Shopping at the New Publix Greenwise in SoFi

I’m aware that a new grocery store is not nearly as exciting to the average reader as a new reality show about Miami, hot nightspot, or restaurant opening. For those of us who live South of Fifth, however, the new Publix is actually more exciting! If you have to take the bus to the Publix on 19th St., or worse shop at Meridian Market with zero useful items, or even worse shop at dirty and overpriced La Playa market, you can breathe a sigh of relief since we now have access to a real supermarket.

There was speculation that this Greenwise Publix would only have organic and natural products, and therefore force us to go elsewhere for essentials like Splenda and Keebler E.L. Fudge Grasshopper cookies. Publix decided in this economy that would be a bad move, and so the store offers enough choices of natural foods to draw in some Whole Foods shoppers, as well as the goods necessary to keep traditional supermarket customers happy.

“So what does Greenwise mean?”

Publix is going green by using low LED lights, storing milk behind a glass door, and using motion detector lights -if no one is in the frozen foods isle its dark, but walk down and they all turn on just for you!  If you’re not sure whether those grapes have been sprayed with pesticides, look at the shelf and if you see a green leaf border, rest assured they’re considered all natural or organic.  I was impressed that they even carry organic wine!

“Have you seen the Chinese section?”

My friend from overseas was raving about the Chinese section at the Publix. I cut off her excited tales of Chinese food and immediately informed her that every grocery store in the US offers Chinese products and shook my head. I told her she could find Mexican items too if she walked down the Ethnic Foods isle.  She looked sad. But since all of her food shopping takes place only at Meridian Market, she figured I knew what I was talking about.

We decided to stroll around the prepared foods section, since it was hopping.  The bakery makes wedding cakes, as well as kid’s birthday cakes to order.

There’s a special sandwich station that attempts to put a gourmet twist on the usual lunch selections. If you’re in the mood for soup, seven choices are available, including a vegetarian as well as seafood choice, which change daily.

Did I mention the Hot Chinese Food Buffet? There’s a chef’s who cooks on a wok right in front of you. It’s called Pacific Wok, and everyone’s talking about it. This grocery store really does have Chinese food! The day we went it was crowded with spectators and people serving themselves piles of lo mein and General Tso’s chicken in eco-friendly cardboard containers. The buffet offers white, brown, and fried rice in addition to many other Chinese classics like Kung Pao Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork.

If you’re still scoffing that South Beach doesn’t need another Publix and the bodegas have what you need, you’ll eventually get reeled in- live Maine lobsters swimming around in a tank,  forty dollar bottles of Vueve Clicquot, a hot Chinese buffet, produce delivered seven days a week, South American soda, and alligator rafts. Only in Miami.

The new Publix is located at Fifth and Alton, with the entrance on Sixth and Lenox. Store hours are 7 a.m. - 11p.m., seven days a week. (305-535-2212)

Related Links: • Miami Beach Grocery Stores • Publix Supermarket Official Site Related Categories: Miami: Food & Restaurant News, Miami: Things to Do, Christy offers a fresh perspective on life and style in Miami. You can reach her at Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Christy. See more articles by Christy Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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"Shopping at the New Publix Greenwise in SoFi"

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