Shopping Upmarket

     One of my favorite ball caps is the one I purchased some years ago at the Piggly Wiggly supermarket in South Carolina.  It was one store in a chain of southern stores.  It seems that every region of our land has a familiar place to purchase groceries and household needs.  In Minnesota there are Cub stores.  Other places have names like Trader Joe's, Harris Teeter, Aldi, Whole Foods, Wegman's and Red Lion.  Each one seems to fill a niche, be it discount, boutique, or imported.



     I came to discover that in Vancouver, BC it is Urban Fare, a self described "fresh, healthful, supermarket-style, fine-food lover's haven dedicated to specialty foods."  Begun in 1999 the 5 market chain has 4 locations throughout Vancouver.  Their niche is apologetically "upmarket" providing high-end, gourmet, organic, and imported foods, including a florist, pharmacy, in-store restaurant, coffee bar, and a section dedicated to "grab 'n go" meals.



     As I wandered the labyrinthine aisles (to keep me in the store longer, perhaps?) I was attracted to the use of chrome and glass to display their products under soothing lighting to enhance their wares.  Our tour included a small sample of gourmet chocolate that is also for sale.  



     But I couldn't help but wonder if secretly they are attempting to compete with the "fair food" offered at the Minnesota State Fair.  Where else can you combine sugar, chocolate, salt and bacon?