171646 Sun Aug 22 21:12:54 -0700 2004 4 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 921450 I felt compelled to aprise the Chowhound community that anyone who has not yet discovered the Olive Bar at Wegman's is missing quite a treat. In particular, their baba ghanouj has got to be among the best I have ever had, so good, in fact, that a Lebanese friend of mine asks me to get him some whenever I go there. They also have a great variety of olives, mozzarellas, hummus (though I don't actually care for the hummus) and stuffed grape leaves, among other Mediterranean-style specialties, all for $6.99 per pound. Sun Aug 22 21:12:54 -0700 2004 0 James G 1 921452 I agree, but would like to remark that, of all places, Shoppers Food Warehouse, at least the one at Potomac Yards just south of Crystal City, has a great olive bar. I've tried many of the olives and, while I'm no expert, they seemed fine to me. They also have the stuffed grape leaves, pickled mushrooms, etc etc. There are about a dozen olive varieties I would guess from memory. Sun Aug 22 21:22:27 -0700 2004 921450 0 johnb 1 921453 I would agree that there are some great things on Wegman's olive bar. However steer clear of the Artichokes. They look amazing, however, they taste only of vinegar. Everything else I have tried has been splendid. Sun Aug 22 21:23:32 -0700 2004 921450 0 Sthitch 2 921457 That olive bar also includes the best marinated hot pepper/olive combination I have ever tasted. Their source is Delallo's of Jeannette, PA who have some really interesting hot peppers and pepper spreads. I've found that hot pepper marinated Kalamata olives are so far over the top it's embarassing to stand there for as long as I do and pick them all out! They'll also give you a small spoon and a paper plate if you ask them; they don't seem to mind someone literally having a taste of virtually everyone of the 50 or so items. No, I didn't do this but I did see someone spend almost 15 minutes at the two tables "sampling." Sun Aug 22 23:42:33 -0700 2004 921453 0 Joe H. 1 921454 Don't forget to mention the caperberries! The Chowpup loves caperberries. They were out briefly, and I left a comment about it. Wegman's left a message on our answering machine to tell us that the caperberries had returned and would be kept in stock! Caperberries are the mature fruit of the caper plant. They're about the size of smallish olives (but bigger than nicoise olives). Sun Aug 22 22:17:09 -0700 2004 921450 0 PollyG