Random Thoughts About Ottawa's Whole Foods

When the decision was made to redevelop Lansdowne Park, one of the selling points was that Whole Foods was going to be one of the stores in the commercial part of the new urban park concept for the area. My first exposure to the natural and organic foods supermarket chain was during an episode of "Top Chef" when the chefs were scrambling to buy ingredients for a QuickFire Challenge. I was surprised at the variety of items available in this store - someone bought an ostrich egg there for an omelet. The grand opening of the store was yesterday, so I made my way over during my lunch hour to see what all the fuss was about. Here's what I thought:

• It's not hard to be the shining jewel of the renovated Lansdowne Park when your competition is a Winners and a Sporting Life (think their opening days were as hyped and anticipated?).
• Some people braved a windchill of -17 Celsius and arrived at 6AM for a 9AM opening to say they were the first people inside. I was not one of those people, as I've never been in that much of a rush to give people my money.
• I hear the first 500 customers were given gift cards, ranging from $5 to $500 - nope, still not reason enough for me get there that early.
• It will be interesting to see how this company will fair in Ottawa once the coolness factor wears off.
• Not surprisingly, parking for this place is limited. Something to keep in mind if you're planning on buying a lot of groceries.
• I'm willing to bet that the majority of people here buying stuff would never think of buying similar products at any of the health food stores in Ottawa that were around before Whole Foods came to town.
• With more than 50 foods from Ontario and West Quebec producers, hopefully, this will be local enough for those concerned about their carbon footprint.
• They make use of every inch of the 39 000 square feet they have to play with. This is your one-stop-shop for all things organic, with a wide selection to choose from. Just don't expect that products will be any cheaper, organic food is still as expensive as ever.
• I had no idea there was more than one choice available when it comes to turnips.
• If you can get away with selling packages of asparagus with the ends removed to the lazy, more power to you.
• Not an ostrich egg to be seen.
• The cheese selection is second to none. Pretty good looking meat section and bakery as well.
• Best things I sampled: the fresh guacamole and the popcorn with drizzled chocolate on it.
• Despite Health Canada's assurances of safety, Whole Foods does not sell any genetically modified foods. I mention this because if you don't trust Health Canada, what exactly do you eat?
• Bought a fair trade coffee and the best carrot muffin I've ever eaten on the way out. 
• OVERALL IMPRESSION: Whole Foods lives up to the hype, it's a great store for natural and organic foods, with a wide selection of ingredients that will make your recipe that much better;  that said, I don't see it being a regular destination for anyone who doesn't live in the immediate area, or has money to burn.