Little Tokyo

One of the advantages of living near Los Angeles is the fact that you have access to so many ethnic markets, such as Woori Market in Little Tokyo.  It really is a Korean/Japanese market, offering the best of both worlds. I went here this summer with my daughters and loved the fact that everything was fresher and cheaper than any of the regular Von's or Ralph's.  They have Whole Foods quality produce, at 1/4 the price.  Not a big fan of fish with their eyes still in, but they do have some of the freshest fish in town.  They stock the basics--seaweed, rice, ramen, kimchi and pickled-everything-else, teas, and produce--and there are separate stores inside Woori, including a kick-ass bakery, mini restaurant, and the mandatory kimbap lady.   I felt like I had died and gone to Mochi heaven.  So many choices, so little time.  For those of us who like seaweed, they have every variety you could imagine.  It definitely is a taste you have to acquire.  No Asian Market would be complete without a Hello Kitty product or two or thousands.  I didn't buy these, but the packaging sure was cute.  Of course there are fresh flowers, since we are only a few blocks from the flower mart.  This is probably the largest market I have ever been in, and you have to spend at least two hours to see and sample everything. Definitely worth the trip.