Has anyone been to the sparkling new Whole Foods in Andover? Formerly Wild Oats, this large grocer off the town center, recently transformed into the organics megastore. I went in reluctantly (for fear of loosing every last dime in my wallet) the other day just to get some fish. Right.

Only a fool would think you could exit WF w/ just one item. This place is so seductive. A color wheel of produce stacked like an ICA installation (carrots can do that?) delights the eye. Crusty, wheaty, nutty breads call out to you from wooden bins. And the cheese aisle? Ah, the fromage. A small slice of emmenthaler is $15 and perfect, organic, rosemary wheat crackers, $8. But at least I look good under the soft lighting and the squeeky wheels a la Market Basket are not killing my nerves. What's that, a potted fern? Lovely.

At first you’ll think it’s the same store, but walk on and a neat, well-designed array of top-of-the line organics snake out before you. I swear I felt healthier just walking through this place. The layout is more focused; the area that sells vitamins, oils, etc. is like a shop w/in a shop. Organic toiletpaper? Why not.

I was feeling great until I reached the far end of the room and realized something was terribly off. No more wine! The holistic mafia decided to do away w/ the great wines and imported beers that made WO a big draw. The guy at the fish counter gave me the rote response: no license avail for all stores. Bummer. The wine selection here was as good as Andover Liquors down the street, but better for the convenience. However, the tilapia was the best I’ve had! If it wasn't swimming that morning I'd be mighty surprised.
Has anyone taken a spin through?