Everyday I get a renewed sense of hope when it comes to the success of small business. As we are all very aware, this economy had forced us to make some tough decisions by cutting back on our expenses. Groceries come to the top of that list and right now it would seem that cheaper is better.

In the world of the grocery giants like Safeway, Fred Meyer, Albertsons and Wal-Mart (hate that place, refuse to shop there and it's not because I'm a snob, I don't appreciate their questionable business practices), saving money is their mantra, and for the most part it is true. But at what cost?

Recently I was fortunate to stumble upon a new neighborhood market, or at least new to me. B&E Meats and Seafood and Northshore Quality Produce Market in Federal Way, which opened in April (there are also locations in Burien and Des Moines). These two businesses that share one space are sparkling gems in world of large grocery rocks. They've been around for about two years now, thriving during this dark period of financial uncertainty.

While you most likely won't save a lot of money here, you will get quality and lots of great selection. These markets can't be more than 1,500 square feet combine, but for some reason it has just enough of what you need. The focus here is produce and spoiler alert - meat! Oh, and what lovely meat they have.

While Top Foods has a bazillion (that actually passed spell-check?) types of meatballs, B&E finds comforts in several kinds of jerky, like hot beef jerky, teriyaki, turkey, spicy, Bavarian, regular, thick and buffalo. They also have garlic and herb, kalbi and asado marinated raw chicken breast and thighs, perfect for that last minute barbeque.

Copper River salmon is all the buzz at the moment, and they have plenty. You'll pay, oh you will pay, but it is sooooo good. The smoked salmon candy is a must; I'm eating some now. Also don't miss the fresh and glorious amounts of halibut, crabmeat, bacon-wrapped scallops and more.

Like Dave's Meat and Produce in North Tacoma, B&E also has the Hawaiian pork wrapped in banana leaves. I've said it before and I'll say it again you really must try this cooked and served on Hawaiian sweet bread with some homemade slaw. Seriously good and will impress any dinner guest.

The produce at Northshore Quality Produce Market is absolutely lovely, but not cheap. The reason being is they prefer to purchase as much of their produce from local growers as possible, and I'll pay a little more for local any day. I even found more broccolini! OK, enough with that dead horse.

Don't overlook the Northshore brand of jellies, preserves and syrups, Caffe D'arte coffee, Goya products, Baconnaise and JDs Bacon Popcorn! Many other fun condiments and add-ons are there for your gluttonous pleasure.  All you basic dairy needs are also provided in limited amounts, but like I said before, you're pretty covered.

The only thing missing from B&E and NQPM might be booze. They could have a small collection of beer and wine like Dave's that is carefully chosen and eclectic. Just a thought.

So come on people, support your local small markets and growers. It will make you feel better, literally. This shared market is only about 15 minutes from Downtown Tacoma, across the tide flats. It doesn't even seem like you're almost in Federal Way... Oh no, she didn't.

B&E Meats and Seafood and Northshore Quality Produce Market

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
35522 21st Ave. S.W Federal Way
253.835.0700, bnemeats.com