Persimmons and other delights...

I hadn't ever tasted a persimmon before.

In fact, I didn't even know what it was until last night.

Our "big Saturday night out" was to go and see the brand new Whole Foods Market that had opened here in Birmingham...and that was where I got my first taste of this delicately sweet fruit.

As one walks around the store, the produce people are more than happy to slice into anything to give you a taste. I checked out several types of oranges before settling on a sweet, juicy variety to purchase. It was obvious to me that customer service was a high priority in this store. The workers were all very knowledgeable about their products....and that was a big plus.

I don't know how many of my blogging reader's out there have a Whole Foods store in their city, but it is really an amazing place.

This 38,000 square foot market touts that it is the largest retailer of natural and organic foods. The hand-stacked produce is appealing and varied...if you need some mushrooms, there are 15+ varieties to choose from...the fresh baked goods section is filled with delicious-looking pastries, cakes, cookies, and a variety of hot from the oven baked breads....the seafood section was brimming with everything from lobsters to shrimp to fresh caught Gulf fish....there are a mulitude of prepared foods to pick from and designated eating areas where you can dine...there is even a sushi bar! Going down the well-stocked aisles were every kind of item that you could possibly want and then some. There was a whole section on olive oils followed by an array of bottles that I have never seen the likes of before. Salad dressings, olives, sauces, nuts, pasta, wine, condiments, seasonings, etc. etc. etc. It seems to me to be the kind of place that would have anything and everything that you might ever need as far as cooking goes. Mmmmmm.

Whole Foods goes a step further with an entire section of the store dedicated to health and wellness. Here you can find anything from natural supplements to lotions and potions!

I did notice that many of their products were quite "high end" and somewhat pricey. However, this would not be the place that I would go to do my weekly grocery shopping...this would be a place to go for that something special that I can't find anywhere else...or for when I am preparing a unique meal...or needing to pick up something delicious and already prepared.

All in all, I am thrilled to finally have this highly regarded chain in our town and plan to go back and shop there again soon!

Welcome to Bham, Whole Foods!

We are glad you are here!!

Next time I visit, I think that I will purchase some of those tasty persimmons... : )