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| - Well, I waited it out the first few days, as there was a line forming out of the parking lawn from open 'til close. On Sunday (5 days after the opening), I finally made it. I've been back two more times, which should tell you something. What's even more telling is that I live at what is quickly become a sort of grocery store crossroads in Pittsburgh...less than a mile from Market District and Trader Joe's, less than five miles from two Bottom Dollars, another Giant Eagle and an Aldi's, and a stone's throw from the future Whole Foods and Target (with a built-in grocery store).
Obviously, the parking lot is a mess. However, the store just opened, and I suspect that, like Trader Joe's, things will calm down within a few weeks. There are also a few kinks that will also be worked out...the missing number machines in various parts of the store, for example. Right now, there are ridiculously confusing lines alongside the hot/cold prepared food and butcher/seafood sections. After standing in a line for nearly 15 minutes today, I was a bit unhappy with the woman who just walked up and placed her order without waiting even 15 seconds. Patience is a virtue though, right?
The first thing I noticed is how clean everything is. A European friend of mine mentioned that it reminds her a lot of some of the stores at home, and we both agreed that this is the kind of store where we will shop for a meal rather than a week, partially because some items are quite expensive. However, I did notice today that there were quite a few products less expensive than at my local Market District. Additionally, I found a lot of products that I've never seen at MD, and I am now inspired to try many of them.
At first, this store reminded me a little bit of Trader Joe's, mainly because of its smallish size (which I like). I don't love Trader Joe's, so this concerned me. However, I was pleased to find that while TFM does have its own line of products, I'm not restricted to that line alone (which is what I don't like about TJs).
But what about the produce/meat/bulk foods/bakery, etc.?? This is just my opinion, but here goes: Bought shrimp the first day--fresh. Lemon-Rosemary Rotisserie chicken was small but fabulous (definitely will buy again), thai noodles--yuck!. Bacon cheeseburgers were a hit with my boys (I don't eat red meat, so I have no idea). Chicken Vienna (which I ate instead of the burgers) was FAB-U-LOUS! Then again, I'll eat my arm if it's covered with puff pastry, but still, it was great (white meat with swiss cheese and mushroom sauce in puff pastry). Bought the best strawberries I've had all season, and some pretty decent chocolate chip banana bread.
The check-out area is small, but the workers (so far) are friendly and efficient. And surprisingly (to a routine MD shopper such as myself), nobody was complaining about how much they can't wait to get out of work, so that was nice.
Overall, I really like the store, and there are some nice bargains to be had (if you look for them). It's clean, friendly and most of the prepared foods that I've purchased have been pretty good. The negatives? Somewhat claustrophobic, small deli selection, and a bit costly for the average person such as myself. In the future, I see myself shopping Bottom Dollar for the basics, Market District (but only because it's so close) for the basics that I can't get at BD, and the Fresh Market for meats, fish, prepared foods and never-had-but-want-to-try items .
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