Let’s talk about Whole Foods

Have I shared with you my obsession with Whole Foods? I know, some people jokingly refer to it as “Whole Paycheck” as certainly they do not offer the steep discounts one might find within the food aisles of, say, Wal-Mart. Regardless of price point, I affectionately call it as named: Whole Foods. Where else can you go and find vibrant colors and fresh, obscure finds within in the produce section? Need red plantains? They’ve got them. What about Bok Choy or squash blossoms? You surely won’t find these things at the local Costco.

Since I seem to be standing atop my soap box on this matter, I’ll indulge in a few more related thoughts … I happily support a grocer committed to offering local foods, supporting local growers and small foodie businesses. I love searching for the “I’m a local” label on the food products to add to my quickly filling basket.

And, where else can you find the food ethics and standards that they proudly display and education people about? These standards exist beyond the food too. I found a statement of ethics and treatment of workers attached to a stem in the bouquet of summery roses I purchased to spruce up my kitchen counter.

I also find it seriously cool that they provide room on the name badges for employees to write their passion, goal for 2011, or favorite vegetable. Upon checking out, I learned that the clerk’s favorite veggie is an artichoke. I am quite happy to know this because I too enjoy a nice artichoke.

And my final sentiments can be summed up by the experience I had this past weekend … I was roaming the aisles of my nearby Whole Foods, and I was searching for a ginger beer (to make my current adult beverage favorite, a Moscow Mule). I’ve already tried a couple of their offerings but was looking for one lower in calories (typical calorie count is around 145 calories a bottle.) As I reviewed labels, a smiling employee walked by. I discussed with her my pursuit and she made a suggestion of an organic ginger ale to try instead (having only 98 calories a bottle). I was already moving to put it into my now full basket when she pulled from her apron a magical sticker in which she signed and placed on the bar code of said ginger ale package. I then learned that she was giving me the product to try for FREE and expressed hopes that I would enjoy it. Yes, dear Whole Foods lady, I WILL enjoy my ginger ale. And I thank you for being so friendly. Top notch in my book.

Off to mix a Moscow Mule. Cheers!

Writer’s note: This post is not sponsored by Whole Foods but rather comes from own love affair with that place.

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