Whole Foods, mini-review

I consider myself a pretty savvy shopper, I know what most things I buy cost and where to get the best prices for the quality offered. On a rainy Sunday we decided to go see what WF had that we liked. I've been maybe 5 or 6 times previously, usually looking for a special ingredient for a dish (boneless quail type stuff), my wife had never set foot in one. The location keeps it off our radar screen.

First off, a lot of people had the same idea, it was pretty crowded, since the aisles are much narrower than a typical store, it was hard to get around. The layout is confusing, not sure what they are trying to accomplish with this.

Ridiculously expensive:
Produce. For instance a container of baby spinach was $5.99, Sam's, also organic is $3.99. A few other instances, but I didn't see any bargains.

Meats/Seafood. You are paying dearly for the organic labels here. Obviously a lot of people think it's worth it.

Pretty good deal: The bulk stuff. We loaded up on a few things, snacks, nuts, some spices.

Bakery Items. The breads are very reasonable, a 22 oz loaf of marble rye, $2.25.

From what I have seen in other cities, we have pretty lousy grocery stores here, WF offers a lot of things you can't get anyplace else, a large selections of cheeses, prepared hot meals, great deli. Although the take and eat pizza slices were very sparsely topped and low in the flavor quotient.

I think most of the appeal here is trendy rather than savvy. Healthy foods are important, but I get around that by avoiding processed foods. Southside produce and Fresh Pickins will always be my 'go to' vegetable places and Sam's my butcher shop. Calandro's, Calvin's, Red Stick Spice, Maxwell's Market also get some of my business, but none of those have enough selection for all my needs. I prefer local guys when I can.

Next time I go to WF it will be in the middle of a weekday when the hoards are working.