This morning we stocked up on our fresh fruit and veggies from the newly opened Hill Street Grocer in West Hobart, and our experience deserves a dedicated post!

I have tried all manner of combinations in regards to our food shopping.  When Poppy and James were babies I had Woolworths deliver our groceries on a weekly basis.  Then over the last year, Poppy, James and I would all go to the supermarket – making it an adventure in itself.  However, there were too many occasions where James and/or Poppy had a meltdown over Peppa Pig yoghurt v’s Woody and it all became too stressful!

I also found it was a work out in itself to push James in the trolley, plus all of our shopping around the supermarket and loading/unloading the car.  Once I got home I then had to schlep all the groceries from the garage into the kitchen … exhausted!

It sounds very dramatic but I have now returned to my weekly delivery from Woollies – I can plan our meals in the ‘comfort of our living room and uggies’ and hey presto – the very next morning our groceries are being handed to me by a friendly fellow – right at our door!

I have always tried to buy our fresh produce from the local markets or Hill Street Grocer – the cutest little store in West Hobart.  Even though I have to cross a couple of suburbs to get there (not a huge deal in Hobart) it is one of those shopping experiences that I have always loved having.  These hard-working folk have got their recipe just right – fantastic customer service, beautiful surroundings and the most amazing fresh produce that is displayed in a way that could be an art form.

So you can imagine my excitement when they opened a newer, brighter and bigger store just around the corner from their original one.  It is so fabulous in every way – modern, beautifully designed and featuring a European deli, a cheese section, a dedicated florist, housewares and all those gorgeous locally grown fruit and veggies.

With no ‘Domino Stars’ or balloons in sight, no loud-speaker announcements: “Security to Aisle 4″ and most importantly … no fluorescent lights!  Thank you Hill Street Grocer – you have nailed it!