Tripp Fenderson

We hit Cupertino’s this morning, grabbing a bagel and coffee before heading to Whole Foods to gawk at the Richmonders gawking at the food.

We do love our grocery stores around here, don’t we?

I thought it wouldn’t be that busy, what with Hanna making her way through town. I couldn’t have been more wrong (I should have checked out the former cube monkey’s blog first). The place was absolutely PACKED—every aisle, every section of the store. There were even 5 or 6 people doing tastings at the wine bar! A little rain won’t keep a Richmonder from checking out the new grocery store in town.

What a store.

With the exception of Manning’s Hominy, available only at Ukrops here in town, and Tom Leonard’s kick-ass ribeye, I have no reason to shop anywhere else. Anitra was thrilled to find so many dairy products that she can eat (she’s allergic to cow’s milk but not goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, etc). I think she cleaned out the yogurt section this morning. I picked up a couple dozen littleneck clams and some french bread for lunch today and will definitely be back to frequent the seafood section.

They have wonderful looking meats and cheeses, a great wine selection, and lots of emphasis on local food (including some beautiful heirloom tomatoes from Colonial Beach). Virginia-based farms and farmers are promoted in every section of the store, often with photos of the farmers themselves.

If you’re looking for something to do on this rainy day, I’d put people-watching at Whole Foods high on the list—but save your shopping for another day. It’s a bit of a madhouse in there today.