C9 Chefs: Do you buy organic / free range etc?

We've been looking more carefully recently at what we buy/eat.

There's a show called all about factory raised food vs organic free range (as in beer )

So we had a look around at what was available to buy - that supports these standards... and were somewhat surprised at our findings.

First off - almost all organic grocery stores - are delivery only.* But they are not like a supermarket.* They have weekly "baskets" or "bins" of stuff - pre-selected - that they deliver....* Not exactly what we were looking for. (didnt want to sacrifice choice)

So we finally found which is more like a large grocery store - but with all the politically correct food (Fair Trade etc)

The prices were not too bad.* A normal decent size Loblaws chicken here is around 8$.* Same size there was 12$.* So it is indeed a tad more. Although some things were cheaper (organic stocks ) and they did have some cool stuff - that just are not available at standard grocery stores - like canned organic tomatoes from Italy.

Unfortunately - the only store in the entire city - is downtown - in rosedale/yorkville.* Or Richville - as some refer to it.

While I could see myself going there maybe once a month - Im not driving downtown to do the groceries once or twice a week.

SO we continued to look.**Now at*local shops - if they do offer organic / FR products - are very very expensive.* Also - many of the local stores have little selection (again) - one had a single organic steak - FROZEN - for $28.00 .. uh no thanks.

But today - we did find a new store had opened - that was like a mini - Whole Foods, about 10 minutes away.

The girl who owned it was nice - and I ended up buying a lot of things - id been meaning to try - but had just never seen.

For example - a bag of Heritage root vegetables (with all different colours of carrots)* Never seen that before.

So - because she was engaging us - I asked if she had other things Ive seen - but not tried: Fleur de sel?* Smoked Sweet Paprika? Truffle oil? Safron? yep.yep.yep.yep.

I thought truffle oil and safron were like 50 bucks or something - but its was just 7.99 and 4.99.* We also grabbed a prime rib for Easter.. albiet at more than the normal grocery.


So that's our - politically correct, green, organic, eco-enviro food story (so far.)

Im not about to become a vegan and wear hemp clothes or anything - but it is fun trying new things - and getting away from the main "vitamin enhanced GMO" food stream.

So.. do any of you shop organic? or just regular grocery stores.. or (shudder) ready meals / tv dinners?

Does it take too long?* too expensive? worth it?

Personally*I dont understand why Whole Foods doesnt open at least 4 more stores across the city.* It was packed and seemed to be a cross between convenience and ..ahem.. responsible eating

(insert armpit fart noise*here)*

?