Vicente Foods: A Neighborhood Jewel

Forget Ralph's, Pavilion's and Gelson's. Vicente Foods is a better market than all three put together. It's not that the food they sell is any greater - it's that you can't match the neighboorhood charm and sweet service anywhere else.
First of all, nowhere else can you still get free cookies at the bakery, even if you're over 12. I for one will never get sick of the sprinkles. Not to forget, of course, their icing cookies are to die for - especially when you find a shape that you love =).
Second, nowhere else will you find friendly check-out clerks that know you by name. Locals are loved and appreciated at Vicente - and that is a key to the market's success.
Third, it has one of the best selections of fruit ever. There are always samples of everything - watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, you name it. There are also bread samples and coffee samples when you find yourself tending to your grocery list on the right day.
Fourth, the poetry man that roams the sidewalk outside Vicente is a treat himself. Yes, he's a little rowdy (and maybe a little crazy?), but he'll always hand you a poem written by one of his favorite poets or even one of his own pieces of work as you're loading your car with groceries. It's a nice little touch.
Finally, Vicente is famous for its holiday wishes - written on the huge window next to the front doors, radiating joy all year long (except of course for the "Back to School" display in late August).