Best higher end food store ever...

Valence · Sep 9, 2009

For F&O, I would argue that the bakery, for a food store (rather than an actual bakery) is by far the best of anything in Chicago.

The meat is passable, but I'd argue the dry goods, within the realm of imported/specialty goods, also is way better than anything else in Chicago.
The cured meats are more than enough for my purposes.

It's not that expensive, given how it's set up. Draegers, for example, in Palo Alto, is considerably more expensive for that sort of store, ie lots of different areas covered.

ChicagoRon · Sep 9, 2009

Yeah.. I'm with you on the bakery for sure.

Really, I think the dry goods at Treasure Island and Whole Foods represent a much larger variety, and include some pretty high end stuff - although may be lacking on a few items they win out overall for volume, IMO.

For cured meats, in the context of a "one stop shop" you are probably right... but Sam's and L'apetitto are two places with a number of good cured meats, as is WF.

Cost of living in Palo Alto is much higher than here. I think I can get 90% of the quality of F&O at Whole Foods for 70% of the price. WF has much more/better cheese as well, if you don't have time to go to one of the specialty shoppes around town.

ld111134 · Sep 9, 2009

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

WAY too expensive. You can get most of the same stuff elsewhere for less.

But their bakery is quite good.

Seafood is much weaker than WF or Dirk's or issacson and stern
Meat is better at Gepperths, and just as good at WF
Dry goods are better at Treasure Island and WF

Ron, do you consider the meat at Whole Foods to be on par with Gepperth's? I haven't been to Gepperth's in aeons, so I don't have a basis for a personal comparison. I would say that the dry goods at the Lakeview and Old Town Treasure Islands are better than Fox & Obel's selection but I can't say the same about the dry good's at the Treasure Island on Oak Street.

I do think that the cheese selection is better at Fox & Obel than at Whole Foods but not as good as that at Pastoral or other dedicated chesse shops.

ChicagoRon · Sep 9, 2009

I like Gepperth's meat better overall, but I am THRILLED with the USDA Choice Missouri Grown Grass-fed beef I'm getting at WF right now. It's like $17.99/lb for a Rib-eye and $19.99 for a Strip and it's well worth it.

Dirk's FTW when it comes to Fish... which is why I'd say the Clybourne TI is probably my favorite, but I only go if I'm on a Dirk's run.

I go to Old Town on the way home from the Gym or Elm St. if I'm going from home.

OH... and WF Produce is far superior to F&O. Again, if I can, I'll go to Stanley's or Green City Market, but that's not always an option. Treasure Island has decent produce most of the time. Potash is weak in that Dept.

Cashmoney · Sep 9, 2009

Originally Posted by Flambeur

For me, it's probably still Harrod's food department... So much deliciousness... mmmm. And tons of hot bored women in stilettos kind of helps too.

I thought the only people who shopped at Harrod's were retired school teachers from Nebraska. It's such a frumpy old lady-ish store selling stuff no one needs. Like expensive crackers and cookies in fancy tin cans.

rogerm · Sep 9, 2009

Originally Posted by LabelKing

There is also a Draeger's in Danville.

Beijing has a rather large Fauchon, which I went to for bread when I lived there.

I have also have praise for Draeger's. They are the best in the Bay Area at least.

ld111134 · Sep 9, 2009

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

I like Gepperth's meat better overall, but I am THRILLED with the USDA Choice Missouri Grown Grass-fed beef I'm getting at WF right now. It's like $17.99/lb for a Rib-eye and $19.99 for a Strip and it's well worth it.

Thanks. Sounds like you a downtowner. LOL!

ysc · Sep 9, 2009

Originally Posted by Cashmoney

I thought the only people who shopped at Harrod's were retired school teachers from Nebraska. It's such a frumpy old lady-ish store selling stuff no one needs. Like expensive crackers and cookies in fancy tin cans.

No, the people that shop there are a few wealthy English and a lot of incredibly rich Arabs and some Russians. Obviously tourists go in for souvenirs, but there are a lot of very wealthy arabs in Knightsbrige and they shop in Harrods. The food courts are pretty spectacular, but I still prefer F&M.

ChicagoRon · Sep 9, 2009

Originally Posted by ld111134

Thanks. Sounds like you a downtowner. LOL!
You didn't get that when I said I'd rather go to NY than Morton Grove for Pizza? I'm bummed I have to miss the meet up. Hope there's another one soon.

Valence · Sep 10, 2009

I wasn't even going to try to defend F&O produce, which is pretty horrid considering the rest of the store.

Warren G. · Sep 10, 2009

Langensteins in New Orleans is pretty neat.

Piobaire · Sep 10, 2009

Do any of you NYC folks ever look up Howard at Pathmark? (who I think is dopey FWIW)

No really good stores by me. Thank god for overnight shipping and the InterWebz.

ld111134 · Sep 10, 2009

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

You didn't get that when I said I'd rather go to NY than Morton Grove for Pizza?

I'm bummed I have to miss the meet up. Hope there's another one soon.

Maybe we can grab a drink sometime with some of the iGents - River North or we can go to my hood, Wicker Park/Bucktown.

ChicagoRon · Sep 10, 2009

I've been jonesing to try the Bristol one of these days.

globetrotter · Sep 10, 2009

KaDeWe in Berlin

Fauchon in Paris

Best higher end food store ever...

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