"0"^^ . . "2009-03-01T00:00:00"^^ . . "5"^^ . "0"^^ . . "0"^^ . "I've been going to this place since I was a kid. \n\nI remember when it first opened, my parents said it wasn't going to do well because of it being a high-end grocer. But it's still there...and I still grab my iced mochas and bialys just like I did in high school (which actually aren't expensive). \n\nDon't go for the basic groceries (including alcohol); that's what Fry's and Trader Joe's are for.\n\nThe bakery is usually my main reason for going. It's fun to marvel at all the different cakes, cookies, cannolis, breads and other delights. The coffee is cheaper than Starbucks and sometimes even better. They have a Cappuccino Club card where you buy something like 11 drinks you get one free, which is not bad given that most shops don't have punch cards. If you drink regular coffee, you can get 50 cent refills if you buy the green AJ's mug (a hit with mom). \n\nBakery staff gets five stars, heck, all AJ's staff gets five stars. The folks who work there are nice and knowledgeable, not snooty like some would think. \n\nQuality meat department if you are up for the prices - but they do have specials every so often. The beef kabobs are made with the finer cuts and are usually a good deal.\n\nGreat sandwiches and pasta salads. During the winter/snowbird months, they have their little outdoor BBQ set up on Saturday mid-days that serves up burgers and brats. A cheeseburger is $6.00.\n\nThey do catering for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kosher holiday meals at reasonable prices if you don't feel like cooking for 5+ people.\n\nPleasant outdoor seating, where you can easily plant yourself for hours chatting with friends, reading one of the many free magazines that are neatly stacked near the exit while enjoying coffee or the free Wi-Fi. \n\nDuring the cooler weather, beware of large gangs of bike riders in Spandex. No matter what your age or shape, Spandex is a friend to no one.\n\nI've been to a couple other AJ's around town, but am partial to this one. Can't you tell?"^^ .