Ok, so I was encouraged to write a blog about where to find the best of certain foods while talking with my good friend Melissa. We were comparing notes about different stores in Stillwater and what they have that's good, and what we tend to avoid from those places. This is Strictly for the Stillwater area and is my opinion/observation.
Finding the Freshest Produce -
As far as produce goes in Stillwater, a lot of times it is hit or miss, there's not a lot of in between. Here are my rankings of top places to buy produce along with some pro's and con's.
1. Farmer's Market -Stillwater actually has 3 farmers markets, they generally have the same sellers at each one so you can probably find one that fits your schedule. There is the Stillwater Farmer's Market located at strickland park (behind perkin's restaurant) and it is Saturday and Wednesday 8am - 1pm. This is the only one I have been to but venders have told me they are also at the OSU farmer's market and there is one in the hospital parking lot.
Pro's: It's definitely fresh and it's fairly reasonably priced. Personally, I love the experience too. You support local farmer's and get great, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Con's: You have to go early. They say they are open until one but a lot of times vendors sell out and pack up and go home before then. Plus, the good stuff goes fast. I went at 10:30 once and your options were pretty limited to zucchini, yellow squash and onions. Rumor has it if you get there early you can get watermelons and cantaloupes but I have never been there early enough to see them. Also, it's seasonal. You may not be able to find everything you need or want.
*Bonus! There is a blackberry farm in Yale where you can pick your own blackberries! It's really close and easy to get to and the Blackberries are a lot cheaper than in stores. Call ahead though, if they get picked over there may not be many left to pick. I just learned about this and it's a new favorite of mine!
2. IGA Consumers - (on 6th & Washington).
This may be a shocker for some of you, but IGA has a nice selection of produce. They have good variety and decent prices. I rarely find spoiled fruit, they keep a good eye on it and they have good produce sales too.
Pro's: Variety and Freshness.
Con's: They have some decent sale ads, but overall the store prices for other food is higher than Wal-Mart so it's usually a special trip or pay more overall.
3. Wal-Mart -
As most of you will probably agree, my relationship with Wal-Mart is love hate and produce is one reason why. I often find myself irritated because they don't have what I need or it all looks so bad.
Pro's: Convenience. This is where I do most of my other grocery shopping and so it is easier to pick up my produce here rather than make a special trip. Plus, they match competitor's ads for produce too so if they don't have the lowest price you can get it.
Con's: They don't have what you need when you need it. A lot of times it looks like it has been through some tough times on the way to shelf.
4. Food Pyramid -
This is the very last place I want to buy my produce. It is very close to my house but every time I go I am greatly disappointed.
Pro's: I hate to say this, but I can't think of any...for me it would have to be location, but I know for many of you this is not the case.
Con's: Their produce doesn't just look like it has had a rough trip, but I think they actually purchase the leftover produce that has rolled/fell out of boxes after their other Stillwater deliveries. Then, once they have the bottom of the barrel, they kick it around a little before bringing it to you, their customer. Once it's on the shelves they jack up the prices and ta-da! You have your produce.
Let me know if you are in Stillwater and know of other great places for produce!
I was going to write about meat too, but had limited knowledge. But my ranking would be:
ReplyDelete1. Wal-Mart (this is by default...I have heard there is a GREAT meat market in Perkins that I want to check out).
2. Farmer's Market - Honestly, it's ok, but the prices are higher. My husband and I cooked steak from the farmer's market and both agreed we liked wal-mart's better.
3. Food Pyramid.
4. IGA Consumers - they do these 10lb. meat sales, but honestly, they scare me. Their meat never looks fresh.
From Cendy Bass, thought it was a good thought:
ReplyDeleteI think Consumers has the best Produce in Stillwater by far!!! Also, I think Crepe Myrtle is pretty good...they carry alot produce that's more hard to come by like Taro root (for my Filipino cooking!) I've actually bought steak from Consumers too and I've had great results! I hate buying beef at Walmart. EWWWW.