Bites Nearby: Wegmans Market Cafe

I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one who credits for changing how I feel about grocery shopping. The task I used to dread doing is now the one I look forward most, because it usually means I can browse the aisles with a coffee in my hand and a muffin “for later.”

As someone who claims to be a Wegmans addict, I have to admit there are some parts of this grocery super store that I have left undiscovered. Although I usually tend to linger in front of the bakery cases, I try not to let myself get too close to any of the delicious offerings in their café, for fear that once I start, I just won’t stop. So this week, I decided to head to Wegmans sans grocery list or time constraints, and get acquainted with everything I’ve been missing.

The Dishes: An assortment of Chinese foods: sesame chicken, one pork egg roll, green beans with garlic and a seven-inch turkey sub and chips.

What’s on the Plate: My sub was on fresh, white bread with tomatoes, lettuce, olive oil and vinegar. As a side, I added Zapp’s salt and vinegar potato chips. The Chinese dishes were pretty basic, but the green beans were tossed in oil with minced garlic.

How’s It Taste: It’s hard to beat Wegmans when it comes to easy, on-the-go meals. Ask the Sunday after-church crowd, who packed the buffet and deli when I arrived. Not that I’m complaining; it gave me more time to peruse the options.

I’ve had the pizza at Wegmans multiple times and I can definitely recommend that to anyone who hasn’t yet, but this week I opted to try out their sub shop. Surprising as it may be, I’ve never had any of their subs before. Still, I knew I wouldn’t be let down and I was right. All subs are made fresh with your choice of bread, dressings and toppings. The bread was absolutely delicious: thick, hearty and not too soggy from my oil and vinegar topping. And because there’s no such thing as too much vinegar, I added a bag of Zapp’s salt and vinegar chips to my meal. Crispy and kettle-cooked, just like chips should be.

As for my lunch buddy, she decided to try out the Chinese food buffet that always seems to tempt me after a bad day at work. I sampled her green beans and I think I gobbled up about three-quarters of her pork egg roll, so I’m happy to report that, although they were both delicious, the pork egg roll gets my vote for best menu item. She promised that the sweet and tangy sesame chicken would have given it a run for its money, though.

Eat This Because: If you’re not sure what you’re hungry for, Wegmans is the perfect solution because you don’t have to choose. Italian, Indian, Chinese…you name it, they’ve got it. Instead of opting for two slices of pizza, choose a little something from every part of the world.

The Tab: $12.20.

Etc: I’m apparently the only one who hasn't taken advantage of Wegmans catering services, but I can guarantee that will change. Check out their website or visit your local store to find out more information about getting their subs and pizzas for the office party.