World Market — Attraction in Los Angeles

In the '70s, visiting San Francisco California, we are led by friends into a series of warehouses, along San Francisco Bay; Identified as "Cost Plus." The poorly lit warehouses are crammed with crates and boxes, displaying eclectic, imported merchandise, priced surprisingly low. Navigating the aisles, we found beautiful surprises, handmade by talented artisans, uniquely displaying the characteristics of their homeland.

The WORLD MARKET, in Sherman Oaks California, one of 242 in the United States, is a miniature of those incredible warehouses, stuff to the gills, but a whole lot neater and brighter.

Their surprisingly broad international selections include "artisan crafted" furniture, food preparation and serving items, holiday decorations, women's clothing, children's toys, objets d'art, and many other unique imports.

Their recently expanded selection of foods includes international and specially local products. Some are vegan. For example, they have several varieties of olives, pickled vegetables, canned fish, vegan and natural caviar, lots of Asian and European packaged specialties, pasta in a variety of shapes, sauces, and potato gnocchi.

There are spices and chocolates from around the world. Soft drinks from several countries, a hugh collection of wines, and hard to find beers are displayed with snacks that will titillate your taste buds. (So many chips, so little time.) Prices are moderate, sometimes surprisingly so.

Quickies: Free validated parking. Be sure to validate your parking ticket at the check out counter. Their club, which is free to join, offers discounts. Everything is wheelchair accessible, including bathrooms. (Ask any employee for the code to the bathroom's doors.)

Delivery...

I'm always a bit confused by this place. I like it. I like the stuff in there. A lot of it's pretty expensive there's nothing in there that anyone really needs. But it is full of cool stuff and they have some great prices on some great wines. I guess it's like a HomeGoods store that carry some International Foods and stuff. I really don't know. I can buy some Danish licorice someone who South America a papasan address of candle of mirror wind chime through my backyard a cookbook and a cast iron skillet. Super random but pretty cool....

Cost Plus is one of those upscale shops you go to buy a few very specific items. For me, it's a particular type of coffee. Overall this is a great store. They literally have food items and other gift and home items. I just like coming here to get one of my favorite kinds of coffee. I irregularly get other items. I was able to try vegemite (for those wondering, it's a novel experience. Unless you grew up eating it). Or marmite (same as vegemite). I really do...