Leilanis Attic

So recently, I wanted, nay needed some Chili Peppah Wata for some kalua pork. Now, in the past my usual stop would be Marukai. But since Don Quijote bought Marukai, the stores and what they carry seemed to have changed. There are certain local kine items I know I can get reliably at Marukai, like Aloha Shoyu, but since the change, there are items that are not always available. So, this time around I just decided to hele on over to Leilani's Attic which opened in March of last year. They had Parks Chili Water in stock, the folks working are always friendly, and I like supporting these local businesses anyway. Anyway, I went looking for my post on Leilanis and there wasn't one! What the heck....senior moment creeping in.

So, I decided to drop by at the tail end of my usual Saturday shopping errands (Leilanis opens at 10), just browse a bit (and get some taro chips), and sneak in a few photos. The shop is located in the strip mall that contains Sipz, Di Chan, and Ma's House.

And in case you're wondering, this is the shop that was next to Leilani's in PB. They also have an outlet in Vegas now as well. It's a small, but well organized shop, food one side, all the other "stuffs" like Local Motion, Hilo Hatties, one another side.

To be honest, I don't really spend much time in this area.

I'm looking for grocery stuff when I come here. What I've noticed during recent visits is that the crack seed displays, while still yielding a decent variety are kind of depleted.

Of course there are all the standards....

And if you need to Noh, this is wea' you can go!

The one thing I really enjoy about L's Attic is that there are always things that "take me back"; that bring on that warm nostalgic feeling. Just looking at the cold and freezer case for instance.

Would have me smiling thinking about debates my friends and I would have; "are you team Purity, or team Redondo's"? As I've noted before, I'm totally "team Purity". As for Gouviea, well that was for special occasions, since we could never depend on getting that during small kid time.

Check out this shelf.

It's amazing what little thing can bring on all those feelings. Like the time I saw that Leilanis carries Good News.

 In case you haven't heard of this, Good News was created back in the 70's. I believe that Good News is mainly sold back in the Islands these days. This was my late Mom's favorite guilty pleasure. She would get me to walk to Kaimuki Sundries or Lau Market to get one for her every once in a while. Every time I see it within the confines of a small neighborhood store or market, I can't help but think of my walks (she never did learn to drive and we had no car) around the corner to get one for her.

Enough of that. Yes, there are places where you can get local kine stuffs these days. For some reason, I enjoy the shopping experience at Leilanis. Also, the nice guy working told me he can order Parks Brand Kim Chee Sauce for me. You don't get that kind of service at large markets. I haven't been able to get that here or in OC for a while. So perhaps it's time for me to make my Chicken Alice Fried Chicken, which I call the "OG KFC" soon.

I'm glad to have a place like Leilanis in a more convenient location for me!

Leilanis Attic
5505 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
Open Daily 10am - 7pm

Comments

[Kathy Q]

Thank you! I did not know about Leilani’s Attic. And so close to me! I’ll be stopping in ASAP.

[Som Tommy]

Nice

[Sandy]

The last time I went to Leilani's Cafe, there was a Leilani's Attic next door. Is this a second store?

[Kirk]

Hope you enjoy Kathy!

Check them out ST!

Keola told me that they moved Sandy. I guess I need to verify next time I'm there!

[kat]

nice!

[Kirk]

I enjoy my visits there Kat!

[Peter]

Oh wow -- thanks for the tip! We used to frequent Motu Hawaii in PB years ago, then Leilani's restaurant and store after Motu closed. Had no idea that Leilani's store moved to Clairemont! We'll check it out soon.

[RedDevil]

Love hearing about people’s childhood food memories! Always transports me to mine. Thank you

[Kirk]

Hope you enjoy it Peter!

Perhaps one day I'll hear some of your stories RD!

[Soo]

Nice selection!

[alnc]

Thanks for the heads-up, and the usual good writing. If they are special=ordering Parks Brand Kim Chee Sauce, I hope they're getting a case of the stuff. That recipe sounds great.

[James]

Seeing those Good News bars gave me the CHILLS. I had almost forgotten about them! Thanks for posting this - can't wait to visit! (Team Redondo's, by the way.)

[Kirk]

It is quite a good selection for a smaller kind of place Soo!

If I recall, those are sold in cases of 12 jars ALNC. And I usually get a couple of jars at a time.

Seeing Good News bars always makes me smile James! Hope you enjoy your visit (even though you're team Redondo's ;o) Lol!).