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| - The store is large, roomy, clean, and attractively decorated, even though it bears more of a resemblance to a giant supermarket than some of the Whole Foods stores I've been in (in other states). They have a decent selection of the stuff I'm looking for.
Their wine selection isn't extensive, but there are some gems hidden in there, as well as in their beer aisle (or so I hear...I can't drink regular beer anymore). They have organic and biodynamic wines, though. One of the things I appreciate most is having a good wine guide in the store, and I've found Jim to be extremely helpful and full of stories to tell. The store hosts food and wine events regularly, none of which I've attended (though they look good from a distance). In other alcoholic choices, they have some gluten-free beers, but I'm not impressed with any gluten-free beers I've tried.
Then there's the rest of the store. I can usually find the gluten-free grains or flours I'm looking for. I appreciate that they sell some grains, beans, etc. in bulk 25 pound bags, like organic pinto beans. They have a good meat selection, an OK produce area, and what appears to be a dwindling seafood selection (guess people aren't buying that stuff so much anymore). I can go in and get a lettuce-wrapped burger at the grill counter...just not too late (I think the counter closes at 7).
There are a few disappointments. The hot food buffet has a so-so selection. The salad bar always looked pretty sad to me. I notice there aren't a lot of organic choices in the take-out prepared foods...or in the dessert case...hmm. I don't like how often canola oil appears in their prepared foods (I prefer olive oil and animal fats). Lots of ordinary stuff is overpriced compared to other stores. A note to those with food allergies: I've encountered mislabeled items in the prepackaged foods, in the dessert cases, take-out, deli, etc.
On a high note, they take nearly anything back (not books & magazines). I've even taken back some nasty wine. There are some cool, friendly employees, too.
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