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Timor Bodega
Rating Details »
Categories: Specialty Food, Grocery
200 Rhode Island Ave NW(between N 2nd St & N 3rd St)
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 588-5612
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Timor Bodega
Timor is a great asset to my neighborhood, and though I don't shop here every day, I love being able to stroll a few blocks to pick up truly fabulous milk, fresh local produce from many of the suppliers who come to our weekly farmer's market, and chat with the shop's very friendly owner.
Check out the milk and cheese from Trickling Springs (nothing like a glass bottle of milk in the fridge to make me feel like a throwback to some bygone era), the farm raised eggs (who knew they came in all those colors and have such deeply yellow yolks?), and the garlic. This is the best garlic I've ever purchased! Always fresh. Better for repelling the vampires, of course.
I'm very conflicted about Timor. The idea is great: a "bodega" with a selection of natural/organic products, including fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats, plus a small but good selection of wine and beer (think Arogant Bastard and Brother Thelonius).
Where Kim falls flat is in his execution: the store is often closed, and items are frequently out of stock.
That being said, it's a good place to hit after the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market; if they don't have it there, they probably have it here. Just be warned: you have to pay a deposit on the bottle that the Trickling Springs milk comes in.
Text from csnerd78801 - I need red potatoes for dinner can you go to whole foods for some tonite ?
Reply from dollardee202- sure....
Knowing I really didn't have the time to stroll to whole foods, I went here because a few folks on my neighborhood listserv have always talked it up quite a bit. I found it, stopped thru. And then I found my potatoes.... Well somewhat. I bought the bag and some other fresh locally grown veggies, dropped them off at the spot and went on to the next thing.
Text from csnerd78801- these potatoes are blue! Is there something wrong withem like radiation poisoning?
Reply from dollardee202- just cook em like you would the red ones they'll be great
This place is my mini trader joes and whole foods within 4 blocks from home. It caters to the iron chef in me because I can find something out of the norm to spruce up an evening dinner (blue potatoes) and save me time. They are always gettting local meats for the carnivore chef in you and organic veggies for the rabbit food lover in you. Plus they have the other bodega kinda stuff you'd want like condiments and supplies but with a natural organic flair.
Those potatoes were great btw. Now what should I try this week?
This is a friendly and great place to get local organic products. It's great to be able to go around the corner for something you forgot for a meal and not have to drive to the grocery store. They carry many of the products that you can get at the farmer's market and you don't have to worry about getting up early to get the good stuff.
It's in a great location (for me at least) and it's not overpriced. One star off because it is not a one stop shop for all your needs but then again, that's not the point of this place. Overall, this is a great addition to the neighborhood and I will remain a loyal customer.
There was barely anything in stock besides milk, wine, beer, and maybe two types of vegetables. I guess if that's what you need it's great, but I was looking for a neighborhood shop to do some daily fresh shopping for dinner.
On the upside the two vegetables looked fresh.
It's high time I updated this, since Kim has done a LOT with the place since I wrote the first review. He has been focusing more on local produce and so I'm putting the fifth star back. The last few times I've been there, I've gotten seriously amazing salad greens from local sources, and some really wonderful local peaches when I missed the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market. It's been fun to watch him make changes - he's been upping the stock and has a new huge produce stand. I also enjoy chatting with him about his wine and coffee selection. It's fun to buy some things for dinner there and then ask him for a pairing. I certainly hope he keeps doing well so we have him around for a long time!
Plus, I'm gonna start working him to carry more local cheeses. Mmm, cheese.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/6/2008 First to Review
Owner Kim Wee is doing a good job so far starting out at this specialty food store. He is very… Read more »
Opening up an organic bodega in a neighborhood that is still changing is a bold move, one that I welcome with open arms. The store is very pleasant to be in--the cedar shelves still smell lovely and the presentation is very appealing. Although Timor has a surprisingly large variety of inventory for a store its size, the shelves are not crowded and are easy to browse.
I was happy to see "interesting" produce, like fava beans and beets. Owner Kim Wee indicated that they had more variety of produce in the back packed on ice, such as rhubarb. The available produce was listed on a chalkboard, but it is not immediately clear that there is more available than what you see. If you're looking for something specific, be sure to ask the owner.
I really appreciated the local organic eggs, and this will be my new source for them (a lot closer than Eastern Market during the long months the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market is closed and/or doesn't have eggs!).
There is also a nice variety of wines from around the world.
The prices reflect the costs of being a small, independent business, which is to say they are more than you would pay at a chain supermarket. They are comparable, however, to Whole Foods and considering the business circumstances are reasonable, and I love being able to support a small local business.
I've only been to Timor myself once, and I loved the vast selection of beers and wines and interesting produce. My roommate bought some crimini mushrooms which were delicious! I also appreciated that Timor had environmentally friendly feminine hygiene products (ooooh, such a euphemism).
One of my other roommates also told me an awesome story about coming here looking for chili powder. When she asked for chili powder owner Kim Wee talked about this very spicy chili powder that he had and then proceeded to tell my roommate and her boyfriend to watch the store as he went to his house to fetch it for them. She ended up buying a lot of stuff because she was so grateful. Alas, being nice is a good marketing technique.
I went again tonight, and the guy that owns it is very nice. When fresh stuff gets a little wilty, he gives it away. He keeps a list of give aways at the register. He also has a list of what he has on hand for sale because the fresh produce is kept in the back.
The place has a cozy neighborhood feeling........but I do suggest keeping your eyes open in that area. If this is on your way, then it's a great find.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/4/2008
This is an organic grocery store that sells local produce. I noticed the sign out that it was open,… Read more »
Timor is very useful for me. There are things that I go there to buy that I can't get at my Safeway (and vice versa) and that makes my life easier. I haven't been shopping there as much lately because I can't afford it, but I can't afford a lot of things at Safeway that I'd like either. Once I can afford it I could see myself doing a larger portion of my shopping there...
The vegetables are worth waiting for--it does help to ask Kim when perishable things come it, but when it is a block or two away it isn't hard to make an extra trip to pick something up.
Plus, if you shop here you won't be a whore for whole foods as much.
Added bonus: wine!
I love to go to Timor to support a small, important business. Plus, if I'm gone over the weekends and miss the farmer's markets I can stop by Timor to get the good stuff. I also like that they carry a range of meat products and local milk.
Outstanding fresh local dairy and meat products. Seasonal local produce. Hard-to-find boutique beer. Wine and other groceries.
Timor Bodega is a great neighborhood place to pick up local and organic food. On top of that, you can pick up some great wine and excellent ice cream churned at a local creamery. The owner, Kim, is really friendly and will make you want to keep on coming back. If you live anwyhere remotely close to the store you must come by.
