole Foods Pasadena is the undisputed king of organic grocery stores (despite what WalMart claims), the ultimate fair trade, sustainable store. www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Before the advent of organic grocery stores, there was the corner deli, thanks to Roma Italian Deli the tradition continues. You have to walk a bit uphill from the North Lake station in Pasadena, but if you are really craving a traditional Italian deli this is the one. It's cozy, family-owned, THE place in Pasadena for all your Italian groceries. Rosario will personally slice you all the best cold-cuts to put in between olive bread, tomatoes and cheese. Damn that's a great sandwich!

This is where it all started. To all the Trader Joe's fans out there, if you want to pay your respects, make a pilgrimage to the Original Trader Joe's in Pasadena. For those new to this chain of stores that we've come to love and call home--trust us you'll soon become a fanatic too. Why do we love it so much? It's not just the Hawaiian tropical beach bum motif; Trader Joe's manages to offer that perfect combination of quality, price, unique items and super friendly staff. Get some peppered salmon, olives, cheese, salami, a box of basil, tomato artichoke spread and you're ready for the Hollywood Bowl. Don't forget the corkscrew. www.traderjoes.com