A Sensory Overload and a Celebrity Chef Sighting at Whole Foods Market

Shop-aholic, that is me. I am constantly in and out of stores, lists flying, mind racing, senses piqued. Nordstrom, Saks, Banana Republic, where is the best shopping? Over 15 years as a private chef and culinary event aficionado, I pass right on by the malls and head straight to the grocery stores and farmer's markets, of course! I am amazed and dazzled by the stores we have in the Bay Area. Despite my "market expertise", I was blown away by the newest Whole Foods Market at the Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa.

What a scene! The parking lot was jam packed and people of all types were streaming in. I was so excited to see the fall produce piled high, it brought on my first autumn inspiration. Just look at these beautiful heirloom pumpkins and artichokes! I was inspired to design a new table display that I will share later in the month. My eyes were overwhelmed with shapes and colors.

The next moment of fun was seeing the new Whole Foods Market Mobile Food Truck. It is a thing of beauty, especially when they are selling $1 succulent tacos, shrimp, veggie or chicken to raise money for nutrition education for Santa Rosa Schools. My lunch: $2!

Chef Joyce Jue

As I made my way inside, I saw one of my most beloved colleagues internationally recognized Asian food expert and award winning cook book author, Chef Joyce Jue! (This type of event brings out all of the chefs) My trip through this culinary wonderland was even better. The very teacher who taught me to make authentic Thai and Vietnamese food, my two favorite cuisines in the world, was here in play land with me!

I loved seeing the world through her eyes, she pointed out some great things such as fragrant galangal, a floral ginger used in Thai cooking and these Nameko mushrooms, gown locally. Joyce said they were delicious; I can't wait to try them.

We wandered to the back of the cavernous store to find...what?! A wine and beer tasting room, a mini pub in the middle if all the action! The fish counter was pristine, look at this great idea, sustainable fresh fish and vegetables wrapped in a cedar wrap, just cook and eat, a good price to boot. The prepared foods case was a sight to behold; healthy, sustainable food piled high, guests clamoring for a look at the offerings.

It was a whole world of sights, scents and tastes. I wanted to cook right then and there. What an inspiration, I felt like an artist who just waked into the most sensational art store in the entire world with every art supply I could imagine at my fingertips. Thanks, Whole Foods for inspiring me and thousands of others that day. I picked up a Miele Convection oven and microwave today, I can’t wait to put it to work on all these luscious ingredients…