Saturday, March 3, 2007

hosed at the grocery store

I have a crush on Whole Foods Market. Though it has many attributes that I love, I will spare you my love-sick drivel and just tell you this one story ...

Last night, my friend Sally* and I decided we wanted to eat dinner at Whole Foods. We got there probably around 7:30 and wandered around trying to choose what we wanted. Sushi? Pizza? Salad bar? So much to choose from. But then we saw the restaurant in the middle of it all. A place where you actually sit down, in the middle of a grocery store, and order a gourmet dinner. We decided to splurge. It was obviously a popular choice, evidenced by the packed out bar and the people waiting to steal the seats of the first people to abandon their posts. So Sally* and I became the hoverers. We stood behind an older couple and waited for them to finish their wine. As soon as we saw them put their money down on the bar, we encroached upon the empty bar chairs.

Since the store is so new, the workers had yet to find their rhythm. We waited for a while before we got to look at menus and order. But we were sitting where we could watch the cooks in action, so we were entertained and not complaining. It took quite a while for them to get our pork medallions in bourbon sauce out to us, and in the mean time the head cook offered us a glass of wine on the house. We accepted, of course, and enjoyed a tasty glass of pinot noir (dare I say the tastiest pinot noir I've ever had) while we waited for our meal. We chatted it up with the cooks and servers, and made a few new friends. Joselle, Cory, Kevin, Marcus. They loved us. Our meal was delicious, and we had a delightful time talking with Marcus, who took a seat next to us at the bar to enjoy his own meal while on a break. Joselle refilled our wine glasses to the brims, and we stayed to finish. Marcus filled me in on the benefits of working at Whole Foods (of which there are many, and I won't say I'm not considering it). He could tell that Sally* and I had a nice buzz from our free wine and he said, "What if you had to call a cab to get home from the grocery store?" Sally and I laughed (rather loudly) about this comment.

Two and a half hours later, when we were ready to leave and the store was about to close, Joselle told us that our meals were also on the house. Free wine. Free food. A buzz at the grocery store. That's what I call a good night.

I love Whole Foods.

*Not her real name.

9 comments:

G. Twilley said...

Wow, you and Sally* made quite an impact. Maybe you should make a habit of doing things and start a new blog about your adventures (and reviews) in various area restaurants.

I think that it would be an automatic hit!

April Barber said...

We have a whole food here in St. Louis but I haven't been yet. Maybe I will try your tactics!

Ginny said...

wow! I don't know who this sally is, but it sure sounds like you 2 had a good time. ;)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like my kind of night :)

~ans

Jason Harmon said...

I have a theory about this "Sally" It could be a combination of names... maybe names like SArah, Lyndsey, and ginnY. or maybe its a code name for a secret lover... or a nickname for a gay friend. that would explain the fun conversation and free dinner. the possibilities of this Sally are endless.

Renee said...

i am so jealous!

Anonymous said...

honk honk honk

jeff said...

So, me and Clark* were able to were able to visit Whole Foods yesterday after school let out. As I walked into the store and looked around, I mentioned to Clark* that I felt like a tourist. So, just so you know, I was blown away by the store. And I bought a few things!!

gilby730 said...

i love whole foods as well. there is not one in my town...i have to go into the city to go to one...but it is well worth it. heehee.