South African groceries

South African ex-pats or enthusiasts miss their Rooibos tea, their All Gold cans of Seville oranges and figs, their special chutneys. Find them at Rodman's which is a treasure chest of a food store that leaves you feeling a little like an escapee from boarding school let loose in a tuck shop. You can manage perfectly well without any of this stuff from the Cape, England, India, the Middle East, but how much nicer it makes your life.

In the rest of the Wisconsin Ave NW store is the usual fresh produce, a deli section and baked goods. But everything, including the excellent selection of wines, is at really good prices. Downstairs are household goods, beauty produces, small appliances, party plates and napkins and one of the best watchmenders in town.

Rodman's, 5100 Wisconsin Ave, NW, 202 363 3466; White Flint Plaza, 5148 Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD, 301 881 6253; 4301 Randolph Rd, Wheaton, MD, 301 946 3100.