Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

This one is an absolute no brainer. I am a software programmer and fortunate enough to work for a company that allows me to work from home, I try my best to make a point of living in a different city every year, I pack light and go. I've gone from southern cali, mid-west to the east coast and NOTHING compares to the mexican food in San Diego! Travel just 60 miles up the coast to Los Angeles and the difference is night and day, doesn't even deserve to be mentioned in the same category. San Diego is on the border of Mexico, and the mexican food gets exponentially worse the farther you get from it. Ask anyone who has actually tried mexican food in mulitple cities, I will guarantee the same response, San Diego hands down. Anyone who calls them nachos instead of carne asada chips, or taquitos instead of rolled tacos can automatically be discredited in this discussion. Those of you who have lived in San Diego will know what I mean.

I have eaten Hot dogs on 5 continents and almost 1/2 of America, probably about 150 cities in my travels. I would have to say none so far even compare to Rhode Island's, their "Hot Weiner" all the way are the best! They are small mild hot dogs served on a steamed bun with some kind of meat sauce, mustard, onions and celery salt! Addictive...I eat about 6 when I go to RI.

In Rhode Island they also sold hot dogs in the raw at the market under the brand "Saugy's" and these were the best I have ever bought, very mild, made with veal,pork and beef with a snap from the natural casing. I have a friend who ships them to me in Florida. You can also buy the New York System's Weenie Meat Sauce online at www.olneyvillenysystem.com and make them at home. It is easy to make and tastes like the real thing, I use the Saugy's brand with this meat sauce and I think it might even be better! You make them in this order..place dog in fresh steamed bun, a generous amount of plain yellow mustard, then top with a heaping pile of the meat sauce, then top that with the finely diced onions and shake some celery salt on top. Do not forget the celery salt on top..it's important. You'll Love it!

I just had a slice of Ian's mac & cheese pizza (Chicago location) on a whim today. I've been in love with this slice since I was in college and would make the trip from the University of Minnesota to Madison, it was my one requirement while visiting. Also, you definitely do not need to be drunk to enjoy this slice, it's amazing in any mind state.

Also, check out http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/ as the mac and cheese pizza is featured there today, 7/6/09. This slice is definitely worth the calories!

My 2 cents about all the people who mentioned high employee wages as a factor in the WF costs- my sister worked at WF for a long time, and she would regularly run in to coworkers doing her shopping at the inexpensive grocery store across the street. They may pay more than your average grocery store, but it's still not enough for the line-level employees to be able to afford to shop there!

Its been a while since this thread has been refreshed, but I would just like to add my two cents...

While reading many of the previous posts to the OP, I noticed that people were comparing Whole Foods to other grocers like Wegermans, TJ's, Fresh Market, etc. IMO, these are all "high-end" grocery stores: Grocers that offer high-quality artisan products and an aesthetically pleasing decor. In a nutshell, they are selling more than just groceries: they are selling a shopping experience. The classical music, the distinct aromas in the store, helpful staff, samples.... In business, this is called "branding". I think we all recognize, know (and love!) the Whole Foods brand, just as by comparison we know and recognize the Wal-mart brand as well.

But when you compare two high-end grocer's to one another, I would say its more of an apples-to-apples comparison than, say, comparing any one of those high-end grocers to a Safeway or Albertson's. Prices between grocers like New Seasons, Wild Oats, or Whole Foods are all going to be roughly the same because they all are targeting the same demographic with similar brands.

I think the reason some people are offended by Whole Foods is that they already are used to the prices at their "go-to" grocers. Like many people have said, items (even "staple" items) are typically 2-3 times more expensive than other grocers, and some people have a hard time justifying why anyone in their right mind would want to spend that much money on, for example, pasta or flour .... even if their is a good reason for it (organic, free-trade, sustainable, local, etc.).

Now, I love places like Whole Foods: Like many have said, they offer high-quality products, many of them organic, and a lot of stuff that I just can't find anywhere else. (I have recently read "The Omnivore's Dilemma", and it has really gotten me thinking about the health benefits of buying organic .... There really is a big difference, and not just in taste!). I was never a big "cheese" person, but I am always impressed by their charcuterie, and beer and wine selection.

The problem is that I just can't afford to do all of my shopping there. I would love if I could buy all of my groceries there, because I do see the difference in quality that these kinds of stores offer. But when balancing the checkbook with things I need to buy and things I would like to buy, I wish I could say groceries were a higher priority for me. When I grocery shop, I still tend to buy mostly staples: bulk items, produce, meat, etc. I try and not to buy any processed or frozen foods, limited canned or packaged items .... this has helped me stretch my food budget. But when even staple items are usually 3-4 times more expensive than my local WinCo, its hard to justify the expenses, ESPECIALLY now that "times are tough" (or so I'm told by the news everyday).

Reading these comments has been interesting. When it's all said and done, it comes down to personal preference. I love Cold Stone’s Cake batter ice cream with extra cookie dough mixed in. You’re right a70wilson that is key! So far, nothing in a local grocery store has come close to replicate the taste. I’m scared to try Ben & Jerry’s version.. Too many nay sayers. My research continues!

Bacon-wrapped and grilled on Mission St. in San Francisco, with mustard and onions. I plan to eat one when I visit next week.

Definitely Columbian, if only for the novelty value.

I agree -- the bacon should be molded and cooked, then it could be eaten. I'm thinking kind of like that basket weave bacon thingy I saw not too long ago...

I saw this in the ice cream section at the local market but haven't had the nerve to buy it. I do heartily wish they would bring back Half-and-Half, a swirl of dark chocolate ice cream and stout ice cream. Now THAT was some smooth "comforting" after a ragged week.

forget objectifying women...this is just dumb - the bacon is raw!
I'd be happy to wear a fully cooked bacon bra. Now that would fulfill a few fantasies.

It doesn't matter what it's a covered in..if you start with a bad Wiener..it won't taste good! Hartmann's Beef Wieners (NY) are my favorite.. all beef, smoked, natural casing!! Tons of smoke flavor and not too garlicy...the best!