Since the first Famima!! opened in WeHo in 2005, the highly designed super-convenience store has spread faster than bird flu; it's 13th location just opened this month in downtown.

But, unlike bird flu, Famima is something that everyone should be exposed to. Though it calls itself a convenience store, anyone who's ventured into one knows that it's unlike any other gas station appendage this side of the Pacific. The elements befitting an average 18-wheeler's theoretical needs are there (well, minus the gas station): prepackaged snacks, coffee, magazines, greeting cards, knick knacks, energy drinks, lotto tickets, an ATM. But at Famima, these elements are gourmet, fresh and stylishly presented. Among the dark wood floors, stainless steel-accented shelving and track lighting (of the pleasant non-sickly green florescent quality) are aisles of meticulously stacked merch. Many of the prepackaged snacks--like Crunchy Panda Cookies--are imported. The greeting cards? All from Papyrus. Knick knacks include high quality incense, candles and imported stationary by Clairefontaine, Rhodia and Milan. Rather than hot dogs that have been sitting in a rotating warmer for past 14 hours, Famima's fast food includes paninis (grilled for you on the spot), steamed dim sum, edamame, spaghetti puttanesca, sushi (available in a bento box, if you like), even tempura that is fried upon purchasing--all freshly made everyday by a local catering company that works exclusively with Famima. Looking for Jell-O pudding snack packs? Instead count on finding mango or chocolate mousse, tiramisu, eclairs and apple bread pudding. Collaborations with local businesses are also part of Famima's agenda--like fellow Japanese-import Beard Papa, whose cream puffs will continue to be available at Famima through the end of this year. Famima's policy is that quality doesn't have to be sacrificed just because a person's in a hurry.  Thank you, Famima; we'll come again!--Lyndsey Saul