We visit Long Beach, California approx. twice a year and have been doing so for the last 10 years. This year we are renting a house rather than staying with friends so we can get a feel for 'living'. Where is the best place to do some Grocery shopping? I have a Vons card and the local store is ok but would it be better to go somewhere larger so we can stock up for the 2 weeks we are there? Eating out is great but by the end of the holiday we usually find we are fed up of food and alcohol and about half a stone heavier so we want to relax in our own living space and cook instead. Any advice welcome....

I was going to suggest to find your local Costco if you want to buy things in larger quantities, but then realised that as visitors you don't have a membership card. You could obviously join for around 40 or 50 bucks but don't know if that would be financially sensible.

Coming from the UK myself I have found that in the US they don't have one huge supermarket in an area, but tend to have lots of medium sized scattered all over the place. So much easier at high days and holidays - you don't get those huge crowds and queues.

You might have a Walmart that has a grocery section, but I would stick to the local Vons, Albertsons, Safeway.

I once lived in Naples. I will take a wild guess that you will probably rent in either Belmont Shore or Naples. If you go east over the bridge towards PCH, the 405 and Orange County, there is a big Albertsens and Vons there if I remember correctly. 5 minutes away and a good selection.

read the inserts in the wednesday paper. generally local grocery stores advertise there on wednesday. the onlyone i know of which does so on tuesday is sprouts. google if you have one in your area.

I don't know if I'm too late to offer advice but:

Ralph's - one on 4th street and also on traffic circle
Fresh and Easy - tesco owned - has great produce - new ones popping up all over but one on Spring & Palo Verde, Cherry & Willow
Von's - you know!
Trader Joes - 2nd & PCH, Belflower & Stearns
Whole Foods - PCH & 2nd
Albertsons - Redondo & 7th

Happy Shopping,
Amanda

Hi Amanda, coming from the UK originally can you offer any advice on getting out to LA and securing a job out there to gain visa sponsorship? I am looking to relocate to LA, I hold a degree and 7 years exp in Marketing and Business development and any tips on how best to find a role would be much appreaciated.

Many thanks


Louise

Hi Louise, I hate to say it but sponsorship from a UK company is pretty much your only bet unless you marry a yank. We came out with my husbands company, have been here 3.5 years and are just starting the green card process. Husband doesn't really like his firm but they have us over a barrel if we want the green card... It sucks but is a means to an end.
The other alternative is applying for a visa through the embassy but as far as I am aware, will take over a decade...
I know that Toyota / Honda / Kia all will sponsor staff for their visa's in LA, so you could look at getting a job with them in the UK and transferring... Also, if LA is the end goal, you can always look at another city and move to LA once all your paper work is in order...
It is not easy but it is worth it - we love it here!