After writing about Tacoma Boys a few weeks back, it dawned on me that I had neglected to mention it's younger and smaller sibling H & L Produce on the edge of Lakewood. It has a tendency to fall off my grocery shopping radar because it's a little further away than Tacoma Boys and there is one thing missing that is tough for me to over-look.

I don't know if these two markets have a friendly sibling rivalry or not, but I would like to encourage one. On first inspection you may think that H & L is a mini version of Tacoma Boys, but look closely. There are some differences and I like all of them but one, and it's easily fixed, so let's start there.

Seafood. There is no fresh seafood counter at H & L. Whaaaaat? My meat of choice was glaringly absent! Well, come to find out there's a logical explanation. You see, Johnny's Seafood is in the same shopping complex/area and in order for H & L to operate, they asked them to sign a no compete clause. No seafood for H & L. Now it all makes sense.

What makes H & L and Tacoma Boys seem the same are the HUGE array of condiments including marinades, sauces, pickled things, really just about anything that is jarred or preserved. Seriously, if you're struggling with what to make for dinner, this place or T-Boys is the place to go for inspiration.

You can find their fabulous Tacoma Boys brand tortilla chips and fresh salsas, bags of frozen fruits that are ideal for pies, and of course all the very best produce you can find. Found something I had never seen before, miniature purple artichokes for $5.99 a pound. They were gorgeous.

Speaking of great produce, don't miss their great deals on apples right now like Braeburn, Gala and Fijis are all on sale for 50 cents a pound. T-Boys probably has the same deal I would imagine.

Just like big brother, H & L's meat counter is meticulously displayed with fresh meats from buffalo to stuffed chicken breasts. Again, no seafood, but I'll live. Since it's BBQ season, there are all sorts of burger combinations already shaped into patties and ready for the flame.

After I bought my blue cheese burgers, I was on the mad hunt for broccolini. That yummy broccoli hybrid that is thinner, longer and less bitter than regular broccoli, sometimes called aspiration?  Anyway, this is where the differences between T-Boy's and H & L begin.

Couldn't find the damn broccolini. I had been to three stores earlier that day, and no one had any brocollini. It seemed as if I would strike out again, until a lovely girl assured me more was on their deliver truck in the parking lot, but then she tracked it down, swallowed under the parsley.  No wonder I couldn't find it.

She then proceeded to guide me through the store pointing out some of their more interesting items like the Muscat grapes, which are amazing by the way, and even giving me a few cipollini onions to take home and experiment with. This is after I complained about the price of regular onions right now. Out of season price gouging madness everywhere, not just here.

Even the guy behind the meat counter was extremely helpful and checked on me a few times when I wasn't in his section, and not in a creepy stalker kind of way, but sincere and very kind. Even when I left and was walking to my car an employee thanked me for shopping.

Aside from the employees being extremely on point and friendly, I am also drawn here for the atmosphere. I almost feel like I am shopping in a little village somewhere in Europe.

You know the saying, "bigger is better?" Well in this case, I appreciate the little guy, the underdog if you will. Don't get me wrong, Tacoma Boy's is great, but sometimes the little guy has to try a little harder for attention and I'm a sucker for that stuff.

And seafood? I'll just go next door.

H & L Produce

7320 Lakewood Dr. W., Tacoma
253.471.1830, tacomaboys.com