Last week we had (what I am predicting as) one of our last warm days of 2016. You know the kind that feels crisp and cool, yet you’re totally fine without a jacket, not sweating, and can feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face and the 10 degree difference in the shade? Love those kind of days!
I took the Sayas to our brand new Wegmans for lunch. First impressions: It’s MASSIVE. It feels more like a Harris Teeter than a Whole Foods. It was definitely less expensive than Whole Foods for both groceries and the hot bar. There was a huuuuge variety of things to buy. There were a lot more options for the hot bar, but they weren’t as healthy as a Whole Foods hot bar.
I ended up with kale salad topped with Asian hot bar. Let’s just say this wasn’t my best combo ever :/ Not my healthiest, either. Next time I will do better! But it did taste good!
I joined Sarah that afternoon for lots of romping around in the country with the kiddos. We all appreciated the fresh autumn air so much!
I randomly had a bowl of cereal last week for breakfast (cereal is most often a snack or dessert for me) and it was quite good. But what struck me most was how easy this was to “make.” LOL. Coming from someone who spent years making elaborate breakfasts, I can see why cereal is so appealing to the masses. Mazen doesn’t really get cereal yet. He’s on a big smoothie kick, which is good because if you leave out the spinach he gets mad at you for “not following the rules!”
Check out this balancing act that Mazen crafted in the kitchen. Dino –> Tiger –> Snake –> Tiger. Impressive!
Last week I spoke to the James Madison University Nutrition Department about my career path as an R.D. I had a great time meeting the students, and want to thank everyone for the hospitality! Professor Walsh, who has been a blog reader for years (Hi!!), took me to lunch before class, and we had lots to talk about over these quinoa bowl salads with feta and chickpeas.
On another day I drove down to Richmond to meet my friend Chelsea who was there on business. Chelsea and I go waaaaaay back in the online world to my Calorie King days!
Here we are in 2008 when she was pregnant with her daughter and I met her while at a conference in San Francisco:
And here we are today!
We had a great time chatting over dinner at The Boathouse in Short Pump. We shared these pimento cheese oysters (SO GOOD!).
And then I had the salmon special, which came topped with about 10 different things, from mushrooms, to a corn salad, to a gouda sauce with shrimp and crab in it. It was quite the dish!
I had way too much fun at the Athleta store after dinner ; )
Gussie says he hopes you guys are having a chill week!
[email protected] says
Those oysters look so good!!
tracy says
I think I have seen unhealthy options on the Whole Foods hot bar before…mac n cheese, fried chicken, etc. I just think those things don’t “jump” into your bowl at WF as quickly as they did at Wegman’s 😉
KathEats says
Very true, but I think it’s the ratio of healthy to unhealthy that was most noticeable : ) My friends said the sushi bar at Wegman’s is the way to go, so I’m planning to try that next.
Pamela says
I have to say I am jealous. We moved from NY state 4 years ago, away from Wegman’s. We have a Whole Foods in here in Maine, but is sooooo not the same. I think the produce is so much better at Wegman’s. They also support local farms, showing where certain items are grown. I have not seen that at our local WF.
Martha says
Wegmans is the absolute best, but I am biased. I grew up in the town where it was started and it has been great seeing it grow and evolve over the years. I have moved away from Rochester and miss it terribly. If it ever came to where I am currently living, I will be very happy! They treat their employees incredibly well – I had a lot of friends who worked there in high school and they all got scholarships for college. Additionally, they no longer sell tobacco products and have smoking cessation programs for their employees.
KathEats says
Great to hear!
Laura says
I cannot wait for Wegman’s to open next year in the NC area! We have one growing up in NY and I miss it so much! The best grocery store!!!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
Your career path as an RD?!?!? I think it’s funny when they say non traditional RD path because all my RD friend work in totally different settings. I don’t think there is a traditional role anymore!
Sophie says
What I’d give to have all of your fabulous grocery choices, LOL! Wegmans looks awesome!
Did you advise the RD students to go into blogging? Wouldn’t that set up a bunch of competition for yourself?
Hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving!
KathEats says
I encouraged them to follow their dreams! But no, the more the merrier!
Margaret says
What a cute toy animal chain! I grew up with Wegmans too, so I’m ecstatic that we finally have one here in Charlottesville. I’m really impressed with their pre-cut and “zoodled” vegetables. A friend of mine is a local RD as well and she was invited to a Wegmans preview for health professionals, showcasing all their healthy options.
KathEats says
I saw the Zoodles! I liked that they weren’t overpriced 🙂
Alexa says
Wegmans is the best. We love their Friday kids movie nights, and their plethora of options. I don’t think I could live somewhere without one now!
Chelsea says
I think we’ve gotten better with age-like a fine wine or cheese 😛
KathEats says
Haha yes!
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
Isn’t Wegmans the best?! I love their soups! If you like African/Moroccan flavors, try to Moroccan Lentil sometime… so good!
OKC Compressor says
Cute dog and yummy looking food!
Julia says
I love Wegmans! I used to work in the sushi department at Wegmans and it it the best…very fresh and way better than what they make at Whole Foods (I currently work in the prepared foods department at WF)
KathEats says
Good to know!
Sandra says
Gussie is so adorable! He smiles with his eyes as well as his mouth. You are very lucky to have him come into your life. Animals are a such a blessing, enjoy your time with him.
Alexandra says
Love this! All my favorite places in Virginia. The Boathouse is fantastic, we go there all the time when I visit my family. Wegmans is incredible, hoping they get one in St. Louis soon!
Jennifer says
Thank you for the shout out! We loved having you visit and share so much with us. I also appreciate the suggestion to dine at Red Pump Kitchen. We had a fantastic evening and the food was delicious. We even tried your favorite beverage! Thank you again!
KathEats says
Yay!! So glad Red Pump was a hit 🙂
Andrea says
Oh JMU…so cool…my alma mater. And I was a nutrition minor. Love!!!