Sophistication is rarely used to describe supermarket takeout, but it certainly applies to the food from Wild Oats Market in northwest suburban Buffalo Grove. Wild Oats describes itself as a “natural & organic foods, health and body care community market.” That mission hasn’t gotten in the way of serving delicious fare.
The supermarket is very clean, if short on decor-starting with the concrete floor. At first the design seems sparse, but the lighting is softer than that in most supermarkets, and product displays are angled slightly to give a slightly boutique feel. The small food court is in a rear corner.
Salsa fresca ($1.99/pound) tastes homemade. Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, red onions, jalapeno peppers and garlic make a perfect topping for chips, chicken or fish. Roasted pepper hummus ($2.29/pound) has a creamy texture and rich, full flavor with its blend of garbanzo beans, tahini and roasted red peppers.
Side dishes are varied and delicious. You’ll have about a dozen to choose from.
The couscous and pine nut salad ($5.99/pound) is pleasantly sweet from raisins and cinnamon, but the celery, parsley, green onions and pine nuts keep it in the savory category. Sesame noodle salad ($5.99/pound) delivers an exotic Asian twist with a bit of heat. It’s made with udon noodles, woodear mushrooms, roasted peppers, cilantro and crushed red pepper. For an unconventional take on pasta salad, try the Mediterranean orzo ($5.99/pound), which delivers a mild yet flavorful cold salad of orzo pasta with feta cheese, celery, olives, spinach, red onion and garlic.
Wild Oats serves many now-trendy wraps, including a hearty turkey and coleslaw wrap ($1.59 for half-sandwich; $2.99 for whole). Roasted turkey, teamed with cabbage, carrots and onions, is swathed in a honey mayonnaise and wrapped in a fresh tomato flour tortilla.
Three or four of the savory polenta black bean cakes ($1 each) can make a great lunch or light dinner. Black beans, onions, red bell pepper, cornmeal, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno and cumin are pressed into patties, and would be great with the salsa fresca on top and a nice tossed salad.
Likely dinner candidates abound at Wild Oats. Barbecued boneless, skinless chicken breasts ($8.99/pound), tender and moist, come bathed in a chipotle-garlic sauce. For a lighter entree, try the salmon poached in white wine, shallots and garlic ($4.50/half-pound).
For a meatless entree, the spankopita ($4.99/pound) is hearty and delicious. Spinach, ricotta and feta cheeses, onion, dill and garlic are mixed together and baked between layers of phyllo dough.
Don’t leave without dessert. The wonderful lineup includes pumpkin Cognac cheesecake ($2.99) made with cream and just a hint of Cognac and nestled on a graham cracker crust. Chocolate fans should head directly for the chocolate truffle cake ($2.99) for a sinful, dense treat made with chocolate, butter, cream, chocolate liqueur and almonds. Tiramisu ($2.99) is a winner, with a nice blend of mascarpone cheese, chocolate, Cognac, rum and coffee.
Drinks include all-natural sodas, fruit juices, iced teas and fresh fruit drinks ($1.99 to $2.79). Wild Oats’ liquor section is small, with mostly wine and beer, and is for takeout only.
If you would prefer to eat in, tables and chairs seat about 20, providing a nice spot for noshing as well as people watching.
———-
Wild Oats Market
(Four forks)
764 S. Buffalo Grove Rd.
Buffalo Grove
847-419-9080
Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.
Credit cards: A, D, M, V
Ratings: 4 forks: Top of the class
3 forks: Better than most
2 forks: Very good fare
1 fork: Middle of the road
Reviews are based on anonymous visits by Tribune staff members. The meals are paid for by the Tribune.
