May 16, 2006

Rockin’ Robins

Robins Nest Market

Little birdies are always coming to the rescue.

Great at remembering birthdays, excellent spreaders of good news. And now there is one on a misson to save you from having Flaming Hot Cheetos and strawberry Yoo-hoo for dinner.

Shari Robins (former chef at James Beach and Canal Club) just opened Robins Nest Quality Convenience Market in Venice. The first in a chain of shops across the city, it sells corner store classics like Goldfish and Kettle chips alongside fancier fare like Petrossian smoked salmon, Kenter Canyon Farms produce, and Giorgio Baldi’s pasta sauces.

On Fridays you can stop in for homemade tofu, courtesy of Mori Onodera of Mori Sushi.

There’s a small household section, too, for when you just need a bag of kitty litter — or a roll of ecofriendly Seventh Generation paper towels and Mrs. Meyers window spray.

Because hot tips aren’t the only thing little birdies have been known to drop.

Robins Nest, 68 North Venice Boulevard, at Pacific Avenue, Venice (310- 821-7281 or robinsnestmarket.com).