We were at the new Whole Foods in the Hill Center at 8 am yesterday, many more people were there than I expected. The line doubled around the corner for the free breakfast.  After the bread breaking (Whole Foods’ way of doing a ribbon-cutting), we were the first in the door. Everything was as I expected from the other Whole Foods locations. One standout is the Olive Oil/Balsamic Vinegar tasting station, bottles line the shelves and slices of bread are supplied for you to try almost any vinegar or oil available.

One thing that I really liked was finding Organic Valley Unsweetened Soymilk and finally not having to purchase Silk any longer. I even spoke with one lady for a few minutes and noticed she had about 10 half-gallon cartons of Silk in her cart I told her about Dean Foods which owns Silk.   I saw her soon after putting all of her Silk back on the shelf, right beside the Silk representative that was there! I get laughs in silly, vindictive ways.

I spoke with Laura Button, owner of Journey To Bliss Foods, who was giving out some great samples of her products. My daughter loved the Carrot Cake.

For those wondering, plenty of local products can be found throughout the store and a brochure is even provided to give more information.

One thing I saw that was unlike any other Whole Foods was the cafe was located outside of the cash registers. As well, there was far more outside seating available than I have seen at other locations.

When we were leaving (after returning for the third time) we walked by a lady who was complaining to management about the traffic and parking situation. She went on and on and just would take any explanation as good enough. One management member even walked her through the parking garage to help her understand the best way to enter and leave. We made it a point ot walk up to the same management and thank them for bringing Whole Foods here and told them we had zero complaints. My mother said she went back inside 30 minutes later and the same lady was complaining to someone else about the same thing.

Of course, this will be my new hangout when I have nothing better to do.

For those of you who were once meat eaters, what was the most vile piece of “food” you ever consumed?  The reaosn I ask, I just watched Anthony Bourdain, on Travel Channel, you know, the guy who eats all sorts of bizarre entrails such as pig liver stew (raw) and raven eye sandwiches (again, raw) and thought how much stuff I once ate that could count toward being “disgusting”,  somewhat.   I think the best I could remember eating was potted meat sandwiches (you know what’s in that stuff?) and once, pork brains.  Tame, I’m sure, in comparison to the stuff this guy shovels.  While we’re mentioning him, Bourdain also has a strong dislike for vegetarians.  Who could have guessed?

If you are vegan or vegetarian and have been for any amount of time then you will know exactly where I am coming from with this post. Why is it that meat-eaters seem to get offended when you mention you don’t eat meat? The seem to act like you are the head of some plot against them. Amazement and awe, a good description of some of those who I have informed that I don’t eat any animal product. They can seem to understand at first, then they seem to be upset with me, then disgust. Why? Disgust is that pile of rotting animal flesh on your plate, and if the thought of that isn’t enough then have you watched the pork chop video? I am fine with you eating whatever you choose to put into your body, I don’t get offended when the person in line in front of me at whatever joint I decide to order up lunch asks for extra cheese and triple meat on his/her sandwich so why must you get all off-put when I ask for no cheese and none of those meat drippings?

Just a ramble….

As a vegan or vegetarian, if you were to be out with meat-eating friends would you buy their lunch/dinner or would you be opposed to the purchase of animal products even in that situation?

“does cheetos have any meat” [sic]

I get questions. Lots of them. Well, actually it seems search engines do and sometimes they come in strange form and as well the sometimes lead the person inquiring to this website. The above query did at least. There’s something to be said for a cheeto with meat. I would have none of it but if your cheeto finds itself with meat…well…move on.