• 5
• if only places like this were everywhere

What a bummer that I only got to experience Roanoke Co-op passing through on a cross-country road trip! The first two days' food had consisted of almonds, salty mixed nuts, tea, and dry cereal; already I was losing it. Walking into RNF was like walking into an oasis. I used to work in a large independent natural foods store, and since then *nothing* has matched my hopes. I feel like I finally found something that lives up to my expectations (though I do miss having a bulk fridge). They have a stellar bulk section, a wonderful selection of vegan grab&go stuff (made by them and outside companies; they've got plenty of non-veg options too -- my dad raved about his chicken wrap), and a deli that looked appealing but had closed at 4 (would have loved to try their chili, but it was 7:30). My dad pointed out no less than four kinds of vegan baked goods (cookies, brownie, and something apple-y with frosting) in the darkened deli case, and we commisserated about them being unavailable. A nearby employee overheard us and offered to get us whatever we wanted out of there. The oatmeal raisin cookie was marvelous, even to Dad the Omni; the rest is being saved. The deli apparently has free wi-fi, too! In a perfect world their produce section would have been a little bigger, but they had a great selection and what they did have was beautiful. All in all, the trip was a total treat.