Vegetable Bin(Song's Family Grocery & Polynesian Deli) — Attraction in Seattle

This visit was random. We live further north and usually make a pit stop on our way back from the airport. In the 25+years of this establishment, I have never been disappointed with the food. The palusami made my throat itchy, more leaves than coconut and the portion wasn't as big as it used to be. The selection of food (menu) was limited, ten items and only four available? And what happened to the tall pot with the sua fa'i? I couldn't get any more than one word from the man behind the counter. He was cooking and seemed to be in a hurry. I looked around for Sung? No sign of him, so I inquired, "Where's Sung?" The cashier said, "Sung passed away six months ago." My heart ached in that moment, 'No wonder, that explains everything." We talked for a bit. The woman took me towards the restroom to look at the pictures and said, "See, Sung go Samoa!" The woman is Sung's sister in law and the man in the kitchen is Sung's younger brother, her husband. Sung lived with them for several months before his demise. This long time running Owner always had a smile - and always poked fun at my father every time we would pick up luau leaves. He tells whoever is nearby, a customer, an employee, anybody, "You see this man, him come from Samoa, no cooka palusami but make this for Hawaii, laulau c'mon you Samoa!"

He was a great guy! He will be missed! Rest...

This is the first time I have been there in decades. Since they moved across the street on M L King Way S. My best friend used to work there decades ago. Anyway, I was with a Samoan friend, who wanted to stop in. Back when my friend worked there, they only sold vegetables. Thus the name Vegetable Bin. Not anymore! They sell T-Shirts and other clothing items and knick knacks. They also have a deli now. My friend mentioned their Musubi sandwiches. Technically, I suppose it's not a sandwich. More like sushi, but not sliced... Spam and rice, wrapped in Nori seaweed. It was very good! I also grabbed a turkey tail. Also very good! When I was growing up, the butt cut of a chicken was my favorite part. The sweet, fatty meat of the tail, and the 2 tiny chicken oysters near the spine. Arguably the best tasting part of a chicken. Anyway, the turkey tail was delicious! Nice and fatty, and in a delicious sauce. I will have to return and check out their other deli items. Another review to come....

Location right across from the Rainier Beach light rail station makes this really my only retail option when I'm getting home from work. I have my favorite items, and for a convenience store they're very reasonably priced. But the selection is limited for prepackaged items, and even more so for fresh food. Also, the aisles are so narrow I'm constantly worried about knocking something...