If you read my first article on Whole Foods (see Features) you already know that I am your average everyday Mom to a toddler (omigosh, she was just a baby yesterday!!) and spend a lot of time at Whole Foods. So what? Well, I manage to do so without spending my whole pay check, that’s what! And although it is extremely easy to spend $20 on lunch (in the Hot Bar), I manage to get away with a fraction of that! Here’s how…
For a start, a slice of very richly topped, and freshly made pizza is a whopping $4, and there are usually tasty samples on the counter for you try while deciding which one to have! It gets even better, as there are tasty little cheese pies (pictured) which are only $3! Beat that, No Frills…kidding, I obviously love No Frills.
Next stop! The assorted lunch boxes…whether you are in the mood for a (delicious and generous) sandwich, wrap, or a mix of fruits, veggies, cold cuts, cheese and crackers – you are not going to spend more than $4.99.
No, your eyes are not fooling you, most everything on this rack is $3!!! Talk about lunch for three bucks, three bucks, three bucks. Well, it is actually 2 for $6, but you are not obliged to buy more than one item. I have been known to pop in and grab a beautiful salad that is adorned with walnuts and goats cheese and cranberries (yum). I usually accompany it with an Ener-C packet (pictured below) that dissolves nicely into a cup of filtered water, that is provided in the cafe at no cost.
If you are popping in for a coffee in the morning (they are only $1.75) and feeling peckish, or want to get a quick snack for your kid…the bakery is the place to go! Now, there definitely ARE gourmet items for $20 (yes, there are) but if you look closely, you could get away with spending LESS THAN $3!! Take a look…
You see? Whole Foods IS for everyone, not just the insanely rich…don’t be afraid to check it out if you already haven’t. I highly recommend it…
Q.S.
(So THAT’S where the “leave a comment” tab is. Glad I figured it out on the last day of school.) When I lived near Union Square I used to go to the Whole Foods-food bar, pick out four grains of Quinoa salad and watch as it rang in at $14. Once I tried the hot bar. I’m still paying that one off (had to pull out the Visa). Where were you when I was starving in NYC?!!
I wish I was in nyc, I tell ya! And yes, the Hot Bar will still do that to you if you’re not careful. Just yesterday I bought a huge cheese bun (89 cents), container of tuna salad ($3), and an energy c packet (69 cents). I was full for 6 hours!!
I was just at Whole Food and I swear we bought 5 items and it came out to $35!