Embarcadero Rd, University South

Town and Country Shopping Center is quintessential western Silicon Valley, in that it is high-end, pleasant, well-to-do, and laid out in such a way that is aesthetically pleasing. And, given that it is at the junction of two MAJOR Palo Alto Streets (Embarcadero Road and El Camino Real), it is filled to the brim with cars upon cars (many of which bear the logo of an international luxury vehicle retailer).

Oddly enough, the crowds in the stores themselves are never that bad. The Trader Joe's here feels like any other, and the various restaurants never seem to have a wait. For what it's worth, I recommend Rojoz Burrito Wraps for tasty, affordable Mexican food, although there are some higher-end options as well.

The architecture is brown and actually blends in quite well with the nearby redwood trees in the surrounding area, which is a pleasant touch. However, it does not quite make up for the fact that I have to sit in traffic for 20 minutes in order to get groceries.