49. To Market To Market.....

OK, I didn't buy a fat pig.....that would alter the subject of this blog - but I did discover a couple of new 'markets' in my current hometown. 

Not once but twice this past week I branched away from my first true love, Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck).  Now I agree WF is a bit on the pricey side so I mostly look but in my endeavors to live a more healthy lifestyle I do 'fork out the big bucks' from time to time.  Let's face it, there are a few things you just can't find at WalMart. 

But wait....I digress, I was talking about venturing into alternative dimensions.  I discovered not 1, but 2 new (to me) organic markets in Birmingham Golden Temple Healthfoods and Cafe

and Organic Harvest Market and Cafe.  Both are delightful - each in their own unique way.

Golden Temple - located in the Five Points (South side area) is a fun market absolutely crammed with stuff.  Everything from the usual health food selections to a boutique with a vast collection of incense/candles, religious decorative items,  clothing, scarfs, books, etc.  And the cafe is awesome and offer a nice vegetarian menu.  I tried the "Stack" (get the small - it's huge) layered brown basmati rice, black beans, monterey jack cheese, house salsa, sour cream and guacamole. Yummie! 

Now on to Organic Harvest Market - this 'not so little shop located on Hwy 31 on the left if you are headed toward downtown Birmingham. 

This organic shop is quite nice and apparently expanding (at least that's what the sign said).  They have the basics of healthy fare and a good wine selection too.  The prices seem in line with "my first true love" the variety of products is impressive.  This store also boasts a cafe but it's not as interesting as the one at the Golden Temple.  But again they are re-modeling so I'll definitely go give it a 'test drive' soon.

What a treat to check out not one, but two unique grocery options.  I'm certain I will go back to both at some point in time.  Definitely to Golden Temple - the amount of stuff in there is to be examined more closely.  And of course I'm not hooked on "The Stack".   As a matter of fact I'm craving one now.....

But Whole Foods don't despair, I won't forsake you - you are too close, too convenient and yes to intriguing for me to stray far.  But having options is in the words of Martha "a good thing".