I was down south for a day and stopped by New Frontiers Natural Marketplace in San Luis Obispo to check out their new store location on Los Osos Valley Road (the old Circuit City spot). It’s sooo much nicer compared to their old location on Foothill; it’s all shiny and new. And it’s huge! The feel and vibe now is very much like a Whole Foods.
The grocery section has many of the products that I’m used to getting including Daiya, bulk foods and what looks like a nice produce section. The pricing seems to be similar to Whole Foods, but there’s also sales that make some things a bit more affordable (at least on the day that I was there).
Since I was going to be in the area for such a short time, I only got prepared food from the deli/hot food section. There was a few vegan items including the Vegan Lentil Loaf for $7.49. I haven’t always been a fan of lentils but the loaf was savory and tasty. Well-seasoned, not too salty, and looks kinda like a slice of cake – I would totally get it again.
I didn’t get a chance to try anything else. Besides the deli, I skipped by a sushi bar, bakery, gelato bar, pizza station, a stir-fry station, and of course a salad bar. You would be skipping around the store too if you knew how deprived SLO had been of a store like this.
oooh, that looks so good and nourishing…YUM!
The new location is really awesome, and like you said, a mirage in this desert of carnivore offerings that we call SLO…
They do often have sales, and good ones, and the deli is fantastic.
I’ve had the lentil loaf and it is yummy indeed. Next time you are in the hood, check to and see if they have the millet loaf, it’s to die for.
I’ve driven by that location a couple of times but we have one down here in Solvang. Next time I’m up that way we will definitely have to stop and check it out. That looks so good! New Frontiers has great salads in their deli dept.and they do have great sales.
So you and another blogger live in SLO? Not too far from me.
I wish we had that store up here in the Bay Area! I’m also not usually a lentil loaf person but that one does look tasty. There’s nothing like delicious, already prepared vegan food!!
india-leigh – It was yummy! :-)
in2insight – Thanks for the tip, I’ll look for the millet loaf next time I’m there.
JoLynn – Definitely check out the SLO location, I’m not sure how it’ll compare to the one in Solvang but I think the SLO one is suppose to be their flagship store.
Actually, I’m in the SF Bay Area but I grew up on the Central Coast and still have family there, hence the visits. And I believe in2insight is a reader that lives in my hometown. :-)
Sarah – Me too! I’ve tried the prepared foods from WF on numerous occasions, and I haven’t found anything that I would get again. I was pleasantly surprised the lentil loaf was so yummy. :-)
I’m extremely hesitant to try any food in loaf-form, but this looks genuinely delicious! Sure wish I could get the recipe for that.
The lentil loaf looks like a beautiful version of shepherd’s pie. I’d like a slice right now, for breakfast!
I love this new location as well! Next time you’re in town, try their Thai Coconut Moons. They’re delicious little rice balls that are to die for!