Fresh Market?

[ellery]

We just had one of these open up in town and I was wondering what you all thought of the store. I haven't been near it yet, because the parking lot is consistently packed (we're hungry for novelty down here ;) ) and the only thing I've heard so far is that they're expensive. (A chatty guy in GNC the other day was quite indignant that they charge for their rotisserie chickens by the pound as opposed to per chicken). I've seen one before in Charlotte, so I know they're around other places but that's all I know.

Any recommendations? Things they do better than anyone else? Items they carry that no one else does?

Thanks!

Leah

[essie]

We have a Fresh Market less than a mile from our house, and I get most of my vegetables there. Their prices are no higher than Kroger and often lower, and the quality is great! We also love their bread, especially the sourdough. I always buy my spices and herbs at Fresh Market, as they are less expensive than anyplace else. And yes, it is always packed, especially on Friday afternoon.

[Beth Y]

I am iffy about Fresh Market. We have a Whole Foods and a Fresh Market about 1 mile from us. I go to Whole Foods more. Fresh Market has more gourmet stuff, less just good quality, fresh stuff, IMO. Their veggies are fine. I haven't tried their meats, as the WF meats are sooooo good and I know their source is good. Their baked goods are okay. I have friends that rave about them, but since that day that I saw the woman "plunk, plunk" the frozen cookies on the tray to put in the oven, I was turned off! So, they don't actually bake fresh.
It comes down to this for me. Other than veggies and some prepared foods, I really don't need that much in the way of fancy sauces, etc. that it makes it worth it for me to go there often. If I can't find something, I will try there (such as Israeli couscous....WF doesn't have it) So, I tend to go to Harris Teeter for my staples (detergent,seltzer, beer, sliced bread with preservatives so it will last longer than a day, etc) and Whole Foods for everything else.

[luckylori]

I stopped in one today, and picked up some fresh tomato/basil/garlic tortellini that I served for dinner with some of my homemade sauce out of the freezer. It was $1.99 for a 9 0z. package. Also picked up a round loaf of asiago bread that was delicious. $1.99 for the bread also.I sliced it and put garlic/rosemary butter on it and warmed it up.

Also, for the kids, picked up chocolate/peanut butter cups. They're like little round brownies, with a deep chocolate-filled hole in each. Sinful.

For sandwiches tomorrow night I picked up six of their freshly baked onion kaiser rolls...$2.29 for the six.

I also bought a small package of beautiful looking pancetta for future use, and some sliced smoked gouda (also for the sandwiches tomorrow night).

Their produce is absolutely wonderful, and prices will vary just like at another grocery store. You can buy nuts and grains, coffees, salads, wines...seafood, meat. Everything very fresh.

It's not a place to do all of your shopping, but to add things that will enhance your meals, imo. Also good for gifts...unique plants (I saw a plant today with purple peppers on it!) They had live basil plants for $1.99. A dozen roses for $6.99. Gift baskets, cards...gee I could go on and on. I'm sure you get the idea. You should stop in...for a browse, if nothing else! I'll bet you you won't walk out empty-handed. :p

[mbrogier]

I love the music and the floors. (its nice to hear hardwood instead of industrial linoleum...its the designer in me. ;)) I used to go to Fresh Market all the time when I was in college. I would get snacks for my dorm room. I loved their bulk nuts and fruit, and peanut butter. My roommate with a wheat allergy loved that they carried wheat free cookies. (We were in a town that didn't have a Whole Foods or a health food store.) I used to love their Cafe Angelica coffee, but I'm allergic to hazelnuts now. I wish we had a Fresh Market here. :(

[tmsl]

I'm so jealous!!! We used to have one here 10 years ago but it closed. I still go to the one in Charlotte for the Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee beans. I almost drained their bin of those beans on the last trip. For $8.99/lb. it is great to have a flavor of coffee that normally runs $35.00/lb. I also love the turkish apricots in the bulk section and buy that for an oatmeal recipe from Jan. 2003 CL. They have wonderful olives and deli section for quick bites. Enjoy, where is it in HH? I may need to pick up some coffee while I am there in a few weeks.

Laura

[ellery]

Thanks for the tips everyone! I'm mostly interested in checking out their spice selection, as we don't have a Penzey's nearby... ;)

And now that I'm racking my brain to figure out what to cook for dinner this weekend, am excited to think that they may have some ready-made yummy things for days when I just don't know...

Will have to wait out the full parking lot situation, though.

Laura, they're on business 278. It's been a work in progress ever since I moved here a year ago, so I was happily surprised when they opened on time!

Thanks!

Leah

[jtoepfert100]

Leah --

The Fresh Market near me has WONDERFUL seafood (even in Memphis). I think I hear some fresh shrimp calling your name.;)

[ellery]

Originally posted by jtoepfert100
Leah --

The Fresh Market near me has WONDERFUL seafood (even in Memphis). I think I hear some fresh shrimp calling your name.;)

Uh oh.... I was explaining to DF last night that I must keep trying to cook things until I get it right, explaining the logic behind this - practice makes perfect. He's still not sold on the idea of me going near shrimp ever again... ;)

:D

Leah

[bobmark226]

Originally posted by tmsl
I almost drained their bin of those beans on the last trip. For $8.99/lb. it is great to have a flavor of coffee that normally runs $35.00/lb.

I hate to disillusion you, Laura, but you're buying a blend, which contains probably 30% Jamaican Blue Mountain, which is how much they need to put in to use the name.

BOB

[tmsl]

We used to have one here 10 years ago but it closed. I still go to the one in Charlotte for the Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee beans.

Bob,

Yes, I stated that it was a blend. It is still better than not having any Blue Mountain at all.

Laura

[bobmark226]

Originally posted by tmsl

Yes, I stated that it was a blend. It is still better than not having any Blue Mountain at all.



You also remarked you were paying $8.99 for something that costs $35, which is not true.

BOB

[caregiver50]

Just returned from my second trip to HH Fresh Market. The parking is not bad, parked right in front.

They have specials like everyone else. The Kashi cereal I bought is the same price as the Tetter. Meats are wonderful as is the fish. Blueberries were on special earlier this week and were very good. Great breads, veggies, everything. As with other stores, prepared foods are expensive. You pay for their prep work.

Try it!