An update to my 12/29/06 review: Whole Foods is still my favorite market, but these days, I find myself shopping there only about twice per week, as compared to my previous almost daily visits. ... More

An update to my 12/29/06 review: Whole Foods is still my favorite market, but these days, I find myself shopping there only about twice per week, as compared to my previous almost daily visits. This is due, of course, to the economy, but also to my renewed and revitalized “less is more” philosophy of life. I must also note that the self-check lines which I highly praised in my 12/29/06 review have been non-operational for at least the past 6 months, much to my regret. However, in the past few weeks, as I have stood awaiting the human checker, I have eyed the two (2) not quite yet operational revamped self-check stations and I know the day is near when I, once again, will become the master of checking and bagging my own groceries at Whole Foods Market.
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As I was waiting in line, humming "Brian Boru's March" and waiting for my "Ordinario" sandwich (roast turkey, lettuce, tomato, cucumber (no cheese) on marble rye) the other day, I thought, "Why not... More

As I was waiting in line, humming "Brian Boru's March" and waiting for my "Ordinario" sandwich (roast turkey, lettuce, tomato, cucumber (no cheese) on marble rye) the other day, I thought, "Why not review Whole Foods Market? I'm here almost every day." And so . . . Whole Foods IS a pleasant and very convenient shopping experience - although more expensive than your average market. It is an organic/natural foods/gourmet market which meets almost every shopping need. The take-out service is pretty fast - but better yet - the self service check-out lines are the best I have encountered at any shopping facility, almost never break down (as long as I am using a debt card) & I am in and out very quickly. I trust the food I buy here & I feel I can safely eat here without getting sick. I frequent the fresh fruits & vegetables and salad and soup {Mediterranean Chicken is my favorite) bars. My weekly need for fresh cut flowers is met here as well as my desire to look at Earth Shoes (they sell the new Earth Shoe), buy ear plugs, purchase vitamins, minerals and supplements, Bach flower remedies, Republic of Tea teas + freshly delivered (if not baked) Irish Soda bread. And, it is all within walking distance from my house or a short driving distance from my work. I am very spoiled, very rarely shop at other markets for edible products (except Trader Joe's) since discovering Whole Foods and when I am on vacation or away from home, I find myself trying to locate the nearest Whole Foods Market to me. For, what is life without whole food?
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whole foods is the best organic/natural foods market anywhere. of course, it is more expensive than your average ralphs. however, it is well worth it if you're looking for products that aren't... More

whole foods is the best organic/natural foods market anywhere. of course, it is more expensive than your average ralphs. however, it is well worth it if you're looking for products that aren't sold in regular stores. the pasadena one has a health and beauty section, a bakery, and a wide selection of sandwiches and other "take-out" food. this is also a very good place to get fresh seafood. fruits and vegetables are also very fresh, but expensive if you go organic (they also have conventionally-grown products)--keep your eye out when they have sales. the best part about this market is how pleasing it is to shop there. the environment is relaxed and everything is pristine. i actually look forward to shopping when i go here! the only down side is that it does get expensive. my suggestion is to go here to supplement your usual grocery staples. tip: their "365" house brand is usually reasonable and comparable to other markets. tip#2: if you don't mind the crowds, head here on sat. afternoon. tons of samples! you could practically eat lunch there. always a lot of cheese, and if you go to the deli, they'll give you as many samples as you want of their deli meats.
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This place is remarkably clean. Their emphasis on the products they carry are fresh and organic foods so you will see items on shelves that are unlike any other in your typical Ralph's or... More

This place is remarkably clean. Their emphasis on the products they carry are fresh and organic foods so you will see items on shelves that are unlike any other in your typical Ralph's or Albertson's. Usually, they have samples of cheese for their customers to try out and for a while, Virgil's cream soda and root beer samples. Don't expect low prices from this store as the products they carry are of high quality, if not, THE highest quality. There's even a place for massages and Jamba Juice in the store.
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