"4"^^ . "2010-11-05T00:00:00"^^ . . . "4"^^ . "2"^^ . . "Let me say this up front: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Whole Foods.\n\nI've been a cursory customer of several in the states, and shopped primarily at WF while living in Vancouver. I'm not a super foodie nor do I subscribe to all the health hype surrounding organics!. I'm a mostly health conscious, semi-skeptic, that loves great tasting food! I love trying new products and being exposed to new options, and mostly, I love choice. This is why I love WF. Delicious, delicious choice. I'm happy to pay for the premium of quality + variety.\n\nThis is why I'm disappointed with the Yorkville Whole Foods. I'm fully aware that this is still a premium grocery store, but I simply found myself wanting more... perhaps I've been WF spoiled? \n\nThe bakery section is minimal for artisan breads; it primarily concentrated on loaves. My boyfriend, whose one true love was Vancouver WF Carrot Cake, was more than disappointed at the recipe they use here - \"rolled in sawdust\", I believe was an exact quote.\n\nThe prepared food sections, usually brimming with meal ideas for quick sides, raw/vegan/other dietary options, was sort of anemic, unimaginative, and has been fully picked over every time we've gone.\n\nLarge area for cheeses, but once you looked closer, not that exotic (or even not so exotic) of choices. Not being a cheese snob, I promise! I was just looking for Dill Havarti!\n\nI love the WF in-house brand, 365! I'm sure it's a matter of space, but I noticed that their full array of products wasn't on the shelves (insert sad face)\n\nThe seafood counter was slightly lacking in stock (no mahi mahi), but I will fully give this one to the West Coast's emphasis on seafood selection.\n\nGood things:\nThere weren't many in-house made pantry items (hummus, pesto, to name a few), but we got a couple to have as staples in our house. Not necessarily remarkable, but fresh.\n\nAs usual, the produce section was fresh and varied - I truly believe that there are some organic products that just TASTE better. And I'm happy to have WF to offer me those options.\n\nLifestyles products section was fairly well stocked, and the meats section looked well stocked and fresh.\n\nStaff as always was knowledgeable and super friendly.\n\nI guess at the end of the day, no matter how hard I try not to compare WF Vancouver and Yorkville, I just have certain expectations! Grocery shopping at WF used to be an absolute delight - now, a muted delight. I apologize if this biased review makes this review somewhat unhelpful - please take it with a grain of artisan lavender rosemary sea salt!"^^ . "5"^^ .