Fubonn

Originally uploaded by dieselboi.

On Friday evening, we decided we wanted something different for “Friday night at the movies.” We enjoyed some Naan with spicy mango chutney, some hot eggplant relish and tzatziki. What we discovered is that we really loved the chutney and relish, but had eaten it all, thus requiring us to head out on Saturday to replenish our stock. Now, I’m a huge fan of international foods. While you can find some of the international specialties at local chain stores, to really get the good stuff, you have to venture out to the hinterlands.
On Saturday, we headed out to SE 82nd ave to Ril’s, a Russian grocery across from the old Eastgate Cinema. Ril’s is small, yet has a good selection of what we were looking for. We were in search of eggplant concoctions like relish, spread and spicy goodness. We were also looking for anything else that caught our eye. I’ll tell you, Ril’s did not disappoint. We picked up some great items, including some chocolate for a dinner later in the evening, yet we we were still in search of some specific items.
We ventured south on 82nd to the new Fubonn, an authentic Asian supermarket. Fubonn makes Uwajimaya on the westside look like the Starbucks of Asian supermarkets. I was overwhelmed. It wasn’t just food. The mall that was formerly Portland Community College’s SE campus is now a location where one can get clothes, school supplies, banking, art and groceries. The grocery section was crazy. We picked up numerous chutneys, snacks, and spreads. They had more options for fresh fish than I have ever seen. They had eel, numerous types of snapper and live shellfish, even conch shells. It was affordable and I could shop there daily if it was closer to home. I will definately be returning.
Next time you are looking for an Asian grocery store for that elusive spice or vegitable or herb, check out Fubonn on SE 82nd, The Avenue of Roses, between Division and Powell. You will not be disappointed. I wasn’t.