Fox and Obel (Downers Grove, Woodridge, Westmont: buy, price, stores)

[aragx6]

Uhh, Jewel does suck. And not even in a typical local chain grocery store way -- in a run down, poorly organized, stuck in the past kind of way.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

comment about jewel was ignorant or just intended to elicit a reaction.

No, it is a firmly held belief. To be fair, Dominick's sucks too--and the level that each one sucks varies from store to store.

Chicago has wonderful grocery options as far as ethnic markets, farmers markets, wholesalers, butchers, high-end purveyors, and other specialty stores are concerned. But the large chain grocery stores in Chicago are the worst I have seen anywhere outside of the rural South. Both Jewel and Dominicks are disgraceful.

[ajolotl]

Wasn't referring to you comment but someone else who likened F&O to new Urban Jewel (at best, might have been talking about a regular Jewel). It thought that was too exaggerated to take seriously. F&O is in a completely different league. Like you, I think Jewel sucks.

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

No, it is a firmly held belief. To be fair, Dominick's sucks too--and the level that each one sucks varies from store to store.

Chicago has wonderful grocery options as far as ethnic markets, farmers markets, wholesalers, butchers, high-end purveyors, and other specialty stores are concerned. But the large chain grocery stores in Chicago are the worst I have seen anywhere outside of the rural South. Both Jewel and Dominicks are disgraceful.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

Wasn't referring to you comment but someone else who likened F&O to new Urban Jewel (at best, might have been talking about a regular Jewel). It thought that was too exaggerated to take seriously. F&O is in a completely different league. Like you, I think Jewel sucks.

That makes sense. I couldn't figure out why someone would be so defensive about Jewel!

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Uhh, Jewel does suck. And not even in a typical local chain grocery store way -- in a run down, poorly organized, stuck in the past kind of way.

The one by Ashland and Milwaukee does, but I am telling you about 75% do not suck.

Wait till you see the one the are going to build on Southport near Addison.

[rockrgrrrl]

So what do you guys think of Trader Joe's?

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by rockrgrrrl

So what do you guys think of Trader Joe's?

Its awesome, but more of a "supplement" store. I wouldnt really go in there with the intention of filling my entire shopping list. Prices are often cheaper than major grocery stores depending on the item, but sometimes much more. You have to pay attention.

[ajolotl]

I don't think there is one anywhere particularly close to me. Have been only once so don't have an opinion. Are there any located near the center of the city with good parking options?

I like F&O because from Hyde Park I could be door-to-door in 15 minutes, free valet parking for 90 minutes, very good cafe, and the 100 European brands of olive oil dovetail with my liberal elite sensibilities. I think F&O is a little more for people who like good food and less so for people who are interested in being healthy (e.g. like whole foods). To some extent of course they are both yuppie affectations.

Originally Posted by rockrgrrrl

So what do you guys think of Trader Joe's?

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

The one by Ashland and Milwaukee does, but I am telling you about 75% do not suck.

Wait till you see the one the are going to build on Southport near Addison.

I've been to five -- 3 in the 'burbs, 2 in the city and all 5 are sub par at best. I think Dominick's is overpriced, but from the few I've been to they've had a better selection. All 5 of the Jewel's had some of the worst produce I've seen in a long time.

Honestly ... I miss Schnucks. Anyone who's been to one can probably feel my pain.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by aragx6

I've been to five -- 3 in the 'burbs, 2 in the city and all 5 are sub par at best. I think Dominick's is overpriced, but from the few I've been to they've had a better selection. All 5 of the Jewel's had some of the worst produce I've seen in a long time.

Honestly ... I miss Schnucks. Anyone who's been to one can probably feel my pain.

Please just for me list the ones you have been to. I am pretty sure you have just had really bad luck. Like I said maybe 25%-33% of the Jewels suck, but they have way more stores than Dominick's now. About 50% of Dominick's really suck bad.

Well if produce is your determining factor yeah Jewel is not that great with it;but neither is Dominick's. I would not expect great produce at either anymore.