MOM's Organic Market

Gluten-free is all the rage.  It was even a diet trend in last month's Real Simple magazine! (In case you're curious, the answer is no, you shouldn't "try it" unless you have celiac or a gluten intolerance).  You can find gluten-free food in just about every big-box grocery store.  On one shelf.  With a big "look at me! I'm gluten-free!" label.  Usually in yellow and red.  Usually with the same five or six brands.  You've got your Pamela's cookies --admittedly, delicious -- and your Mary's Gone Crackers.  Maybe even some random energy bars.  You will likely be able to find some Tinkiyada pasta and a few bottles of New Grist.

If you go to Whole Foods, you'll do better.  The selection is admittedly extensive.  But -- and pardon the rhyme -- it is also super expensive.

So what do you do if you're eating gluten-free and you don't have a six-figure salary? Go ask Mom.
(I couldn't resist).  Seriously, MOM's Organic Market is a fast growing chain of small groceries in the DC area.  It. Is. Awesome.  And no, they aren't paying me for this.  I just love them.  To the tune of occasionally finding myself at a MOM's more than once a day.  I may have a problem.

MOM's Organic Market started out in Scott Nash's basement as a home delivery service.  As it's grown, it has managed to maintain its basement vibe.  I mean that in a good way. Though locations are sprouting up everywhere -- the newest in the new Mosaic development in Merrifield, VA -- the service is universally friendly and knowledgeable.

But it is the selection that keeps me coming back day after day.  Though the grocery is focused on providing organic food, they manage to hit up a number of other dietary needs.  Every aisle has something to offer a celiac.  And though they do have a dedicated shelf for gluten-free foods, it is by no means exclusive.  Gluten-free stuffs are mixed in to every section.   There are chips, snacks, crackers, breads -- even challah (!!) -- chocolates, soups, ice cream, and at least five different kinds of gluten-free beer that I'd never heard of before.  The prepared frozen foods include egg rolls and dumplings.  Yes, you can get the brands that you've been eating since your diagnosis, but you can also get a taste of foods you haven't had during that same time.  I'll say it again.  Egg rolls.