10 things you probably don't know about Whole Foods but should
By Alexis Larsen, Contributing Writer
Whole Foods has opened to great fanfare, and for good reason — it's awesome. The Centerville location — the first in Dayton — is a one-stop shop for an immersive experience that offers groceries, a hot meal tailored to each member in the family and drinks all in one stop. Here are a few things to know before you go:
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1. BUY LOCAL PRODUCTS
Photo by Alexis LarsenWhole Foods' philosophy is based on sourcing from the area it builds in. More than 50 Ohio suppliers were found through an “open call." Products with local connections are prominently labeled so shoppers know who they are supporting.
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2. CRAZY COOL VARIETY
Photo by Alexis LarsenThe selection is outrageous. The baby food aisle alone is a great visual of just how much incredible variety the store offers.
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3. A GROWING EMPIRE
Photo by Alexis LarsenThere are 420 Whole Foods Market stores worldwide. Dayton is No. 45 for the Mid-Atlantic region.
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4. DRINK AND SHOP
Photo by Alexis LarsenYou can have a cocktail while you shop. Grab a beer, wine or cocktail from the bar and start enjoying the most relaxing grocery shopping experience ever. The Dayton location has a full bar and 13 draft beer taps including a growler fill-up station highlighting local beers.
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5. FRESH DELICIOUS FRUIT
Photo by Alexis LarsenWhole Foods has a huge selection of fresh fruit that's been pre-cut including fresh coconut. We advise steering clear of the jackfruit unless you have money to burn — a half of one will set you back around $36.
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6. WHAT'S IN SEASON
Photo by Alexis LarsenIt's a great place to find the best of what's in season around the world. Did you know now is the time to purchase white asparagus? Whole Foods has it in spades.
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7. MEAT YOUR WAY
They do custom cuts at the butcher shop and will marinate your meat for you upon request.
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8. UNIQUE, EXOTIC FINDS
Photo by Alexis LarsenMexican sea beans? Aloe leaves? Bitter melon? Cactus leaves? Taiwan salsify root? Taro or Burdock root? Turmeric root? The addition of Whole Foods to the Dayton market eliminates the need to run down to Jungle Jim's for those wacky recipes calling for more exotic ingredients.
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9. EAT RIGHT THERE
Photo by Alexis LarsenIt's one of the best places to grab dinner in town. With more than 12 soups alone along with a pizza spot, sandwich counter, raw bar and salad bars that will have you drooling, there's something for everyone. You can grab a full dinner with two sides starting at $8.
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10. TAKE A SEAT
Photo by Alexis LarsenThere's seating for 200 both indoor and outdoor throughout the store. The seats at the cocktail bar are uncomfortable but very cool. The rumor is the store has already had enough complaints that they will be replacing them.
