I had pretty much resigned myself to chain grocery fare and BBQ when we moved to GA. We are approx 150 miles from Atlanta in the piney woods of the Southeast. We usually drive the 45 miles or so to a Publix store near Warner Robins for the few more "upscale" items they have because of the international flavor of the troops at the airbase.
Imagine my surprise when we ventured to Atlanta last week and stumbled across Dekalb Farmers Market. It's not a traditional farmers market as it is owned by one family. But I'm willing to forgive any claims of "mis-branding" here. The place is phenomenal at 140,000 SF. In the hour or so we had to browse we came across a full produce and fruit section (surprise item: jackfruit from Jamaica); a full-line bakery using organic flours and producing everything from Jewish rye to filled croissants; a hot line where you can get an entire meal for less than $5; a selection of flowers and plants; a coffee roasting operation; and, a huge meat and deli section. The place opened at 9 on Sunday, and there were around 100 people there when we arrived shortly thereafter.
I can't say enough about the meat and fish. There were live dungness crabs and lobsters, fresh conch, squid, octopus, 4 to the pound prawns, Georgia wild shrimp, bacala, and on and on. The meat section had fresh organic chicken, as well as nice looking pork and beef. There was goat meat and ostrich. Fresh and smoked sausage; dry-cured bacon (Broadbent's from KY). About 50' of cheese counter.
The best thing is a comment overheard where a shopper said it was pretty good, but Buford's was better. Now I have to find that spot as well.