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December 13, 2006
Dorchester local businesses: behind in the count, about to strike out
Just got back from the Capitol Food Basket, inspired by the thought of supporting a local grocery store. Wow, I don't know how people shop there and pay those kind of prices when they could just go down the street to the Shaw's. Perhaps there's some kind of loyalty there, but I could almost hear my pocketbook crying as I strolled the aisles. The only deal I found better than at the supermarket was on a gallon of milk.
Now, if the atmosphere were at least somewhat pleasant, I might be willing to pay a bit more, but the place stank and felt just plain dirty. Not that I mind stinky and dirty when it comes to buying food, judging from the various outdoor and indoor markets I've been to around the world, but for some reason this place had a different kind of stink. Totally unappealing. My wallet has spoken louder than my morals and I will most likely not be going back there any time soon. Except perhaps to buy a gallon of milk.
Couple this experience with the totally unprofessional practices of two local sign companies with whom we have dealt lately regarding church signage, and you have two strikes against local businesses here. Even though I am totally for being supportive of local businesses, it is so much more difficult when said businesses are stinky and/or unprofessional.
I am willing to admit that I have limited experience with Dorchester businesses. Plus, one area where they have hit it out of the park is restaurants. From the Blarney Stone (our playoff friends), to Shanti (an Indian restaurant with a to-die-for tandoori menu), to Pho 2000 (cheap Vietnamese), I think I can safely say that I do not need to go to downtown Boston to get a good meal.
| By heiders | 11:25 AM
Comments
Yeah, the Capitol Food Basket is just bad.
When you're talking about good restaurants, though, don't forget my favorite place for calzones, right in Fields Corner: D'Bennys (no web address that I know of, though my spelling may be off). They're not fine dining, to be sure, but their calzones are incredible.
Posted by: Evan Donovan at December 13, 2006 07:34 PM
I just discovered a fantastic Middle Eastern restaurant in Burlington, Ontario. The grad department went there after our conference/presentation. The food was soooo good. Ah, I am still full from it.
Posted by: funke at December 13, 2006 09:05 PM
Could it be that local businesses that actually produce their own food, i.e. local farmers and neighborhood restaurants, are superior to locally owned stores that just buy and re-sell products?
Posted by: Anna at December 14, 2006 09:32 AM
Could be. I hadn't thought of that, although I still think locally owned businesses could do a better job of buying and re-selling (especially when the locals complain, which apparently they have).
Posted by: heiders at December 14, 2006 04:12 PM
