AnnieRie Unplugged

The past two posts focused on my initial visit to the new store, and what it was like to get there and back. A while ago, I wrote about what I thought might happen in the area once the store opened. I thought it might affect Costco or BJs, in addition to the chain grocery stores here in Howard County.

Since I only used Wegmans in the past for hard to find items, or specialty fish and meat, I never wandered their organic aisles, or their grocery and bulk sections. Now I have, twice. We went back this morning to pick up some items for my husband’s upcoming field day. Items for hydration. He also wanted to see the new store, and as retirees we can wander in at 10am when parking is relatively easy.

This is what we went to get. Bananas and oranges and vitamin water with potassium. Field Day set up in 90+ degree heat this Friday will be tough on the guys doing it. Hydration is important so we stocked up on supplies. I also found they got distilled vinegar in last night to fill the empty shelves I found yesterday. For pickling, I go through lots of this stuff and the price here was really good.

Of course, as usual, I got way more than what I needed as items tempted. Just what you expect when you go shopping.

Organic lemons and limes. Key limes. Meyer lemons. I always buy organic citrus so I can use the zest without worrying about what may have been sprayed on them. A couple of the key limes will be used for tongiht’s rockfish on the grill.

The Meyer Lemons! With my basil and some Aranciata and vodka, it will be Meyer Lemon Basil Fizzes on the patio while the fish cooks!

With all the organic foods there, I wonder how it will affect Roots, MOM’s and David’s. I found their prices to be better than Roots for organic dairy items. This will be an interesting evolution.

And, like Tale of Two Cities found out, take out dinner from there can be very reasonable, so how will this affect the takeout places near there?

We got in and got checked out very quickly today. And, stupid me. I forgot to give the cashier the two coupons to get the eggs and bread free. I bought them to use towards the field day egg and toast breakfast we make for the radio operators who work all night Saturday making contacts. No problem. As I started out, I remembered, turned around and headed for customer service where a roving employee took my coupons, walked behind the counter and gave me $3.48 in cash for my coupons. Didn’t even ask to see my Shoppers card. No hassle and great customer service.

Giant and Safeway will be affected by them definitely. Who else? Only time will tell. They also were giving out cups of iced water at the entrance for hydration. A map of the store. Free Menu magazine with $10 more in coupons good until September. The magazine had great recipes in it, like for grilled pizzas.

I actually watched one couple wandering the store with the magazine looking for items to make one of the recipes. Very slick marketing. The pizzas looked great.

Yesterday I picked up a loaf of their miche bread.

Their specialty breads will be giving the local bakers competition, that’s for sure.

I have to admit, I am seeing my habits change to use them instead of Giant or Safeway for the things I don’t get from the farmer’s markets, local farmers and dairies, my CSA and some bulk items. I used to drive to Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods occasionally. I believe for me that will stop, as Wegmans becomes my substitute.

Now, if I can just figure out where everything is located.

hocofood@@@