Wegman's

So, Wegman's is technically a supermarket, but like many other people that find themselves in Hunt Valley at lunchtime, I end up eating lunch there once a week.

Wegman's is somewhat a place of lore to grocery connoisseurs. For those who have never been to one, it is often described by others as a mecca to food consumerism, boasting warehouse-like amounts of products in addition to many specialty items. A prime example, and one very near and dear to me, is their dedicated "tea wing", including a full stock of Ito En's entire product line.

However on the opposite side of the grocery paradise lies their take-out section, which includes a salad bar, asian food bar, soups, sushi bar, pizza shop, sub shop, confection shop, coffee bar, bakery... (takes breath) ... hot food counter, panini shop, CRAB CAKE kiosk... I think you get the point. Your first few visits will be spent in awe of the selection and the nonchalant attitudes of all the "regulars" zipping past you.

Only after the sense of wonderment has subsided will you be able to get a gauge on what is really going on, like realizing how ridiculous it is that their salad bar costs $8 per pound. In fact, all of their buffet options cost that price, but it seems much more justified for the Asian Wokery, especially since the salad bar options are pretty scant when compared to that of Giant's.

Everyone knows what to expect from pre-package sushi, and I usually don't ever go for it because it can be infamously bad. I did however decide to try an eel roll once and it was a little worse than I could imagine: it seems like they decided to leave the skin on... wtf?

Despite the overall cost vs. quality/quantity issues across the board though, the one champion of it all would have to be their sub shop. First off, they offer 7" & 14" subs instead of the typical 6" & 12" options you get anywhere else. With a Wegman's shoppers card, you also get 50 cents off a 7" making it only $5, and it's girth makes it very comparable to a Subway $5 foot-long. Their bread is pretty decadent, too. I've only had the honey wheat, but in addition to it always being fresh and fluffy, they put this super thin coat of glaze or something over it which might sound weird, but is actually awesome.

All in all, if you're in the area and want a Disneyland-esque lunch experience, I would recommend hitching your wagon up at Wegman's for a spell.