Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Review: IKEA as Food Stop
When my wife came back home after a trip with a friend to an IKEA, I didn't expect food. But that's what she brought: lingonberry jam and drink concentrate, several types of herring, frozen meatballs, and crackers. I had never been to one of the stores before, but on a recent trip to New York and New Jersey, I stopped at a location off I-95 in Connecticut. Why? First, dinner. I was hungry and remembered an interview with the former head of the company in the US, who mentioned the in-store restaurants. A reasonable plate of Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy, and some lingonberry jelly (served like a cranberry jelly) was only about $5. Certainly one of the cheaper non-fast-food meals I remember having in a long time, and far from the worst. Then it was down to the food section to see a nice assortment of products that you are unlikely to find anywhere else near you, at least if you live in the US. IKEA: it's not just for boxed furniture.
