Grocery shopping can be an expensive, strenuous, and tiresome endeavor. There are many factors that effect your grocery shopping experience, but the place you choose to shop makes the BIGGEST difference. DC offers a few different grocery shopping options based on your price point and culinary desires. Here's a little guide for all of you who are confused or stumped on where to pick up your next batch of groceries:
For the frugal shopper: Trader Joe's = Trader Joe's is the place to go if you're shopping on a budget. Aside from having "two-buck chuck" (two dollar bottles of wine), Trader Joe's sells a variety of "Trader Joe's" brand products at very low prices. Their produce is also much cheaper than any of the other local grocery stores, and while they may not have as much variety as any of the other supermarkets, the prices are unbeatable. Trader Joe's microwavable meals are also fairly tolerable, which is really saying something.
For the health nut: Whole Foods = This probably doesn't come as a big surprise to anyone. All Whole Foods products are free of artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives, but all that comes with a high price tag. I do love Whole Foods, though, and their fish selection is truly incredible. The variety and freshness of their produce is also exquisite, and they stock up on unique additives and healthy ingredients (chia seeds, Kefir, etc) that you may have trouble finding elsewhere.
For the native DC-er: Safeway = Safeway is the best one-stop shop for a native DC resident looking to stock up on everything and anything. In addition to the standard grocery store selection, many Safeway's have huge wine and beer areas, as well as a delicious bakery and even a flower store inside the supermarket. If you get a Safeway card and shop at Safeway frequently, you're bound to save a ton of money (I probably save $20 dollars on a $100 dollar trip there). Also, keep an eye out for their deals--they've got great 2 for 1 and 2 for $5 deals throughout the store.
For the European visitor: Dean and Deluca = I've written a post about Dean and Deluca already, but Dean and Deluca definitely deserves a place in the DC shopping list. Dean and Deluca is definitely the best place for the European visitor spending time in DC (specifically Georgetown). Dean and Deluca has a vast array of gourmet and foreign products for sale, and have an amazing espresso bar and pastry selection.
For the small scale shopper: Marvelous Market = Marvelous Market is gourmet convenience store with locations around the DC area. Marvelous Market has been around for over 20 years, and they serve as a deli, cafe, caterer, and a stop for the gourmet food connoisseur. Marvelous Market offers both imported and domestic cheese, meats, and olives (as well as imported yogurts), crackers, candies, and chocolates. Marvelous Market also makes great coffee.
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