Few people except maybe those who love to cook will get this one .. I really like going to grocery stores. Seriously. I really do. In fact, I’ve been know to drive miles to check out a new store. Sometimes it’s worth the effort, other times not so much. When the Atlanta Food Blogger Society (we are proud members) received an invite to go to a pre opening grand tour of Earth Fare at Emory Point my calendar was updated -immediately!
. @emorypoint welcomes @earthfare #earthfareep 7-8 7a pic.twitter.com/3yYZkbXjsO
— Diva Foodies (@DivaFoodies) July 6, 2015
Our tour began when we were greeted by bubbly Amanda from Earth Fare corporate (Ashville, NC) who was to be our guide on a very detailed stroll around the new store. For me the pre-opening of a store is a behind the scenes look of what is to come. At Earth Fare, I loved watching as signage was carefully positioned at the coffee bar, shelves stocked and produce arranged. Care that is taken before customers arrive says much about the service attitude when the doors are open for business.
As savvy shoppers undoubtly know recently there has been controversy in the grocery store world about weights and measures. How does a new-to-a-community store build trust with potential customers I wondered? I asked Carmen Taydus, Earth Fare Social Media Manager. Her response —
“Our focus on the foundation of quality standards will earn customer trust.”
Looking forward to @AtlFBS tour of @EarthFare @emorypoint pic.twitter.com/yBOKypmeIu
— Diva Foodies (@DivaFoodies) July 6, 2015
The history of Earth Fare is worth a mention. Based in the artist town of Ashville, North Carolina, it’s mission is to be “… the athentic organic and natural grocery store.” Current locations can be found throughout the southern and mid west states. Amanda told us it is “growth with a purpose.”
Throughout the store are little surprises like daily free coffee with the purchase of a muffin until 9a. Lucky Emory & CDC people!
And .. let’s meet up on a Wednesday for sushi!
We made our way past the produce and rows and rows of nutrition bars to the natural beauty items (there was even a gluten free line of cosmetics ..who knew?), heathcare and baby care sections. The handmade soaps smelled as delicious as any food item!
Natural Handmade Soaps w/names like Granola Bar, Lemon Bar & Beach Bar @Earthfare @emorypoint. #earthfareep #promo pic.twitter.com/JU5wopZk9X
— Teresa (@RVConfections) July 8, 2015
Fresh made mix and match “Scoop Your Own Ravioli” seemed like a fun way to shop for pasta.
Scoop your own #Ravioli ? Yes Please! @EarthFare @emorypoint opens today at 7am! #EarthFareEP #EarthFare pic.twitter.com/FTkVhINW46
— Shana Lee (@Shana_Was_Here) July 8, 2015
While there are oodles of gluten free, and of course organic items, I noticed a limited ethinic section that included Asian and Latin products. However, there seemed to be a missing link. The Emory/Briarcliff area has a significant Jewish community. Where was the Kosher section I asked? Don’t know I was told. We’ll look into it. Seems they listened. Impressive.
Good news! @EarthFare @emorypoint has a #Kosher section. Win a $25 gift card at http://t.co/opYGKAa0mZ! #earthfareep pic.twitter.com/zHFMFTjwv6
— We Like To Cook! (@welike2cook) July 8, 2015
Earth Fare did not disappoint. I especially liked the emphsis on local. There is lots more to see, do and of course taste … pastery and fish and chocolate and meats Oh My! Check out the posts from some of the Atlanta Food Blogger Society members who each have their own take on this interesting, new store in the Atlanta market.
OneGlamDay | WeLikeToCook | Do.Food.Better| Red Velvet Confections |Shana Was Here |The Cardigan Kitchen
Let’s Have Some Fun With A Virtual Choppled Challenge!
Prize: $25 Earth Fare Gift Card
Complements of Earth Fare
Your challenge: Use the 5 ingredients that we chose from Earth Fare 7/8-7/14 Specials and tell us what dish you would create. We’re not looking for a recipe but how you would describe your dish.
Example: (Ingredients are Not included in the challenge.) Ingredients: shrimp, spinach, kiwi. Description of Your Dish: Wilted spinach salad with grilled shrimp and a kiwi vinegar dressing.
Your Chopped Challenge Ingredients: Alaskan Sockeye Salomon fillets, Georgia Peaches, Haas Avacado, French Almond Granola, Garden Fresh Hummus and Tortilla Strips. Fridge and pantry ingredients available as you like.
Guest Judge – Tha Love Chef Jernard Wells
Of course what is a food challenge without a guest chef judge? We are honored that Tha Love Chef has agreed to determine the winner! Chef Jernard is a noted Atlanta-based chef who has been called, “The Young Barry White of Food.” His TV Food Show credits include Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and Chef Wanted. You can frequently find Chef competing, judging and winning at Food Challenges.
We’re excited that Chef will our guest host Thursday 7/16 on tweet chat #FoodTVChat 7pE when the winner of Diva Foodies Virtual Chopped Challenge will be announced. Connect with Tha Love Chef on Twitter @ChefJernard
Rules of Diva Foodies Chopped Game
1. Post the description of your dish in the comments section of this post.
2. Tweet: I entered #DivaFoodiesChoppedContest with a link to this post (http://divafoodies.com/earth-fare-a-chopped-give-away).
3. Winner is at the pleasure of Diva Foodies.
4. Contest ends midnight Wednesday July 15, 2015.
5. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter.
6. A valid eMail address must be included on the “Post a Comment Section” of your Diva Foodies comment. (How will we know where to contact you to send your gift card?)
7. Winner will be tweeted during Diva Foodies tweet chat #FoodTvChat 7/16 7p-8pE !
That’s it .. now it’s your turn! Wouldn’t a $25 Earth Fare gift card be a great way to shop for your next summer meal?
Disclaimer: I receive incentives from Earth Fare; however, All opinions are 100% mine.
July 11, 2015
Pan seared Salmon fillets dredged in crushed Almond Granola with Georgia Peach Bourbon sauce, and Avocado Garden Hummus Tahini dressing on baby chard, kale and dried cherry salad garnished with Tortilla Strips.
FYI, the frozen pre-cooked shrimp in 2 lb bags is my favorite thing at Earth Fare. I usually do not like pre-cooked shrimp but theirs just needs thawing and it makes a great shrimp cocktail.
July 15, 2015
On a dinner plate: Blackened salmon fillets over a bed of Georgia peach salsa. Next, a small side salad with spinach, mixed baby greens, arugula, sliced Haas avocado, grilled peaches, and topped with a light vinegrete. Roasted red pepper hummus and tortilla strips round out the plate. For dessert, a Southern Belle parfait consisting of greek yogurt, chopped peaches, and pan roasted french almond granola.
Post note:
After writing this, the above will be dinner tomorrow.