Wegmans - Welcome to the Food Museum

Wegmans - 3195 Monroe Avenue, Rochester NY 14618
585.586.6680
www.wegmans.com

Oh Wegmans...how I love that word.  The word, which is so fondly associated with one of the best food shopping experiences in the U.S. has finally been made real to me.  I can't even tell you how many times I've heard friends boast about Wegmans, which they came to know in upstate NY usually during their college years.  One of our friends, Moses is probably the most effusive in his descriptions as he calls it "the most awesomest store ever."

So...how did I get to try it, you might wonder?  Well we took an impromptu road trip to Rochester last weekend due to an unfortunate family circumstance.  Although the reason for our trip was sad, we discovered some fun things along the way, such as this amazing store!

A Bit of Background:
Like most great businesses in this country, Wegman's started as a mom & pop shop.  A duo of  brothers, Walter and John Wegman began running it in 1915.  Since that time, the business has grown beyond their wildest dreams, I'm sure, to a multi-billion dollar establishment, now operating 75 stores mostly in Western NY and some locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.  I love their core belief: "good people, working toward a common goal, can accomplish anything they set out to do." Words to live by and words that can be applied to any circumstance, I think.

A Bit About Our Experience:
Before we walked into Wegman's I didn't know what to expect.  Quite frankly, it looked like any other large super-store such as Walmart, Target or COSTCO.  However, what lay beneath its plain exterior was anything but. 

First of all, I was immediately entranced by the variety and the many specialty stations that Wegmans offered.  The bakery was the best part, as there were countless renditions of artisan breads and delicious looking--and tasting--rolls.  We indulged in quite a bit, as we bought a couple of pretzel rolls, rosemary and olive rolls and bread such as a rustic wheat loaf.  Although the bread selection is impressive, it's a bit pricey, but the costs are justified by the amazing quality.  To give you an example, a smallish roll was $.55 and any loaf of bread was in the neighborhood of $3.75 - $5.00.

Then came the cheeses - oh my!  From interesting domestic varieties such as cheddar and mozzarella, to exotic imported products such as the creamiest French brie I've ever tasted and an authentic Grana Padano Parmesan with a sharp bite, I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted first.

Oh and there was much more - from an extensive organic section to the countless market cafes, serving fresh sushi, sandwiches, Mexican food, pasta, pizza and more, the world is truly yours when you come here.  I especially loved the old fashioned sub shop, serving delicious, fresh sandwiches on Wegmans quality fluffy bread.  Dan and I got one for the road, at only $5.50 for a hefty 7 incher.  It was GOOD and even during a very long car ride home, the bread stayed fresh and didn't get soggy.

I was so excited by my exprience at Wegmans that I decided to make the above picture my Facebook profile shot.  The comments were so positive that I had to share some with you.

"When I was at Cornell, I shopped at Wegmans all the time. It was the nicest store in Ithaca. I miss it."

"I was at Wegman's on Saturday! Oh how I love Wegman's :)"

"I call Wegman's a Food Museum! Please tell me there's one near NYC."

I think these paint a pretty accurate picture - Wegmans ABSOLUTELY ROCKS! Now we just need one in our area.  Come on Wegmans, make it happen!

Artichoke - Now the BEST PIZZA I Ever Ate

Artichoke - 328 East 14th Street, New York NY 10003

212.228.2004

L Train to 1st Avenue

www.artichokepizza.com

My co-workers told me about Artichoke Pizza, but I only half believed them.  "It's the best pizza you're EVER going to taste."  I didn't know if I'd completely agree, but my curiosity was piqued to the max, especially when my co-worker Meghan talked about their most coveted "artichoke" slice with a creamy cheese topping and soft artichokes.  "Mmmmm," I was  intrigued and ventured over there one day after work.

Atmosphere:

I was duly warned about Artichoke's famous (and painfully long) line.  "It's always like that," Meghan said but I thought to myself that there must be a good reason. This place must really be something special if there's always a line.

Sure enough when I got there, I noticed the line forming out the door.  It seemed to be moving slowly but if you prepare yourself for this, you'll get through it.  In the midst of my wait, I got to scope out the scene and figure out where to eat my pizza, as there was no seating inside - the space is absolutely tiny.  Spotting some wooden benches outside (and it was a nice, mild night) as well as a wooden make-shift bar, I knew where I'd be scarfing down my artichoke slice.  While people sat on the benches, no one used the make-shift bar, so I'd highly suggest that if you want some "privacy."

Food:

Oh my holy god, once it was actually my turn and I got to order the signature artichoke--and get this, a spinach combo--slice I was ready for my experience to start.

First off, the slice was absolutely humongous and could've very well been the equivalent to a half loaf of bread.  I knew I had to pace myself and know when to stop or I'd get grossly, utterly full.  Putting my slice on the "bar" I could hardly wait for it to cool down.  Waiting for about 5 seconds, I couldn't take it anymore and took a big bite, burning the roof of my mouth in the process.  It didn't matter.

Oh sweet mother of pizza - the flavor was beautiful.  From ingredients to texture and apperance, this slice had it all.  Each bite produced the most luxurious sensation in your mouth - the soft (almost saucy) cheese melded together with the artichoke and the spinach, forming perfect harmony.  It tasted like you were eating the most delicious artichoke/spinach dip on the freshest pizza dough ever. 

Another fabulous component was the excellent quality olive oil that was used - you could taste the freshness and fruity flavor.  I don't know where they get this stuff, but it's for real.  I wouldn't be surprised if I found out it's imported from Italy.  Magnifico!

Service and Cost:
There are three guys in the shop and they are busy.  Two guys make the pizza and one guy tends to all customers.  That's right, one guy.  He's nice and jovial under the crazy circumstances and does a good job at managing the crowds.  He didn't seem stressed, which was admirable - I guess he's used to the hubbub.

Costs are very moderate for the quality of pizza you're getting and include the following:

Artichoke Slice: $4

Margarita Slice: $3.50

Crab Slice: $4

Sicilian Slice: $3.50

Stuffed Artichoke Slice: $6

32 oz beer (damn): $5.50

3 VERY effusive Mmmmms