The Annapolis Insider

Mary Ann Treger shares news and views from around town.

Classical music drifts through the air. Wood floors under my feet soothe my achy back.  The complimentary coffee sample seals the deal. I’m lingering at Fresh Market, a new kind of store that makes grocery shopping a delightful experience.

Instead of tossing the fruit and veg essentials that I came for into my cart, I browse each aisle, snapping up several bargains including a few gorgeous potted fresh orchids for just $19.99. 

While the store looks classy and stylish, it is touch-me friendly, too. Massive displays of dried green bean and okra chips, dried kiwi or papaya slices, colorful candies in giant jars convince me to pop a package or two into my cart. They look too delicious to pass up. 

It’s prime time at the meat counter. A full-service Butcher Shop offers a wide variety of fresh meats. And, I’m told a butcher is always on duty.  I gravitate to the ready-to-cook stuffed chicken breasts and pork chops.  Printed cooking instructions accompany every label so even those of us with less than Julia Child credentials can create no-hassle gourmet dinners in minutes. 

Imported olives, roasted peppers and cheeses, fancy vinegars and olive oils tempt me along with unique frozen items that I don’t see in the average grocery store—stuffed fig and goat cheese hors d’oeurves for one.       

Seafood?  A grand selection is impressively displayed but it’s the Salmon that catches my eye. Whether it’s King, Sockeye or Coho, most of the Wild Salmon is from Alaska and gets shipped to the store up to six days a week.

There’s so much more worth talking about—cage-free eggs, crusty breads and pastries to die for, Lucini soups, free cooking demonstrations, free recipes and, and, and…   

The Fresh Market
Annapolis Harbor Shopping Center
410 573-9700
http://www.thefreshmarket.com

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