What do you all think of the Fresh & Easy grocery chain (which comes from Britain, where it is called Tesco Foods)?
They've been proliferating around SoCal like weeds lately, especially in Orange County, but pretty much all over. So far, I would have to say that it is very interesting. It is an ultra-modern place to shop (for instance, there are no checkers--it is all self-checkout, in every single one), and the aisles simply have to be seen to be believed), and it seems very cold and clinical at first, but in a way that's really cool. It makes you feel like you are part of the Space Age to shop there. Plus, they have a great selection of pre-fab fresh lunch dishes (esp. pasta), and a decent selection of organic/trans-fat-free bread items.
It can't compete with Trader Joe's in any area, but it's a lot closer than TJ's and offers a very different kind of experience.
Chaimfan