Fab, Fun, Food- The Fresh Market

For the past 3 months that I've lived in Alexandria, I've seen a coming soon sign for The Fresh Market. Today the wait was over and I got to experience everything that The Fresh Market is and isn't. If I had to compare it to anything, it would be a toss up between Whole Foods and Wegman's. I didn't throw in my FAV Trader Joes because I feel as if they are on a different playing field. Now I love Trader Joes, Lord knows I do; but the ambiance they lack Wegman's and The Fresh Market have. However even with the ambiance, I'm not sooo sure that The Fresh Market will be able to pull me away.  

The Fresh Market provides the vibe of a neighborhood grocer combined with an upscale swag (think Take Home Chef). Unfortunately, I think The Fresh Market misses the mark a bit because they don't provide an area to actually eat inside and enjoy all if the wonderfulness prepared. 

Since I'm notorious for hash tagging specialty stores before my visit, I did just that with The Fresh Market.  From my findings last night, I knew that I'd have to keep an eye open for their edible cookie dough, Red Velvet whoopie pies, and their salted caramel crispie cookies. Anything other than those items were just the icing on the cake. In my eyes The Fresh Market takes a bronze medal in regard to Wegman's and Trader Joes. I can definitely see myself going back for items to make specific recipes, but I don't actually see myself doing the bulk of my grocery shopping there. 

Here's just a piece of the grand opening experience that I witnessed:

I really should have picked up the Peppermint Lemonade, it's definitely on the list for the next time.

I always have time for an impromptu wine tasting, and does it hurt to have cute packaging? Each bottle of wine is Sal's art which spreads love, goodwill and positive energy throughout the world.

My love for Red Velvet is real so the whoopie pies went home with me.

I was literally like a kid in a candy store, sooo much to see and taste!!!

The curry chicken salad just kept calling me!!! It would have been a 10 but the almonds kinda messed it up for me, so it was an 8 lol.

After this sample, I knew this crunchy shrimp and crab sushi had to come home with me.