I know that some expensive things are just frivolous and a waste of money, but everyone should have a list of non- negotiable items that are just worth the extra dime. Mine, for sure, include hair stylist, hand bags, shoes, and food.

26 years ago, when I was just a young student in Austin, every Sunday, no matter the heat or the rain, exhaustion level, or exams, I would head over to the this tiny little grocery store to support my local organic farmers. In attempt to minimize my carbon footprint, with my expandable crochet grocery bag over my shoulders,  I would hike the 3 mile trek across Guadeloupe to the original Whole Foods.  At the time Whole Foods was a small eco-friendly food co-op. I was always greeted by a friendly staff and the food here ALWAYS surpassed the products at the other local options (HEB and Ralphs). Not only did everything taste better, it even looked better. More natural. Over the years Whole Foods became a national brand, and I continued to support it, partially out of habit and partially out of nostalgia. I do still believe the food from Whole Foods tastes superior to other grocery stores- though I think they, on some accounts, they are on par with a much more affordable “Sprouts Market”.

This weekend MSM took me to a  “new” (to me) grocery store with the most peculiar name; Erewhon. (pronounced Eh-ro-whan). This place either a. transported me back to 1974, when things were just more fresh and less stuffed with preservatives or b. seriously sells better food. I mean I thought Whole Foods was the top of the crop but I, apparently, was wrong. Whole Foods is no longer the king of my grocery world. I just ate some cherries (from Erewhon) that tasted AH-MAZING. Honestly I can’t even describe it. They just tasted different. More like I remember cherries tasting years ago. The house-made hummus tastes like we flew to Israel and grabbed it off a local’s table. How can food taste so different?? So fresh and, for lack of other words, “real”? I’ve been trying to read more and more about GMO’s and organic farming and the information I’ve found has been all over the place. After eating the food from Erewhon I’m definitely siding with the anti-GMO group. There most DEFINITELY is a difference. Yes, the Fagé at this market is 2$ more than at Whole Foods and without a doubt tastes the same, but the produce, meat, poultry….anything not processed FAR surpasses that of any other store. These items seem even tastier than the products I’ve gotten at the local farmers market. Astonishingly enough that I’m actually writing about it.  They have some interesting mildly processed items, such as no salt added Kimchi or a healthy toxin-free  (low fat, low sodium, but somehow still tasty) pizza crust made with added spirulina. I have to say, I will definitely be returning to Erewhon. It is well worth the extra dollars. Only potential downside? If you want to blend in with the new Venice clientele, make sure you style your hair and don a nice designer piece. Everyone that was shopping here was really beautiful.

WHAT THE HECK TO WEAR TO EREWHON:

As I mentioned above, one designer piece and a nicely coiffed do is perfect. Mainly what I saw here was high end Alo yoga wear, Stella McCartney Adidas, and a couture handbag.

On a side note….things have been a crazy whirlwind with my career. All good things. Wrapping up Season 8 of Regular Show and trying to figure out whats next on the horizon….so i’ve been very focused on that. More blogging to come though!

Stay strong ya’ll! Hope you had a festive Forth of July weekend and that you have more fun with your freedom this coming weekend!

TGIF

xoxo

QJ