Fresh Market - Dunwoody

I know this is not a restaurant, but in a Whole Foods kind of way, it is. After I ate a Wright's I was driving around exploring and found a new Fresh Market (new to me anyway). When I walk in, the store immediately appealed to me. It is like Whole Foods, but different. All the food is on display like a work of art. You immediately want to buy everything because it all looks so great, but you must restrain yourself. Like Whole Foods, this is a boutique grocery store and items are a little overpriced. And, you could never do all your grocery shopping here. You come here when you are having a party or want some prepared food, or want a sandwich for lunch (see other post).

I was immediately wide-eyed and had to re-think my decision not to get a basket. I quickly went back for one and vowed not to buy anything cold (as i was still exploring) and not to buy too much. Once you ground yourself, you begin to see that you want all this stuff because it all looks so darned pretty and tasty. Not necessarily because you need it or because you will use it. That jar of caramel sauce, yum yum, but i sure don't need it and must put it down. Some really nice looking fall potpourri for your table, sure until you look at the price of $20.00.

Anyway, center center... so around to the prepared salad section with my weakness... pasta and potatoes. They all looked so good, so i settled on three. Yes, they were cold but I figured they would last for a few hours or so. One, i threw away after i took a few bites, the other 2 i ate, but were not remarkable and certainly will not be trying again. These prepared foods always seem so great to me, but then i get them home and remember they really are not that good.

But i did buy some jarred pasta sauce that was delicious and some pumpkin jelly candy that i can't stop eating. Good thing i steered clear of all the stuffed chicken breasts and marinated meats. Once i studied the ingredients i realized they were nothing more that fancy named chicken dishes that were stuffed with ingredients you have at home. One was stuffed with salsa and pepper jack, another with marinara sauce and provolone and the list goes one. Of course they charge for one chicken breast what you can by a package for without the stuffing. So, study the case, find your favorite and go home and make it.

Sure, i will go back to Fresh Market. It is freaking cool, the wine selection is awesome, the candy section is huge, the meats and breads make me want to sit down and eat right there. But, mostly i will go for ideas or that special something for a party. Everything here looks great, and you pay for it. Go for treats, but don't go for your regular grocery shopping.