Article Contributed on: 7/1/2009 4:36:22 PM
Don't let the traffic and construction deter you! The new Whole Foods on University and Arapahoe Road is worth the trip. I am a foodie myself, so it's a wonder I hadn't made the trip already. The newest local store in the chain, it is also bigger (and better, say the staff) than the others.
Whether you are a long time Whole Foods shopper or taking the plunge for the first time, there are a few things you should know before you go:
1)
Shop hungry! I know this breaks the quintessential rule of grocery shopping. But here's the thing: there are samples and you are going to want to sample them. Most of their departments have samples available regularly: produce, dairy, and the bakery for example. They don't want you to pay $16/lb. for cheese that you aren't going to enjoy when you get home, so take the time and sample. (And factor the time this will take into your trip.)
2)
Know what you want to pay. Even if gourmet and all-natural shopping is new to you, have realistic expectations about what you want to pay. You are not going to find rock-bottom prices here. What you are going to find is the best assortment of top-quality foods. Like I mentioned, their decadent selection of cheeses comes with a steep price tag. You
probably aren't going to find American cheese on sale for $2.49/lb... but you may discover something much, much better.
3)
Have a list and look for sales. For me, this is the cardinal rule of shopping no matter where you are. You have to have an idea of what you would like for your meals at home, but you need to be flexible. Many times, I've decided on the vegetables or meats I'll be purchasing only to find an in-store special that is much better. Consider the quality of what you are getting for the price.
4)
Keep your eyes open for the signs. One thing about Whole Foods is that they do offer an assortment of both organic and "conventional" products. This can be both a blessing and a curse. You need to be paying attention regardless of what you are hoping to have in your cart. Prices do vary considerably, so if you care about what you are getting or what you are paying, this shopping trip
may not be the best one for talking on your cell phone.
Beyond grocery shopping, you are also going to find both a coffee and sushi bar along with a great lofted eating area. Grocery shopping has certainly become more than picking up the eggs and bread - enjoy the experience!