Aisles and Aisles of Bliss

W-E-G-M-A-N-S! 

You have definitely heard about it, read about it, some even claim they can see it from the top of libe slope on a rare clear day in Ithaca.  It's that brown, rectangular mass proclaiming those famous seven neon orange-colored letters: WEGMANS. My third trip this week inspired me to write about my passion for this reliable market of dreams. For those of you who have yet to make a trip, I recommend doing so whether it is for personal validation, hunger satisfaction, or pure curiosity (all of which I have experienced many times as a student and dedicated shopper).  Located off of Route 13, Wegmans has it all: well-staffed, incredible produce selection, unexpected prepared foods section and an aisle dedicated just to candy. What causes me to go back again and again? First and foremost it is a supermarket. It trumps Tops in every aspect. Wegmans has your basic supermarket aisle classics but then it surprises it shoppers with aisles like: the organic food section, or the back left corner dedicated to local and foreign beer, or the enormous prepared foods section that has ithacans coming back for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Something for Everyone: 

It is clear that Wegmans takes pride in serving there customers top quality ingredients. The produce section is kept clean and always has a staff person there checking to make sure the baby arugula is in consistently filled. Moving to the right of the produce section is the section that makes Wegmans the place to be. The so-called prepared foods section is a compilation of meats, fish, bakery, salad bar, olive bar, cheese assortments, hot-food, cold-food, prepared salads and a large seating area to enjoy ones recent purchases. I should add the sushi section as well as pizza station to that list because they always draw a crowd. It is the restaurant of Wegmans and is always bustling with college kids as well as townees.  

Added Perks: 

So when one goes to Wegmans, how many things can one get done? Grocery shop, pick up your dry-cleaning at the station in the front, drop off your child at the day care center, grab a bite to eat, see a cooking-demo in the produce section, pick up your prescription at the pharmacy section, grab tonight's' dinner already pre-made. All of that in one store. Incredible. Maybe its because I love discovering new ingredients or great finds in supermarkets across the globe but there is something about Wegmans that makes me jubilant.

Checking-out:

Under-age students beware, Wegmans prides themselves on being very strict when it comes to purchasing alcohol (as of now the alcohol section consists of beer but I just signed a petition in attempt to bring wine to the store!). They not only will card you but they will card all of the people you are with and they are not shy about it. Aside from that, I recommend taking a tour of the candy aisle, be sure not to mix candies because they will automatically charge you for the most expensive candy offered! Even if you are in the mood for some chinese food or a great salad make a right once you enter and take a lap around the prepared foods section, you will be drooling by the end. Shop and eat till your hearts content!