knighton

I ♥ Sprouts Farmers Market

Sep 10, 2009

Do you have one of these near you? If you do, well, are you in for a treat!

In my extensive travels to the Pacific Northwest, I became accustomed to a great little place called Trader Joe's. It was one of my favorite stores, and not only because they sell Three Buck Chuck but also because it was a friendly little place with a unique selection. And for the past year, I've been sending regular location recommendations, basically begging TJ's to come to Texas.

Well, they didn't.

But Sprouts did! (The diety of organic grocers must have seen fit to redirect my prayers to a more suitable solution.)

Sprouts is a little larger than Trader Joe's, offers a far wider selection of produce (much of it local and organic), has better priced natural meat, chicken, and seafood than Whole Foods or Central Market, has a huge, reasonably-priced bulk foods section and a wide selection of vitamins, minerals, and "natural" cleaners and bath products.

For the past two nights, we've enjoyed the best tasting, most tender (cut-it-with-a-butter-knife-tender, seriously) natural, grass-fed steaks we have ever eaten in our lives. For only $7 to $8.50 per pound, ya'll! For Filet Mignon! I kid you not. I also purchase some hormone- and antibiotic-free, farm-fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts for only $3.50/pound. And I purchased local fruit and veggies for an average of $0.99 per pound, including organic Cameo apples for $1.29/pound.

And let's not forget inexpensive wine. At least as good as Three Buck Chuck is the Tisdale Cabernet & Merlot. And the $3 Marcus James is even better than that and was a surprisingly flavorful accompaniment with some imported French Brie we also picked up. But be ye warned: three-dollar wines are three dollars for a reason. Enjoy them with food or use in marinades, and don't drink too much in one sitting. Which, really, goes without saying for all adult beverages, I guess.

So, go there! Shop! Eat! Drink! Be Merry!

Posted in Dining In