Ginger ale options discussed

The bad news: Canada Dry Diet Ginger Ale remains an elusive commodity in Las Vegas. The good news: Readers have some suggestions for Susan Abraham, who's looking for good-quality brands.

J.J. Kingery and Colleen Sams e-mailed that Vernor's is available at Albertsons, but Kingery added that "our favorite is Hansen's all-natural, which is usually available at Trader Joe's." Jonathan Rickert, who routinely brings back 10 cases of Canada Dry from San Diego, said he thinks Smith's is almost as good. And Rose McKie faxed a reminder that most diet ginger ale is found in the supermarket liquor aisle, not with the soft drinks. ...

For Kay Scott, Judi Caro said Big K diet grape soda is available at Smith's, and Roberta Shulman suggested Wal-Mart's Sam's Choice White Grape Naturally Flavored Sparkling Water. Theresa Renner said Diet Mountain Dew Ultra Violet, officially "natural and artificial mixed-berry flavor," "tastes just like grape soda." ...

Debbie Jackson, who was looking for large, restaurant-sized Boca Burgers, e-mailed to say Costco carries them again; Ellen Skiba, Angelica Orme and Kingery also mentioned Costco. Jennie Cicala recommended the Amy's brand, which she gets at Sunflower Farmer's Market at 3365 E. Tropicana Ave.; there's another Sunflower store at 4020 S. Rainbow Blvd. ...

For Ken Lowden, D. Wyatt e-mailed that all John Henry's rubs can be found at the Bass Pro Shop next to the Silverton at 8200 Dean Martin Drive. ...

For Suzanne and Mark Toubin, who are looking for real New York half-sour pickles, Diane Terrano e-mailed that the best she has found is Stubbs brand in the refrigerated section at Albertsons. ...

For Lee Williamson, who's looking for Cafe Bustelo Mexican blend instant coffee, Susana Fernandez and Joyce Heine both suggested King Ranch Market, which has numerous locations in the valley. ...

For Fred and Sheila Akins, Paula Zimmer e-mailed that she has found Campbell's cream of asparagus soup at Albertsons at 5500 Boulder Highway. ...

For Murray Epstein, who's looking for kippered herring at a reasonable price, Dean B. Pomerantz said a "really good" Canadian import is $1 a can at Big Lots. ...

For Carmen Redd, who's looking for Carolina Rice, Sheila Gerstenzang, Ann DeMacedo and Fernandez said Carolina is marketed as Mahatma west of the Rockies. ...

Reader requests: Kingery is looking for Tabasco garlic flavor, formerly found at Smith's. ...

Caro is looking for De-Lish Coffee Cordials, which have a liquid coffee center. ...

Anna Carlton is looking for local stores that sell nondiet soft drinks that don't contain high-fructose corn syrup. ...

And Teresa Staples is looking for Knorr ham bouillon.

Readers?

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