Ideal Bite

One of the biggest Whole Foods stores in the world opened this spring in Chicago, where I live, and I’m afraid to go. 

My husband has breezed through a few times already and always returns with a glazed, content look on his face. “Can we move in?”  he asks, then turning into 30 Rock’s Liz Lemon, says with awkward longing, “I want to go to there.”

So why avoid it? First, markets are kinda my happy place, lame as that sounds, and a visit to this superduper Whole Pay Check could quickly turn into Whole Bank Account. All that beautiful produce? And amazing cheese and bread? And a wine bar to boot? Forget it. I’m bound to completely bliss out and wake up at home with a pallet of organic strawberries and pastured goat cheese smeared on my face.

But also, as a Biter, there’s the hyperconsciousness (some might say apoplexy) I now bring with me to the market that complicates everything. Is it local or organic or fair trade? Is it an agribusiness brand in hippie sheep’s clothing? Or worse, a corn or soy product that doesn’t exactly resemble food? (Yes, hello, Michael Pollan - and our next Book Club pick, peeps.) ‘Cause it’s not like Whole Foods has sorted that all out for the consumer, nor should they.

At least for the summer, though, I’m in good shape. (Yes, it's avoidance and no, I’m not proud of it.) Hooray for CSAs. The Midwest growing season is short but abundant, and our farmers are finally flush with local goodies.

As for the other stuff we can’t get around here and still want? I’ll send the hubby.

-Mama Bite Editor Alison...off to ogle the first garlic scapes...

From Mama Bite