Whole Foods "Garage?" (San Diego, Costa Mesa: organic, live in, restaurants)

[texaslamar]

We are new to CA and live in San Diego county. I hear that there is a fantastic Whole Foods in OC - called the garage? - that rivals their flagship store in Austin (where we are from). Any truth to this and where is it in the OC?

Many thanks!

[VeronikaW]

I know there's a really big (nice) Whole Foods at a shopping center called "The District" in Tustin. Maybe that's the one?

[DinsdalePirahna]

its big but not worth the trip north from San Diego

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by DinsdalePirahna

its big but not worth the trip north from San Diego

But where is it?

[pacific2]

I’ve been to the Whole Foods Market in Tustin, but didn’t find it to be special. BTW, I’ve only heard Whole Foods called, “Whole Paycheck,” not the “Garage.” Mother’s Market & Kitchen is my favorite “natural foods“ store.

[texaslamar]

I get what you mean by "whole paycheck" and I would only drive there if is like the flagship store in Austin. Going there is an experience - not just grocery shopping. And when we lived in Austin, we often went there for a meal as they have so many mini-restaurants within the store.

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by texaslamar

I get what you mean by "whole paycheck" and I would only drive there if is like the flagship store in Austin. Going there is an experience - not just grocery shopping. And when we lived in Austin, we often went there for a meal as they have so many mini-restaurants within the store.

If that's the case, then you would probably like Mother's Market & Kitchen. There are several locations in OC and it might be worth a stop the next time you are in the area. The vibe is relaxed and they have both a deli and a small restaurant, in addition to fresh produce, bulk fruit and nuts, supplements, breads, books, etc. It's not inexpensive, either, but it's still worth a visit.

I go there several times a week. I also like Native Foods restaurant.

[Dreamshot]

The Whole Foods in La Jolla is exceptionally nice...

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

But where is it?

Im talking about the one at the Jamboree and Barranca. Its big by Whole Foods Standards but not much bigger than an average grocery store.

Personally I see no value in Whole Foods Stores. I think they are over priced and many of their claims of "organic" have been questioned.

Mothers Market is much better if that is the kind of food you wish to consume.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by pacific2

I also like Native Foods restaurant.

Except for the "Pizza", most of what I have eaten at Native Foods (Aliso Viejo Towne Centre, and the one in Costa Mesa) taste like cardboard.