Fresh Market: A Sensory Sensation

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Have you been to Fresh Market recently?

If not, then it’s time to experience the savory side of life. It’s like gourmet grocery shopping.

The first thing you’ll notice is the array of glittering poinsettias that greet you at the entrance. “Blingsettias” and “Snow Frost” poinsettias are in a profusion of color, from peachy-pink to traditional red and white. It’s like looking at a mountain of flowers. There are also ivy wreathes in pots – a neat idea for someone who wants to be festive without having to watch out for flower petals or clinging pine needles.

Once inside, you’ll find the gift section filled with snacks, colorful cloth placemats, and other easy-to-give hostess presents that will certainly make a great impression on the recipient.

The store’s interior is arranged like a typical grocery store, but more condensed. There are several full aisles; pumpkin pie bars, artisan lavender soap, and Seventh Generation paper towels are just a few of the items to be found here. In the milk and dairy section you’ll find organic milk, a variety of cheeses, and lactose-free milk products (like Silk). Cleaning supplies? They have it – everything from Mrs. Meyer’s laundry soap to Bon Ami and Barkeeper’s Friend scrubbing powder.

The bakery section is something to stop and take in. Yes, there are cakes and cookies and breads. But there are also raspberry cakes – whole layered pastries about 7” long and at least 4” high. Petit Fours, glistening fruit tarts and Yule Logs are also a few of the many offerings kept behind clean glass countertops – displayed right at mouthwatering eye level.

The deli counter is long as well – choose whatever ready-to-eat concoction you’d like, and the staff will wrap it up for you. Large silver platters display a variety of roasted whole chickens in the middle of the store. You can feel the heat from the enclosed counters as you browse the labeled displays.

For someone looking for a quick treat to take to work, there are bags of lavender, blue and white snowflake cookies. Or you might want to try out the soft baguettes.

The produce section is populated with towering stacks of shining fruits. Apples, pears, bananas, and other fresh fruits tempt customers to pick up a few for the shopping cart. And there are also kosher treats, like chopped figs with nuts, pre-packaged and nestled among the displays. Want to throw together a quick stew? The veggies are already cut up for you, waiting on ice.

When you check out, there are several lanes to choose from. Just head for the trellises and look for a place to nose your cart under the wooden beams. It’s like shopping in a village market – only with cash registers and conveyer belts.

As you leave Fresh Market, you’ll see stacks of gift baskets near the exit. And outside, in miniature profusion, are table-top live pine trees, just waiting to find a home for Christmas. They even have small plastic trays attached, so you can water them without the hassle of anything up. Could grocery shopping ever be more luxurious?

Fresh Market is located at 6306 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804. Store hours are Monday-Sunday from 8am to 9pm.

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