I’m not sure what to call my new diet - it’s not veganism, really, as I still eat eggs and dairy if I can verify they come from a place I deem humane. “Ethical Vegetarian” sounds really snooty. Explaining the whole thing usually takes too long. I’ve been saying “vegan” when I go out, mostly because that’s how I have to eat when I’m out and about. Your suggestions are welcome.
On that note, if you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just love food, you must visit the new Whole Foods at the District in Tustin - wow. It’s less “grocery store” and more “foodie emporium” - they’ve got all your standard stuff, plus an amazing local and/or organic produce area, an interactive wine and alcohol section, more “friendlier” dairy and eggs than anywhere else I’ve seen (including Clover Stornetta products, which are “certified” humane by the American Humane Association), and an impressive deli and cheese counter. But the store’s real highlight is their prepared foods:
Brazilian/Mexican food bar
Trattoria (with hot pizza)
Bakery
Candy counter
Gelato/rice pudding counter
Sushi/Asian bar
Tapas/wine bar
Pickles/olives bar
A friggin’ feta cheese bar with more than 20 varieties
This is in addition to the self service hot foods/desserts/salads bar that must have 100+ items (that all cost the same price, for easy lunch serving). For you meat eaters, there’s a pulled meats bar, a smokehouse (in house), and a meat/seafood counter with fresh and organic animal parts. I’ll be interested in seeing how it holds up in a couple years, but I have high hopes.
[...] Whole Foods (you can probably get it at other locations too, but if you haven’t been, get to that location). Interestingly enough, however, they didn’t have any of the cheeses listed on the site [...]