Every Day You Get Their Best

If you live in an area where there is a Wegmans, you know what a great store it is. If you don't live near a Wegmans, by the time you read this, you'll want one!

It's no secret that I LOVE MY WEGMANS! My weekly shopping trip is more of a social visit with friends than another weekly chore. It starts off when I walk in and stop at the coffee shop and socialize with Gavin, Donna, Cassie and all the other "barristas". I have to have a mocha with me in the little side car coffee holder on my basket. Dave in bakery always comes out from behind the brick oven to say hello and ask what I've picked up at the market lately. Miguel works over in the meat demo department and is always ready to exchange recipes. And John in Produce always has great ideas of what is new and exciting for side dishes--take a look above at the photo of the produce department and you will know what I'm talking about. It's not unusual for me to meet other friends and neighbors as I go through my weekly shopping trip, making it a total social event! No wonder it takes me two hours or longer to do my weekly grocery shopping!

"MY Wegmans" has all the bells and whistles--sushi is made fresh daily on site. You can get a freshly tossed Cesaer salad with your choice of grilled chicken or shrimp, made to order. In a hurry with no time to cook dinner? There are daily offerings of pre-made entrees and sides, a pizza oven, and fresh seafood, chicken, and meats that have been marinated and ready for the grill. European desserts are available at the Pasterie Shoppe--perfect for impressing the hubby's boss who decides to drop in unexpectedly for dinner!

There is a huge selection of organic products in a special area called "Nature's Marketplace", as well as dozens of organic produce, milk, eggs, yogurt, frozen items and many other items available at very competitive prices. I have found organic produce to be only pennies more per pound than it's conventionally raised counterpart. As part of their committment to helping fair trade, there are specialty items, organic cotton tee shirts, and jewelry items made in India, Mexico and other places.

Stop by the floral department and breathe deeply! There are amazing, colorful floral arangements in price ranges from a few dollars up to $50 or more. I recently purchased an arrangement for the kitchen that was made with fresh lemons, yellow daisies, mums and pussy willows--it was spectacular, and sure made me feel like spring had finally arrived!

Wegmans is also an environmental leader. They have been recycling plastic and paper bags for decades--collection bins are at each entrance for your convenience. I can't go to the store without my sturdy black canvas bags with the prominant "W" logo. These bags go with me everywhere, including to competitors' stores and to the farmer's market! Their square, boxy shape and strength fit easily into the trunk of my car. There is a full two aisles in my store dedicated to green cleaning products, environmentally friendly toys, plates and other items. It's amazing to see how many items are available to help the consumer "go green."

Each trip I make to Wegmans is an opportunity to learn and grow more as a cook. The employees who work in the various departments are all very friendly and eager to help you with your shopping needs. From the first cup of coffee when I walk in the door, to the final "thanks for shopping with us" that I get from the cashier as I leave, shopping at Wegmans is something I look forward to every week. Their slogan says it all: "Every Day, You Get Our Best." It's not just a slogan to the people who work there, it is a motto they take to heart and offer freely to all of their shoppers.

When I retire and am no longer dependant on my paycheck, I want to work at Wegmans!