CHICAGO -- Who says today's food shoppers are only looking for a quick fix? A visit by SN to a Treasure Island supermarket here found that even in the age of home-meal replacement -- where time is short and pressures are many -- there are still shoppers who hunger for a home-cooked dinner.
Shoppers who spoke with SN on a recent spring day said cooking at home is healthy, economical and even fun. Some were stocking up for the week, while others were running in to the store for an armload of fresh meats, seafood, produce and other ingredients. "I like to buy ahead of time for health reasons," said retired teacher Virginia Brunegraff, who usually shops every two weeks for meats, fish and vegetables. "That way if you're on a low-fat diet, you're less likely to be tempted."
"I usually cook several meals on Sunday to last throughout the week," said J. Lippman, a child psychologist who also includes a lot of chicken and vegetables in her diet and claims she seldom indulges in processed foods.
Another shopper who likes to plan ahead is Bob Wysocki, a publicist, who planned on cooking chicken enchiladas for his book club meeting that night.
"I'm into a lot of fresh pastas and sauces -- like the kind DiGiorno puts out," he said. "I really like to cook, and I usually know what I'm going to prepare for dinner either the night before or that morning. Usually, it's four nights of cooking, and three nights of eating out."
SN also found shoppers who were comfortable leaving the dinner decision until the last minute.
Retired college dean Shizu Lofton, for example, admitted she usually plans dinner for herself and her husband only an hour or so beforehand.
"I don't really think about dinner much until I'm actually in the supermarket," she said with a tinge of guilt. "Tonight we're having poached salmon and salad -- pretty simple, but relatively good for you."
Other shoppers said Treasure Island's mix of specialty items and gourmet foods actually inspired them to venture into the kitchen.
Barbara Newberg and Robert Sikora, both doctors, like to shop here for the gourmet items like caviar and imported cheeses that are hard to find in most other supermarkets.
"I really get into cooking," said Sikora, who was shopping for a dinner of steamed clams and grilled halibut that evening. Sikora said he likes to shop as much as two to three times a week for the freshest items.
"I cook and Barbara does the dishes," he added.
Banker Steve Randle was also donning his chef's hat that night for his wife and three-year-old son, Mason.
"It's so nice outside, so I'm cooking chicken and potatoes on the grill tonight," he said. "I usually cook around three nights per week, and I try to purchase the healthier foods. There's such a good selection at this Treasure Island, so it usually inspires me to cook, whereas I might just buy some rice and beans at the Jewel."
Others interviewed by SN, however, were taking advantage of Treasure Island's wide array of hot and cold home-meal replacement offerings, including grilled meats and vegetables, homemade pizzas, smoked salmon, fresh salads, made-to-order sandwiches and sushi.
Kim Maites said prepared foods offer convenience, which is important to help keep up a busy schedule as a full-time advertising director and a mother of two.
"Although I don't have much time to cook, I try to get the healthier ready-made items, like rotisserie chicken or turkey burger patties and fresh pasta," she said. "It doesn't take long to prepare, and you still feel like you've given the kids a balanced meal." "Convenience is definitely a plus," said homemaker Jane Koz, who was shopping with her two-year-old daughter, Isabel. "I hate cooking. I never know what's for dinner until the last minute. Tonight I'll probably get salad -- nothing frozen -- or roasted chicken or steak. I also like the occasional sushi from the sushi bar."
"You kind of feel like you're in Europe sometimes when you're shopping here," said photographer Robert LeWart. "I can visit the Middle East in the cous cous aisle or head on over to Greece for some baklava from the bakery. It's one-stop international shopping."
