MountainMornings

Our new Whole Foods opened with a bang this week. Really. After negotiating the 3 traffic cops and finally parking, we were trumpeted in by a right fine bluegrass/gospel band. It almost felt like I was in the Music City. The singer/songwriter’s name is Liza Bance, and she could belt out a rich tune like nobody’s business. We liked the group so much we bought their album, How Long Must I Wait. 

Bob said with a smile, “This is shopping as an experience!” He was reluctant to come with me since he is of the notion that real men don’t shop. When necessary, they go into a store with a mission in mind and get out as soon as they possibly can. I have to admit this was my second trip in their opening week, after having lunch there with two knitting buddies. There’s the Brit and then there’s Tracey. I met her at the Needle Lady after she spied my Fair Haven yarn shop bag; “Say, I used to live there, in Red Bank.” Then we found out we both worked at the same newspaper. She was one of the founding members, and I was a lowly reporter who emailed copy in from home for the most part. We talked about our country lives, and Tracey thinks I should keep bees! Small world.

Reclaimed wood

Here are the highlights of both trips to Whole Foods, besides the band: Lavender tea loaves; freshly made sweet potato gnocchi (which the chef recommended I fry!); a wine and beer bar where you can actually sit down and drink folks; four fresh salad and hot food bars; a pizza oven; a psychedelic hamburger truck; and of course more locally sourced food than I ever thought was possible….And because we are in the People’s Republic of Charlottesville, people watching is an artform in itself.

Starr Hill beer

My absolutely favorite thing was the stunning bulk dry food reclaimed wooden cabinets….felt like the ’70s when we participated in a food co-op in the Berkshires!

I have decided to make all future Tuesday  posts “Tantalizing and Tasty” – in other words, there will be a recipe involved. Can you guess what my Whole Foods stash will become?