Because I am just barely middle-class economically, I shop at Ikea instead of Crate & Barrel. Which is just fine by me, because I’m frugal by nature and have a penchant for assembly and particleboard.

I also have a soft spot for cafeteria dining, which dates back to numerous family outings to the Hot Shoppes Cafeteria at Willowbrook Mall in the 70s.So it’s no wonder that Ikea is one of favorite stores. Cheap furniture? Pushing trays of food? I’m all over it.

But our recent move has meant three visits to these big blue wonders in just two weeks. (Brooklyn, Hicksville, and Paramus, for those of you keeping score.) Which also means three big plates of Swedish meatballs. Which also means…overload. It’s too much, even for a fan like myself.I’ll see you in 2009, my Swedish friend. Maybe late in 2009.

(Ikea, Paramus, NJ)