Grand Opening

It's a big day in Friendship Heights! Today at 10am the new Whole Foods will open it's doors, welcoming in food lovers and deal hunters alike. This 45,000 square foot store (the biggest in the DC metro area) features everything from a sea salt bar to homemade pasta that is made in-house. You will also find all of the products that you have come to know and love that can be found in every Whole Foods across the country.

I'm sure you are probably sitting here wondering how one can eat well on a budget at a place like Whole Foods, especially since their prepared foods can cost a pretty penny. Well, you are certainly in for a surprise at this location! In Friendship Heights you are able to pay a flat fee ($7.99) for all the food you can fit into a bio-degradable carryout container. The container has space for one main dish and two sides, and can hold up to 2 pounds of food. For me that is at least 2 lunches, if not more - which means it works out to be less than $4.50 a serving. In addition to the prepared food bars, this location will also be offering a grill station, a shwarma station, sushi and other healthy meals. The prices on these items will vary, but you can rest easy knowing that they are made with the freshest ingredients and are prepared with love by the dedicated staff.

This store is just full of new ideas, including one that the locals will be excited about. The front of this Whole Foods will be opening daily at 6am to serve coffee, tea and fresh oatmeal. The oatmeal will be made each morning and you will have your pick of toppings. Do you want to know what the best part is? It will only set you back $2! Although I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet, I can safely assume that this will trump the microwavable oatmeal that you can get at that ubiquitous coffee shop. This area will also serve gelato and homemade fruit Popsicles.

If you stop by the store before the end of the month you will be treated to cooking demos, food samples and sales galore. For a complete schedule follow the store on Facebook and Twitter.

images: untilitsdone.com