Grandma's Grocery

Living in Houston, few things could tempt me out of my inner-loop life, onto the interstate to brave the endless, bumper to bumper traffic. And when I say few, well only one really comes to mind: Sandy's! Which apparently has changed its name to Georgia's. So, what I mean is Georgia's!

Imagine, if you will, a big grocery store like Krogers. You know, warehouse building, produce, frozen foods, and in one corner a salad bar buffet, maybe a hot food line too and some gnarly plastic chairs to sit and eat, if you so choose. Kind of depressing, right? Well then imagine that you could substitute all the items for sale into local, organic produce. Getting better, but doesn't sound too different than Whole Foods. What launches Georgia's onto another plain is that it is just like that, except it's like a team of grandmas and grandpas joined forces to not only operate the business, but decorate it and cook up all the delish food offered in the buffet. Love it!

The buffet takes up the center of the store. Antique furniture is arranged throughout, so even though you are in this huge warehouse, your dining experience still manages to feel charmingly homey and cozy. And the food seriously does not disappoint. It's what you would hope for if you could stand over most grocery's buffets and wave a magic wand: totally fresh, local organic produce, gorgeous lettuces, tons of herbs, homemade, creative dressings, fun salad toppings like jicama, all types of seeds, even ginger. The hot buffet delivers more of this quality with beautiful homemade soup options, breads, casseroles, briskets (this is Texas after all), lasagnas, lots of vegeterian and vegan options. Fantastic!

Georgia's has one of the most extensive bulk tea collections I have ever seen and one of the most charming parts of dining there is when a staff member pushes the tea cart up to your table. Let her know what kind you like and she'll whip up an individual pot for you. If you are feeling under the weather or have any health ailments, she can mix a special brew just for you.

This is the type of place where you leave feeling totally satisifed, not only because you just ate a delicious meal but also because you put such good things into your body. Oh and I do want to mention that this buffet of "grass-fed, free range and local produce" will only set you back $11.00. Too bad every neighborhood doesn't have a Georgia's.

So the next time you are at a standstill on Katy Freeway, don't let the exterior of another ubiquitous strip mall throw you off. By all means, stop, enjoy, shop and linger. I know I wish I could.


Georgia's Farm to Market
12171 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77079
281-940-0990
www.georgiasmarket.com