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Living Earth Opens Healthy Grab-and-Go Section

Living Earth on Park Avenue in Worcester re-opens their Grab-and-Go offerings in expansion.

 

Grab-and-go is becoming an increasingly popular aspect of the Worcester’s lifestyle. With the latest expansion of the Living Earth Natural and Organic Foods Market, it comes as no surprise that a grab-and-go section is at the forefront.

First and foremost, the Living Earth Natural and Organic Foods Market is a grocery store focused on healthy food choices. As a family-owned business operating since 1971, the Living Earth has evolved its brand, established its reputation and has undergone a series of changes. However, with its consistent focus on providing a prominent level of healthy foods and rare finds, now they have taken their love of healthy meals a step further.

According to a study by Technomic, an annual growth rate of 10.4 percent between 2006 and 2014 launched the grocery store freshly prepared foods segment into the food industry’s group of highest performing subdivisions, allowing grocery stores to engage in the high-intensity customer movement.  Award-winning Living Earth now joins the movement with its fresh take on grab-and-go, offering a selection of ready-to-eat meals ranging from sandwiches and lighter options for lunch to fuller dinner options like chicken parmigiana and dessert selections including flourless chocolate cake.

“The Living Earth store has always been a local family run health food store that prides itself on being the originators of bringing healthy food to Worcester,” said Celeste Maykel-Zack, co-owner. “You can trust the items you buy to be free from artificial flavors, colors, toxic chemicals and any other harmful ingredients.” With a reputation spanning over 47 years, Living Earth is customer focused and remains attentive to the ever-changing life choices of their customers. “We are proud of the changes we have made as well as the new brands we have taken time to research and bring in to add to our shelves. Our vastly expanded gourmet grab-and-go section has been the change with the most impact to date. Shoppers, both new and returning, love the variety and the ease with which they can pop in for their organic coffee and muffin on the way to work, grab a healthy lunch on the run or pick up dinner for the family on their way home,” she said.

New grab-and-go features will include a hot breakfast selection, fresh juices, and nitro-brewed coffee, to name a few. In addition to the grab-and-go section, Living Earth has created a seating area along with a coffee section where customers can pick and bag their own coffee and espresso beans. “In addition to prepared meals, we want to give our customers an extra hand when it comes to stocking their pantries with healthy items,” said Maykel-Zack. “We are canning items such as soups and sauces in mason jars for our customers to enjoy at home.” With a wide range of products, Living Earth is the local health store that continues to surprise us over the years.

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Chicken Vegetable Soup and the Mozzarella and Tomato Salad from Compass Tavern

Mozzarella and Tomato Salad from Compass Tavern

Upon entering Compass Tavern, the first thing you see is a huge mahogany, square-shaped bar surrounded by exposed brick walls that are decorated with sports pictures. You also see a blackboard with the evening’s drink specials. At first glance, Compass Tavern looks like the perfect place to eat and watch a sporting event–there are TVs everywhere.

We were seated immediately. Our waitress greeted us warmly and requested to take our drink order right away. The menu consisted of typical pub fare with a large appetizer section that made my mouth water.

For my meal, I selected a bowl of the Chicken Vegetable Soup and the Mozzarella and Tomato Salad. The tomato and mozzarella arrived stacked high and surrounded with mixed greens tossed with plum tomatoes. There was a basil balsamic vinaigrette drizzled on top too. The tomatoes were fresh and the mozzarella was delicious. The mixed greens added the perfect touch. Plus, the salad was so large that I left some to take home. My soup had plenty of chicken and a lot of squash, which I am a huge fan of, however, I wish there were some green vegetables in the soup. It also could have been much hotter.

Our waitress was funny and attentive. She answered all of our questions and shared her favorite menu items. She specifically pointed out that all of the appetizers were amazing. Overall, the service was fast and she was always there to fill our drinks.

I would definitely come back to sit at the bar and watch a game. With all the TVs and a super large bar, I don’t think there would be any issue finding a good seat. As for the food, I would definitely order one or two of those amazing-looking appetizers!