For those of you living in Pittsburgh, I hope you've already experienced the awesomeness that is Market District....for those of you not living in Pittsburgh (or you just haven't ever been to one,) allow me to enlighten you.Market District is quite possibly the most amazing store I've ever been stepped foot in. (See the above photo. Sorry for the lame quality--it was the best I could do at night :/) It's essentially a new and very improved Giant Eagle with a whole lot of impressive quirks. When you first walk in the door, an employee is there to hand you a map. A map. For a grocery store. I found this highly amusing, but after about five minutes, I realized that I definitely needed it. This place is HUGE (as you can see from the photos.) When you walk in the main entrance, you're standing directly in front of the produce section of the store. This section alone is probably the size of a normal Giant Eagle. They literally have any fresh grown product you can think of--and in great abundance. Example: There was entire wall containing different types of mushrooms. To the left of the produce section is the standard grocery store side (although much larger than normal.) There is also an impressive Health & Beauty department that is unique to Market District. One of my favorite quirks of the grocery store side is the container of bread, milk and eggs right by the registers--just in case you need to make a quick stop for essentials. :) Oh, did I mention the ridiculously amazing cheese department? And the deli? And the bakery? And the candy shop? And the coffee shop? Yep. They're all inside.
The above photo was taken from the second floor cafe of the first floor "market area." To the left of the produce, is the international foods section and the "market." The international department is really fun--I even found some foods I had in Sweden! The market area is what really amazes me. There are all different sorts of stands offering freshly prepared food. For a complete look at everything Market District offers click here. My favorite stands include: Asian street food, the juice/smoothie bar, crepes and gelato.
This is a photo of my dinner....Tandoor roasted chicken, rice, naan and mango chutney. *deeeeelicious* While I was waiting in line, I literally watched the chef bake the naan he put on my plate. I also got a fruit smoothie from the juice bar and watched the employee cut up the fresh fruit for my drink. Amazing. The second floor of the store is all restaurant style seating, so you can enjoy your food there. Bonus: they also have free wifi.Seriously. A store that has (good) Asian food, smoothies, coffee and made-to-order crepes--in addition to actual groceries? Yes, please. I spent about two hours there (by myself) just wandering around and exploring. I strongly recommend checking it out if you haven't already. Even better, come share some curry and naan with me and we can explore together. :)
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Oh, I need to go there sometime!