rev:text
| - I like to watch the Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, mainly because she is the one show on the channel whose primary audience isn't busy mothers and because she actually wants to challenge people to learn how to make interesting, unique and flavorful dishes. On the show, she makes everything happen with the help of a small phalanx of associates in the community--the butcher, the grocer, the florist, etc--most of whom know her on a first-name basis (or so the script says). Unfortunately, most of the grocery stores I go to around here are somewhat cold and impersonal. While I love going to Aldi's and getting a king's random of groceries for a mere pittance, I wish there was someone who could point out quality cuts of meat and suggest yummy things to eat that would, over time, grow to know my tastes and preferences.
If I lived out in the eastern 'burbs, I think that the Metropolitan Market could be that sorta place for me. The place is very, very small (no long, confusing aisles here!) and the selection is a bit limited--however, the products that they do carry are great. We went there with a Groupon ($15 for $30 worth of groceries) that we used to purchase 2 sirloin steaks, 1\2 pound of scallops, veggies, and 2 pre-prepared twice baked potatoes. The owner even threw in a free lemon for our scallops! Using those ingredients, my wife whipped up a meal that was better that most meals I've had in restaurants in my lifetime. The sirloin was very, very high quality and the scallops were extraordinarily flavorful--best I've ever had!
They also have a fantastic selection of pre-made frozen appetizers; if I wasn't blessed to have a killer cook for a spouse, I would definitely like to pick up some of them for cocktail parties and other formal entertaining. Like everything else in the store, they're a bit pricey, but I think they'd be worth the splurge once in a while.
All in all, I was quite happy with my trip to the Metropolitan Market. Cleveland needs upscale grocery stores like this and I'm glad they're there!
|