Specialty foods in Cookeville?? (Chattanooga, Monterey: house, organic, live)

[Wordy]

Not to derail the potential acrimony or anything, but can anyone point me to a good source for high-end specialty foods in Cookeville? I am looking for things like really good olive oil, vinegars, premium vanilla, stuff like that. I have had the best luck so far at TJ Maxx of all places, believe it or not. First I thought their stuff was outdated but they have a sign up that says that's not the case (plus for the stuff I've bought there, a little age would be a good thing anyway). I know Kroger has a pretty good specialty food section but I actually could not find good vanilla there the last time I looked for it (did find it when we first moved here, though). Is there is a specialty food or gourmet shop around here? Thanks!

[CookevilleWeatherGuy]

have you tried shopping online for that sort of stuff?

[thirtyish]

When I was in the area this summer, I found some wonderful things at the Amish store in Muddy Pond. It's a beautiful drive to get there too.
I can't wait to move to TN although I will miss my trips to Trader Joes. I haven't seen on on my TN travels.

[thirtyish]

I just checked the Trader Joe's website and it looks like the closest would be in Georgia. Just and FYI

[Wordy]

Oooh, guess someone moved my question. That's pretty neat, thanks! I shoulda done it myself.

I will check out the Amish store, thanks so much. I've been meaning to, anyway. it'll be neat to see what's available.

Weather guy, I know most of the stuff can be obtained online but sometimes I want to get this stuff that day or maybe the next day. I also have found some pretty neat cheeses at Sam's (imported Gruyere and Parm-Reggiano), so that is an option, too. Sometimes they have cool vegetables that aren't available in the local groceries, although that's very hit and miss.

I'm sort of new at this actual cooking-from-scratch most nights of the week thing, so I'm trying to make it easier on myself. It's great when I can plan a week or two ahead, but lots of times I'm just not that up on things. OK, most times. It's a good week when I have just that week planned out!

It's nice not to be "cooking" out of boxes--or at least to have that option if I want it. I think I have been watching the Food Network too much. My favorite is Barefoot Contessa. I don't expect middle TN to be East Hampton NY, but I need to find a happy medium. I also want to find stuff here in TN that is local to the area that I can start incorporating. I'm thinking that pretty much rules out shrimp and lobster?

Thanks for your responses!

[firepower]

I wish we did have a specialty foods store! You're right,you just have to be willing to look for different things here & there.
And you're right about T.J. Maxx.My wife bought me about $200 worth of cooking supplies from there for Christmas! They have some neat stuff!


firepower

[maryn]

Where is the Amish Store??????
I have a house in Spencer and I love specialty food stores!
The Chattanooga green market on Sundays has some really yummy homemade breads and salsa and things. Alot of organic veggies.

[2mares]

Wordy
Have you been to World Foods. Ive never been there, but a guy I use to work with got lunch there a lot. Im not even sure if they have groceries or just already cooked food.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by 2mares

Wordy
Have you been to World Foods. Ive never been there, but a guy I use to work with got lunch there a lot. Im not even sure if they have groceries or just already cooked food.

That's exactly what I was going to suggest! World Foods had a small grocery area with imported olive oils, cheeses, sodas (like Orangina), etc. However, new owners have taken over and have renamed the place Cafe Trio. Whether or not they still have a grocery area, I don't know. But it's worth a check. It's on Cedar just a half block north of the Depot.

[thirtyish]

I couldn't give you exact location. It's in an area called Muddy Pond, not far from Monterey. In fact, the store is called Muddy Pond, I believe. Maybe someone more local can help. Hmmm, also makes me think opening a specialty storewould be a great idea.