I’m spending my time checking out the short films being played at the Los Angeles Asian Film Festival and when there’s “food” involved, I have to begin with The Grocery List Show. This five-part series hosted by Chef Chrissy Camba will be available on May 28 on PBS YouTube channel and their app, and it’s an impressive look at what keeps some mom-and-pop type operations alive.
Quite often, after school, I’d stop by my local corner store for a snack and maybe a comic book. They had some essential groceries too, since not everyone wanted to make a longer trip to the market for a jug of milk. Although today’s stores are not like that, the reason is because of how times have changed. Instead of finding next month’s Spider-Man here, it’s only Archie these days. Sometimes, those personalities behind the counter are people I know from either down the street or they live in the suite upstairs.
But sadly, over the years, they close their doors when we young lads and lasses grow up and move away rather than stay in the neighbourhood. Although those memories make up why I think supporting locally owned businesses is important, the other meaning also includes what an ethnic grocery store means to a local community.
Camba must have had a tough time deciding which five operations to spotlight in the first season. They are not the end all be all because each city has multiple beating hearts for each cultural world, and to say which is the better place to get shawarma is tough! Although the focus is on what’s popular in the United States of America, I can state for a fact that in British Columbia, the Municipality of Richmond is the place to visit for South Asian treats!
Other considerations include what kind of takeout food some businesses offer, or the confections one can buy here when time is short, and grandma can’t make that Turkish Delight. I hope they will consider more operations if this short documentary series gets renewed for a second season. As for which ethnic world should be next, the choices are vast! One criteria this producer emphasizes is in how these operations are multi-generational. I’m sure papa must be proud, and for mom, to be the woman who’s baking for her kids and grandchildren must be important!
In the sneak preview I received, I got to look at how Seafood City in Chicago came into being. It’s apparently the best place to pick up Filipino ingredients. In Brooklyn, Little Caribbean focuses on goodies from Grenada. The New York episode looks at three places, and I’m not surprised when considering how dense that part of the world is. The list does not end there, and I’m excited to see what the last two episodes will offer. While I doubt this narrator will ask if any owner has plans on becoming national, that would defeat the purpose of why they’re so beloved. They serve the local community rather than try to be the best out there.
Every time I go to Vancouver, BC, I often visit T&T Supermarket to pick up some goodies. This place sells just as much seafood as Seafood City, and unfortunately, unless I’m there with a cooler, lugging that around until I head home is problematical. Other products like the garlic infused peanuts are cheaper than buying them back home. As for other products, one place has a more diverse take out food section where others do not! That’s what makes some local grocery stores special, as the owner has a contract to order specific goods.
To be an independent grocer is important, and when considering the troubled waters that’s happening. Considering the soon-to-be-imposed tariffs, I wonder how this series can continue. While I know Camba is not likely to get political in her duty to spread cheer in this series, I’m sure others can rant for her. While some operations are huge enough to weather the times, other smaller corner store places may not. Also, I’d rather support family-run businesses than deal with the likes of Walmart.
4 Stars out of 5