A WHOLE LOTTA LOVE AT SOUTH RENO'S WHOLE FOODS MARKET

While I'm partial to unique, locally-owned places to shop and eat, it takes time to discover the gems in any new city where you reside.  And there is no denying the draw of the Whole Foods Market in South Reno, for both locals and tourists. 

Reno's climate is not the best for al fresco dining.  I've observed that there are two seasons here in Northern Nevada: very hot and windy or cold and very windy.  Yet even on days when the weather's not ideal, hipsters and health-conscious eaters pack the patio at this Whole Foods location, 6139 S. Virginia St., Reno. The market's dizzying array of prepared, self-serve foods — both hot and cold — and the fact that you can tailor a bowl or platter to your liking, mean that even the fussiest customers can find something to love for breakfast, lunch, dinner or in-between. 

I'm a sucker for Whole Foods' hot soup bar. There are typically about 10 varieties of soup, with low-sodium, vegan and gluten-free choices, as well as more traditional recipes.  The chicken tortilla and the tomato with chipotle soups are among my personal faves.  A small container is $5.99, large is $9.99.  Sure, a can of Campbell's is way cheaper, but the freshness and goodness of Whole Foods' hot soups can't be matched. 

I also like mixing-and-matching different goodies at the Whole Foods' "Hot Global Cuisine" and salad bars.  These are perfect for sampling unfamiliar foods, but there are plenty of old-fashioned comfort foods, as well.  One caveat:  Items at each of these self-serve "smorgasbords" are $7.99 per pound, with plates or containers weighed at the check-out counter.  Unless you're skilled at guessing the weight of your food, be prepared for a bit of sticker shock if you're heavy-handed with your portions.  (Or as Jack Nicholson famously yelled, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!") 

Grab-and-go foods from the cold case are an attractive alternative for those who'd rather take food back home or to the office— or can't be trusted to limit helpings at the hot and cold food bars. On yesterday's trek to the Whole Foods Reno Market, tempting cold-case options included pre-packaged portions of salmon, eggplant parmesan, deli sandwiches, wraps and chef's salads. 

Plus, let's face it.  The very fact that this Whole Foods store is so busy makes it fun to shop and people-watch there.  I've never seen a celebrity there, yet, but one can always dream.  I do wish there were more special events at this Whole Foods Market in Reno.  Not to rub it in, but in many other cities, these markets have a lot more chef demos, cooking classes, wine-tastings and so on.

(When I was working for the Redmond Reporter, I covered a wine-bottle-signing event featuring Queensryche vocalist and wine enthusiast Geoff Tate at the Whole Foods in Redmond, Washington. That was quite interesting and revealed an unexpected side of a Seattle rock star.) 

However, there's one more reason why this former Chicagoan (and Washingtonian) finds herself heading back to Whole Foods Reno on a pretty steady basis. They carry frozen Home Run Inn pizzas from Chicago!  A taste of home, here in the Sierra!  Nice.  (UPDATE!  Sadly, as of Spring 2014, Whole Foods Reno no longer stocks Home Run Inn pizzas.  If you love these Chicago pizzas, please let the store manager know!)

For more information about the Whole Foods Market in South Reno, call (775) 852-8023 or visit:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/reno/