Berkeley Bowl

Berkeley Bowl is a grocery store, but shopping at it feels more like
trench warfare. First you have to find parking within the tiny lot, a
task made even more imposing due to the fact that you have to dodge
crazed Prius drivers, throngs of pedestrians, and the occasional old
hippy on a bicycle. Once you get inside the chaos only continues as you
are forced to battle your way through a crowd of Berkeleyites whose
only objectives are to get to that last piece of fruit before you do
and batter you repeatedly with their shopping carts.


The reason people put up with the madness is because of the staggering
collection of fresh fruit and vegetables they have here. Their produce
selection puts other supermarkets to shame. Last time I was there I
counted 10 different types of oranges, 8 different types of apples, and
6 different types of grapes. They have apples the size of your thumb,
pomegranates the size of your head, and rare fruits that look like they
were harvested from some alien planet.

Even if you elect to
go with standard fruits, you'll be able to taste a difference and
quality and freshness. Prices for fruit and veggies are fairly cheap
since they buy everything in bulk. After you exit the store laden with
your spoils you will feel like you've won a hard-earned, yet
worthwhile, battle. Definitely check it out if you are in town.