Whole Foods Market...

THE SAVVY SHOPPER
Jeanne Vogt

Whole Foods Market...
At the Mercato.

I used to shop at Whole Foods in Denver and made a special trip to the new one in Naples. I love this store, just don't go in hungry! There are so many things to tempt you.
The fresh flowers at the front are irresistible, sunny daffodils, $7.59, beautiful assorted mixed bouquets, $7.99, great looking pussy willows, $14.99 and they dry well so you can use them over and over. Orchids from $19.99 and assorted fresh herbs in pots at $4.99.
All the fruits and veggies are as fresh as can be and artistically arranged, maybe you don't want to take that red pepper, you will mess up the display!
As you walk through you will see this isn't an ordinary grocery store. They have 283 organic items available. Cheese from around the world, with a huge selection of all kinds of cheeses. A juice bar, a coffee bar and a wine tasting bar!
There is a whole section of imported olive oils and vinegars. Each aisle is an adventure! There is a whole case of soy milk. And a large section of domestic and Artisan beers.The olive bar has a host of different varieties of olives, I counted 30 and quit! Priced at $9.99 per pound. Also at $9.99 is the Bar-B-Que bar. You can plan dinner while wandering around this huge store. The good thing is many things are prepared and all you have to do is heat and eat, I love it!
There were many hot soups to choose from, small $2.99, medium $4.99 and a large container just $8.99. From meat soups to chili, ready to eat. The salad bar or the specialty salad bar is $7.99 a pound with so many things to choose from sushi, sandwiches to salads fixings. There you have a great, healthy dinner, soup and salad.
The International Cuisine is hot and ready with many main courses offered at $7.99 or the restaurant style cuisine with everything cooked and ready to go from the most exotic to country fried chicken. There is something for everyone's taste. Even a counter with fresh baked pizza or Asian food for take out.
The meat and poultry is farm raised, fresh seafood with many varieties and a smoked meat section.
You will find unusual items like the bins of infused sugar or salts from truffle salt to lavender salt.
Now the bakery is another whole adventure from all the varieties of fresh baked from scratch breads to the hand crafted desserts. They are truly an art form!! You won't know which to choose. Fit for the most elegant dinner party!
There is also a dessert bar with all sorts of things from cannolis to individual cherry cheese cakes. $7.99 per pound.
As you exit you will even find a cafe for a quick cup of Joe or lunch. There are inside and outside tables.
I think you will enjoy the whole experience of shopping at Whole Foods, I did!
Whole Foods Market is located at 9101 in the Mercato in Naples at U.S. 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road.