Pork Ribs - what I was charged for vs. Chuck Roast - what I actually bought

I had to cool down a bit before writing this post. And partly because this ever present problem with Whole Foods (in Union Square) is partly my fault. I have one meat dish this week for our friend from over seas who requested a real American roast (pot that is). I knew this was going to put a dent in my budget, but I also wanted to rise to the challenge. At my last stop, Whole Foods (WF) I only needed a couple small things, and one big roast. I had a short conversation with the butcher, and they did not have a French trimmed rib roast (I’ve never been able to find anything special or specific at the meat or fish counter - although they now carry Ostrich eggs for $39.99) he recommended the chuck roast and said 4lbs was enough for 4 people. He wrapped it up, and I went on my merry way. Not until I was unpacking and rearranging the fridge did I notice that he charged me for PORK SPARE RIBS!!! They were $6.99/lb as opposed to the chuck which was $4.99/lb. After a conversation about the meat, he did not even charge me for the right animal! I was livid, especially after my encounter with the fish monger. I do have grace for human mistakes - but there seems to be a pattern at this store. I should have checked before I left - but I used to have a higher standard for WF. I also had to tell the check out chick which mushrooms were which and that I had scallions not leeks. Good help must be hard to find - if you’re a butcher or fishmonger, apply to manage the Union Square Whole Foods counter, and save the good name of your profession.

That aside, Trader Joe’s was well stocked, and I bought all my cheese and milk products there, as well as some yummy sourdough. I don’t expect a huge selection from them, but what I do get is usually a great price. Although, this week, WF had cheaper low sodium chicken broth - their 365 brand. The farmers market was unusually busy with chefs and sous chefs for a Monday. Large orders were being carted around and really large totals were being called out. I found all my herbs and the squashes are beginning to appear. I love when the farmers start lining their tents with pumpkins, gourds, and funny shaped squashes. I think I chose some pricey dishes this week, but because of my wonderful husband, I’m getting back money from WF for their mess up. Here are the totals:

The Chuck Roast that was charged as ribs was supposed to be $17.71, not $24.67. So the WF total is actually $38.11.

The totals for the farmers market are:

4 Leeks - $3.00

2 LG Heirloom Tomatoes - $2.50

3lb Beets - $3.00

3lb Butternut Squash - $2.40

Thyme, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage - $4.50

Grand Total $113.16 / 2ppl/10meals a week= $5.65/person/meal!!!

Tags: squash, Trader Joe's, Union Square Farmer's Market, Whole Foods