NEW SHOPPING OPTIONS

If you'd like to get a peek at what Safeway is doing to upstage the competition, plan a visit to Boulder to check out the chain's newest store. It's like a Wild Oats and Whole Foods on steroids. Within the 76,000 square feet space, the store has significantly expanded its organic food offerings, displayed its ready-made foods more attractively and added a sushi bar and demonstration kitchen. Located at 3325 28th St., it’s truly something to behold and is slated as a prototype for other new Safeways.

I've written about the Savory Spice shop in Denver and wanted to get out the word of a second location at 2650 W. Main St. in Littleton. The store stocks more than 300 herbs, spices and seasonings that are ground weekly at the original Denver location. The nice thing about this store is that you can buy as much or as little as you need, starting at a half ounce. They also have one of the best selections of vanilla beans. The Tahitian bean is my favorite. It’s plumper with seeds and has a stronger vanilla flavor than the other varieties. When I added the seeds from one bean to a boiling pot of cranberries, the aroma was amazing. It certainly elevated the flavor of the sauce, which quickly became the star of my holiday table.
Check out the Web site at www.savoryspiceshop.com.