Whole Foods Market Opens in Playa Vista

Sometimes I feel Whole Foods Market was made especially for me. With it’s endless varieties of natural groceries and prepared foods I could spend hours wandering the aisles. I’m lucky to live near multiple locations and am always excited when a new store opens. Yesterday, I was lucky enough to preview their latest location in Playa Vista.

Friends of mine used to live in Playa Vista so I felt pretty familiar with the area. But they moved away a few years ago and I was shocked to see how much change has occurred in the interim. So many new residences! No surprise Whole Foods decided to open a store here.

The store is located at the Runway a new shopping center that gives a nod to the area’s early days as a hub for the aerospace industry. Whole Foods has embraced that theme with airline inspired decor and a an in store eatery called the Astro Pub.

The morning started in the pub noshing on assorted breakfast treats from the store.

I’ve long associated Whole Foods with prepared food but somehow that never included breakfast. My bad because this breakfast was quite tasty. I particularly loved the Huevos Rancheros, the Egg White Omelet and the Creme Brulee French Toast.

We then toured the entire store and, like most Whole Foods, it was lovely. We met numerous department heads and they all shared one distinctive trait – a true passion for their job and the food they prepared. Whether it was freshly baked bread, newly pressed juice or just prepared poke they were all eager for us to sample their wares.

Speaking of poke…there will be several varieties available all made to order. Now that’s pretty sweet!

The grocery section is beautiful also offering an array of products.

Hmm…beer, meat, chocolate, cheese and a stuffed goat. Clearly we can see where my priorities lie. But it’s not all about indulgence. I also loved the fact that the store offers a large variety of bulk teas and protein powders.

After the tour we ended up back at the Astro Pub where we were given a preview of their food and drink offerings. There are a number of beers on tap and signature cocktails available. It was too early to imbibe (darn it!) but we did get a chance to taste one of their skillet meals – Poutine Bulgogi.

This innovative dish is the perfect pub fare.

Now that I’ve set your mouth watering rest assured that the store will be open to the public tomorrow at 9am and you can indulge all you want. And if you’re one of the first 200 people in line you’ll even get a free coffee (with the mug!) and reusable bag.