Confessions of a Weg-head
Ahhh, Wegman’s! The Disney World of grocery stores, the Mecca of supermarkets, a paradise for foodies. And I now have the privilege or living within 15 minutes of such a place!!!….yes I am a Weg-head.
If you are not familiar with the Wegman’s concept, the aforementioned synonyms are mere understatements that describe Wegman’s. Originating from the upstate New York region, these supermarkets, although that is hardly the term for such a sophisticated establishment, are the alpha and omega of gourmet. While Wegman’s does sell your common grocery store food items and thousands of familiar brands, it’s unique approach to exceeding the customers’ needs (and wants for that matter) is what sets the store over the top.
Beyond aisles of rare international food items, organic and all-natural goods, gluten-free and vegan options, Wegman’s boasts a bountiful and exotic produce selection, a fresh seafood market, and a cheese booth so large that it stands alone, off to the side and rather distant from the deli area, just to name a few of its features. After snacking on a slice of double-creme brie or imported Parmesan, you can turn the corner and stroll past the deli meat market, where Spanish jambon is sold at $99/lb., and arrive upon the bakery. If the glass display cases filled with chocolate bombes, glazed fresh fruit tarts, layer cakes, and whimsical cupcakes are not enough to whet your appetite, the aroma of freshly baked breads just might do the trick. Adjacent to the sweet treats are savory indulgences, like rye bagels, braided olive loaf, pretzel rolls, and whole grain peasant bread. No need to stop at the local bagel chain for Sunday morning bagels anymore; Wegman’s bagels come in a plethora of flavors and have that perfect balance of a chewy exterior, contrasted by a moist, fluffy and sponge-like interior.
In the mood for Chinese? How about Indian? Make your way left from the bakery, and you could have both! In addition to a nostalgic sub shop, gourmet pizzeria, and a made-to-order area with a classic American food menu, the hotel pans on the hot food buffet bars in the middle of all this culinary over-stimulation are filled with house-made traditional Chinese and Indian entrees, like pork fried rice and butter chicken with basmati rice. You can also enjoy a cold food bar, where you can pile your to-go container with spinach and feta couscous, chickpea salad, curried tofu salad, cilantro tabbouleh, baked potato salad, edamame succotash…..the list goes on and on.
The gourmet sandwiches made in the specialty prepared foods area are mouthwatering and perfectly harmonized with ingredients like freshly roasted turkey breast, mixed greens, roasted red pepper, honey mustard, and whole grain baguette. Likewise, the hand-rolled sushi from the sushi station just an arm’s length from the specialty foods station, are far superior to those found at many local sushi restaurants. With over 50 varieties of maki rolls and sashimi, choosing is unbearably difficult. If the open display case does not feature a specific roll you are craving, no worries, just ask one of the sushi chefs behind the counter, and he or she will hand-craft any roll of your choice. Now that’s customer service!
Whether you choose to dine at Wegman’s, outside on the veranda or upstairs in the, quaint lounge-cafe area, or take it home or back to the office, you most certainly enjoy a delicious meal.
Of course, now you can see why I absolutely adore Wegman’s.What’s not to love?
When Wegman’s opened in Columbia, Md., just minutes from my house, I confess, I went twice on opening day! I just could not contain my excitement! Years ago, my dad and I used to drive two hours near Dulles Airport in Virginia just to go to Wegman’s, so having a Wegman’s this close to my house awakened me anew to my culinary fantasies. I could now stop at Wegman’s on the way home from work everyday and pick up fresh fish and unique herbs, spices, and grains to compliment, and prepare a gourmet meal at home…..and splurge on the prepared foods too!