Local Food

When I was a young mother I would walk with two or three children to Star Grocery. The owner, old Mr. Pappas was always there, and would often present me with a box of candy with a small bow and a nod to the kids. I always took it to mean that he thought we were a lovely family. They would deliver groceries if you called in your order (something they no longer do) , but I always enjoyed the outing and seeing courtly Mr. Pappas.

The store is a neighborhood institution. The story goes that during the depression Mr Pappas carried a lot of local people on credit until they could get back on their feet. Today his son Nick runs the store. They struggle against stiff competition from several supermarkets in the area, and neighbors have shown their appreciation by raising money to refurbish the neon sign and install benches in front. There is always someone using the benches-- adults eating lunch, kids stopping by after school, dogs tied to one of the benches or, in Ozzie's case, the drainpipe.

Those of us who have been customers forever can still buy groceries on credit. They have fresh produce, bulk spices, a real butcher/deli, cleaning products, cheese, wine, beer and a quirky selection of dry and canned goods. I've seen kids come in on their way to the elementary school up the street with a note. Someone goes and fills a paper bag with the requested lunch items and the kid is on his way again. Many local teenagers have come and gone as checkers.I always see someone I know there--In fact sometimes when I'm in a hurry I will affect an expression of grave concentration and purposefulness in hopes of ignoring them without causing offense.

Last week there was a "Bake Sale for Obama" out in front. The realty office next door had a party in their back garden with a taco truck parked in front of Star Grocery. A local photographer has a display in the front window, and there is a shelf where you can leave books you have read and take one you haven't. There is also an espresso machine and one table in the front window. There is an annual pumpkin carving contest and funny little handwritten notes taped next to new items.

Like I said...It's a neighborhood institution.