You would think that a self-professed foodie such as myself would have already been to Balducci's. I mean it is the food lover's market. No seriously. The sign out front said so.
On the way to the Navy game over the weekend my fiance and I took a wrong turn and ran smack into a Balducci's in Bethesda, MD. I had only heard dreamy stories about this food lovers paradise. Imported cheese, Iberico ham, exotic vinegars, fine cuts of meat and a salad bar that would make you cry. Oh, now that I've actually been there... it is so much more.
Upon first walking into Balducci's, I was greeted by a looming wall of orange-tinned Virginia peanuts. This outpost seemed to be somewhat compact, so the creative use of an otherwise useless corner was inspiring. Suckered into the marketing of it all, for a moment I actually thought that I needed Virginia peanuts. No, no, no. Must hurry. Don't want to be late for the game.
After successfully avoiding the tower of peanuts, we emerged into the warm scent of Italian sausage sauteeing and melting Gruyere cheese. Before my eyes could roll into the back of my head I heard the nicest "Good afternoon! How are you doing today?" I've ever heard. The well-dressed woman at the customer service counter was not only talking to me, but she sounded like she genuinely wanted to know how I was. That's something you don't see at Safeway.
Balducci's is proving itself to be something special.
I pressed on knowing that we only had 5 minutes to explore before we had to get back on the road to the game. I joyfully began snapping pictures of the artfully arranged vegetables. Only a place like Balducci's could make brussel sprouts look more than mildly interesting.
I quickly moved past the glorious champagne rack and specialty cheese counter. I was especially moved by the large sign outlining the assortment of caviar on offer. I'm an osetra woman myself, beluga is a bit too salty for my taste. What am I doing??? I'm going to be late!
The rest of my all too short stay at Baducci's consisted of making mental notes and snapping covert shots. No time to ask if the dozen or so fresh sausages were house made. What am I saying? Of course they are house made. I vow to return to try the smoked Andouille and the chicken and cilantro sausages.
Balducci's meat counter was organized and inviting. The more expensive cuts of meat were reasonably marbled, although not the most impressive I've seen. The prepared meats, however, were a nice touch for the busy gourmet looking to get dinner on the table quickly.
Keith stopped me before I headed past the deli counter that was truly exciting. He spotted a very rare roast beef that beckoned (see the very red-centered slab of beef in the upper left hand corner of this photo). We're
known for picking up a pound of shaved roast beef and salami just for snacking. Upon closer inspection it looks like most of the beef in the counter was American Kobe beef turned pastrami, roast beef, corned beef and more. Oh, how decadent!
With literally seconds left before we had to pick up our friend for
the game, I gave not enough attention to the prepared foods counter (curried risotto cups and an apple glazed roasted chicken looked promising), pizzas, bread and desserts. We didn't even make it to the middle of the store. But honestly, the middle of any grocery store isn't the heart. Make a pass at the perimeter and you'll know why people swear by Balducci's.
I am now a believer in Balducci's. Though I won't shop there on a daily basis, there is one about 35 minutes away from our place in Virgina. I do believe I'll be back to the "Food Lover's Market".
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