Whole Foods Market

Reviews 5

LI

Linda Zweig

Overall I shop at whole foods 2 to 3 times a week. The quality of their fresh meats meet my standards and overall there are a lot of things I love about store. They keep a large variety of dry goods and organic frozen vegetables are always close at hand if needed.The cheese department is great and their store baked breads are superb! Where they fail is in management as no one seems to want to take responsibility for areas where they lack or for the entire store in general. I will explain: though this issue has been in perpetual transformation the prepared food department though on the surface looks nice still lacks terribly. I cannot use them for catering or for parties. I have tried on four occasions since the store has opened and each time the quality wasnt there and they did not fulfill the original orders and did not deliver on time on two occasions! Lack of communication and skill. Im not going to mention the fresh seafood department – because it isnt! Here is my biggest critique: the produce department! It looks nice but over this past year they have been out of ordinary items that are basics such as radishes, leaks, collard greens, etc. And these things are not seasonal! I brought this to the "produce manager" " and his excuse was the "weather"- Ordinarily I would buy that because we did have some rain this year - but across the street at Gelsons they had everything I needed! And they do every day! As does the local Ralphs! But heres the worst of it – I support local commerce and I support our farmers markets and have since the 80s - there is a farmers market every day somewhere in San Diego County, and thats a very good thing! That being said I was in the Del Mar Whole Foods store yesterday and I needed to purchase some fresh garlic. All they had were tiny brown garlic bulbs from Argentina! They looked and felt old and dry and in fact some were hollow! I proceeded to the "produce manager on duty" and he didnt have an answer and just shrugged his shoulders and said "sorry." I then went to the customer service counter and I spoke to two people who said they were managers but it wasnt their responsibility and then asked me if I was interested in filling out the form – which I did. We shall see whether I hear back from them. I doubt it. We live in California and Gilroy is the garlic capital! Why do they not carry California garlic? Its local and cheaper than importing from a foreign country! They seemed disinterested – I understand the concept of chain stores and also know for a fact that local chain stores across the country support local industry and agriculture on several levels, and I also understand that they purchase globally. I shop USA first and support local agriculture and commerce. Also please note I only buy California avocados and tomatoes and unless Im in a real bind and have no other choice across the board , all of my produce is a local – at farmers markets and in the grocery stores I always read the labels of produce. I go to whole foods because its one stop shop and its close to home and convenient. I feel like I may need to make a change in the very near future – If someone has an answer or comment, I am all ears-

---

WA

Walter Macalma

We all know Whole foods and we were glad to see Encinitas open up, but not to be outdone Del Mar got its very own too. Its a little bigger than Encinitas, but truth be told their location really suits them better with the vibe. Del mar is getting their own identity as I feel they are less about the affluence now. Much of Solana who doesnt want to venture across the Marshes to La Jolla or north to Encinitas can now rest easy having something within just a few miles. I liked going to the old movie theater because it was small and private, but the new garage in the back and slightly redesigned parking flow really help get people in and out better. Organificaiton. I know it means something completely different, but over the years Del Mar was indulgent and is now joining the health craze. BBar, Urban Pi, and now a Whole Foods. The renovations for Flower hill are pretty massive. Sea & Smoke will be here soon enough. Out with the old and in with the new. It seems the old got unhealthy and died. Its a big location, largest one in San Diego if I recall correctly. Its all about their produce and seafood apparently as those are proportionally larger than many other locations it seems. I love how their food bar has many of the seasonal and hard to find produce in their recipes, but wish their hot food bar pricing was adjusted for value. Its new, its busy, its big with a vast variety, but as with all WFs its the price you pay. Its a great place to go broke. I often consider WF in general to be designer food because I know we locally are able to source and eat organic from street markets and smaller chains. San Diego did just fine when we had Henrys, Boneys, Jimbos. There are markets all over the county, many times a week. Its the local aspect Im emphasizing. The restaurant inside looks promising, but Im more interested to see them have a test kitchen and give classes, then it would be a one stop shop. Its a great store, good location if La Jolla or Encinitas is too far for you, but to me its a little bit about the experience of a whole foods that they push on you versus straight healthy living. Craft beers are cool to have, but your in the heart of craft brew mecca. I actually think people shop differently at WF versus other places.

---

BR

Brandt Watson

A great aesthetic with a ton of food choices. Its a bit hard to find things at first because it differs quite a bit from the typical grocery store model but it was fun figuring it out and finding all the unique items the store has to offer. I had the breakfast buffet. It was delicious. A bit pricey at $8 per pound but I love bacon and its to be expected with the revered whole foods brand. I went to grab a coffee at the in-store coffee stand and they were able to ring up my food as I ordered my coffee. Friendly staff and convenient offerings. 5 stars for a one time visit but I will be back.

---

AN

Anya Isaacson

This review is based on catering experience alone. I had to get some healthy and tasty food for my daughters school party. Although it was still over 24 hrs away, I was not able to place an online order at my local Encinitas store as they require 48hr notice, nor could they help me over the phone. I contacted Del Mar location and was completely taken care of in a matter of 5 minutes. Its just so nice to deal with helpful personnel and WF catering is always a hit at the parties. Also, for the quality you get I consider it affordable.

---

TE

Terri Redman

Dont know whats going to happen with the new owners-Amazon. Ive been shopping at Whole Foods for years at least 20 miles. Like the organic foods, NonGMO, no nitrate meats, puchasing small quantity of foods, like meat, cheeses,etc., the deli of prepared food, fresh food bar. Several of the brands I want are no longer available which is a disappointment. Great customer service. I know it is expensive, but you have to pay for quality. My concern will be if the quality will be sacrifice for price.

---

---