Hiller’s Veggie Food Fair

March 16, 2011 – Hiller’s first Veggie Food Fair was a hit Sunday, March 13, at the Commerce market. With more than 20 vendors supplying tastes and tons of information, many visitors expanded their palates by venturing beyond their typical food selections.

George Nicoloff, M.D, Beaumont Family, Sports and Holistic Medicine specialist, was on hand to answer hundreds of health questions, while shoppers tasted a variety of vegetarian and vegan foods.

Sandy Klain of Farmington Hills was one of the many pleasantly surprised shoppers who came to do her usual Sunday grocery shopping. She enjoyed sampling items from Beirut Bakery, in particular.

“I normally don’t try different foods when grocery shopping, [so] the Veggie Food Fair gave me the opportunity to expand what I typically buy,” said Klain.

The event was designed to allow participants the chance to explore the vegetarian lifestyle and purchase items they may not have otherwise considered. Tasting different foods gave shoppers new and unique ideas for meals and snacks for themselves and their families. Most vendors’ stations at the fair offered a healthy option.

Hiller’s shoppers Leda and Larry Israel from Farmington Hills decided to stop in to pick up a few quick groceries on the day of the event. Their top samplings were from Beirut Bakery and Taste of Ethiopia. In their cart were packaged items from both vendors

Vicki Ingber from West Bloomfield said she and her husband enjoyed Jessica’s Granola. “My husband and I are on strict diets and we’ve been trying really hard to stay on track,” she said. “By Hiller’s having these types of events, it helps to widen our palate; we enjoy seeing and tasting the foods.”

Hiller’s is continuing the Veggie Food Fair at two more locations, so bring family and friends to the markets below to try delectable dishes you may never have tried before. And keep in mind — you don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the Hiller’s Veggie Food Fair.

April 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hiller’s Market, 3615 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor
May 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at Hiller’s Market, 425 N. Center Street, Northville