If you got your mind on nutrition then you are definitely excited for the brand new Whole Foods opening up in Downtown Denver LoDo. The new Whole Foods sits right smack dab next to the gorgeous Union Station. Last night I was so lucky to get invited to Whole Foods Pre Grand Opening event and I’m here to give you a sneak peak!
Next to Union Station on 17th and Chestnut sits was what described as the”premiere epicenter” of local natural food brands. There are over 2000 brands native to Colorado in this 50k square foot building and of course so many other of our favorite natural food brands.
Right when you walk in you’re in bright and colorful produce land. A gorgeous sign that mimics the famous Union Station Sign is lit up with the words Eat Real Food. I agree with ya there!
If you’re not familiar with the Amazon Whole Foods partnership that these two companies announced earlier this year, well now you know. Not only does this duo work to lower the prices of Whole Foods items , there is an Amazon Station in 5 stores, Whole Foods Union Station being one of them. I didn’t get to look too much into it but when I go to the grand opening on Wednesday I’ll be sure to see what it’s all about. Right after I grab a caffeinated coffee from Allegro Coffee Roasters.
If you’re into supplements, they’ve got you covered there! Now there is an even larger supplement section including the faves like protein powder, collagen, botanicals, and vits and mins. I was also really impressed with the natural beauty and body products section since it was one of the biggest I have seen! Can you say stocking stuffers?! I actually got a free soap that smells so freaking good I can not wait to wash the bod with this and smell like flowers. Who doesn’t like to smell like flowers?!
Then all along the back wall is the refrigerated section where all the dairy, nondairy, fermented items and others live. I spotted so if my favorites like Califia and Siggi’s yum yum yum! The middle aisles too had all of the familiar natural and organic brands like Jackson’s Honest Chips, Purely Elizabeth Granola, and Justin’s Nut Butter.
Then just as the refrigerated section ends, the building opens up the mecca eatery opens up to a wide open space where pretty much everyone in Downtown will go to eat for lunch. Füdmill bakery has most amazing looking confections and pastries. I just wanted to snuggle up in the cupcakes but instead I just settled for a blueberry lavender macaroon.
Kikka Sushi Bar (I tried crunchy shrimp tempura and a vegetarian roll. Both freaking delicious!!).
Tel Aviv Street Food, exclusive first time offerings like this epic mac & cheese bar, other culturally inspired cuisines like Peruvian and Spanish dishes,.
Birdcall restaurant (a stand-alone eatery) which is serving up hot fried chicken sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, breakfast biscuits, beer and wine with over 20 local beers on tap. You can see down to the second how long your order will be until you’re devouring it. So cool!!
Also, one simply cannot forget to mention the hot cheese station where there are also Certified Cheese Professionals (yup, that’s a thing) offering their expertise in all things cheese.
-What do you do with the melted cheese?
-Ummm, make people really happy!!
Well, okay then!
And speaking of hot cheese…Mac and cheese bar! Oh yes, oh yes as if you didn’t get enough cheesy delicious carb-y calories in college well here’s your second chance. Lobster Mac n cheese, tomato basil, and don’t worry vegans they got a mac for you too! Next to Tel Aviv Street Food, which serves up delicious pitas stuffed like charred cauliflower with lemon preserves, there is a self serve pizza station. Yessss!
After Leanne Ray RD and I had samples pretty much everything there was to sample we had our pics taken at a photo booth cause who doesn’t love a good photo booth. We ended the night taking another tour through the entire store, running into Denver Bronco Brandon McManus who Leanne took a photo op with, and then we left with a swag bag full of Whole Foods goodies!