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Other Fresh Markets are in much bigger areas like Birmingham, New Orleans and Cincinnati. They are a breath of fresh air in our small community that depends on Walmart, IGA or Aldi for everything we buy. That means if Walmart deems we don't "need" bean sprouts, we can't have bean sprouts. I hate to throw anyone under the shopping cart, but it's true! The Fresh Market offers an old-style butcher shop with fresh fish, in house bakery and complete delicatessen. As I made my way through the store Friday, there was picture perfect food no matter which direction you looked. Magazine pretty produce, from larger than life lemons to giant artichokes... if Food Network was here doing a show, that's where they would go to get the best of the best!
The meat counter blew me away. We are meat lovers, please forgive me if you are a vegetarian because I'm going to go into a long spiel about the color of the meat, the size of the steaks, the huge delicious kabobs, thick pork chops and roulades of beef and chicken stuffed with spinach, basil and gourmet cheeses. You name it, they had it!
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The in-house bakery was positioned right next to the deli counter, no way could you miss that they had loaves of fresh New York rye waiting to be piled high with corned beef or pastrami. Not in the mood for a sandwich? Just a few steps and you can have sushi made to order or pick your favorites from the colorful packages of California or Dragon roll.
They have a huge selection of bulk foods, I haven't had a source since we left Texas. It's nice to be able to find nuts, dried fruits and whole grains so fresh. The cheese counter that joins the deli will be a favorite hang out for me, many of them I've only read about.
So what did I buy? I bought bean sprouts and the ingredients to make Pad Thai, one of our favorite meals! I know my way back though, I dropped bread crumbs all the way home...
A Walmart it 'ain't' You are so lucky to have such a fabulous store near you. I have never heard of that particular chain. But, I'm pretty sheltered here in the North woods!!
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky, Rogers is small only about 57,000 people. I think companies are looking at more than the amount of people to determine whether a store is viable.
DeleteWish there was one close to me! I also get tired of cooking the same ole thing. But part of my problem is hubby is a meat & potatoes man & he isn't thrilled with new dishes. Oh well...
ReplyDeleteExactly, we get bored of the same foods. I also bought some of the Frontera line of marinades that are made by Rick Bayless. His restaurants are famous and I have a couple of his Mexican cookbooks that I love.
DeleteWe're spoiled for choice here on the Island, where people take their food pretty seriously!...but we've lived in places where a red pepper was exotic and canned good had to be part of nearly every meal, so I understand your joy in this new source of good food.
ReplyDeleteI may be the only person that enjoys shopping for groceries! When we vacation, I usually hit at least one grocery to check out the "local flavors!"
DeleteI don't think there's a Fresh Market here where I am in CT, however, I loved going to the one in Roanoke when we lived in VA!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteIt won't be my staple store, but it will be nice to have a variety. That's something we just don't have here in the midwest.
DeleteI wish we had one of these!!!
ReplyDeleteNext time I go, I want to buy one of their yummy looking desserts!
DeleteI'm as green as fresh spinach, with ENVY!! I would love to have a Whole Foods here!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I didn't mean to make you turn green! I'll send you some bean sprouts anytime you want...
DeleteTry the mini cannolis, and their specialty sodas-- its the only place to find Moxie in Arkansas.
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