Where do you shop for natural foods in Metro Detroit?

[tokyo]

Since I live in what some might call "the sticks", whenever I make it back to the Detroit area, I load up on all of my home cooking needs. I usually make stops at Nino's, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods, but am out of the loop when it comes to local shops that may have better values and good selection. Particularly markets that have bulk supplies (flours, sugars, yeast, etc.). Anywhere from Novi to Clinton Township and points in between -can you let me in on your favorites?
On a related note, last time I visited, I found Good Food Co. on Maple deserted and empty. Have they moved? Their website is still up and running.
Thanks much to all the Detroit hounds - you always keep me in good food on my travels!

[coney with everything]

Good Food went out of business--had the requisite sale and everything. Weird that the website doesn't give you a clue.

I have vegetarian friends that swear by Natural Food Patch on 9 Mile in Ferndale.

[tokyo]

Thanks coney. I've added Natural Food Patch to my route. It will give me an excuse to finally try Fly Trap! :)
And thanks for the update on Good Food Co. I suppose Whole Foods did them in?
Ok, any other suggestions for my "natural foods" shopping spree? I just love loading up at those bulk bins but find WF to be tipping the scales on the pricey side.

[gooddog]

You might try Bulk Food marketplace, with 2 stores in Clinton Township & SCS. Tons of candy & snacks, but lots of other stuff too -big selection of spices. Not a lot with "organic" labels, though.

http://www.bulkfoodmarketplace.com/

[tokyo]

Interesting... I most definitely will stop here. Thanks gooddog!

[tokyo]

gooddog - Made the stop at Bulk Food on Saturday. It is exactly the type of place I was looking for, thank you! Excellent prices on bulk flours and other baking needs. They also have bulk pastas, beans, lentils, and a great selection at that. It seems more of our marketplaces should be this way - buy what you need and without all of the unecessary packaging.
I didn't make it to Natural Food Patch, which means I STILL haven't made it to Fly Trap. Had a disappointing lunch at Inn Season Cafe instead. Too bad...

[boagman]

"Had a disappointing lunch at Inn Season Cafe instead. Too bad..."

::smiles snarkily::

Gee. I'm just...so surprised! ;)

[tokyo]

So, what happened to this place? I haven't been there in maybe 8 years. I remember it being pretty good back then. Was that just inexperience on my part, or have they gotten completely bored? I've had better vegetarian food from a sports bar.

[tokyo]

Well.... come on boagman, do expound. You can't smile snarkily and not share the details! Is it just a personal aversion to vegetarian food you are expressing, or do I need to steer clear of Inn Season in particular? I'm telling you, I live hours from metro Detroit, and when I visit I cannot waste my precious dining hours on mediocre food (especially when it is served with the air of superiority. blech.) So, don't be coy, now... :)

[boagman]

Oh, shoot tokyo...Inn Season Cafe is probably one of my most hated places anywhere on this planet. I've had at least one post removed by CH mods for the vitriol I've spewed its way. It's not for no reason that I hate it, though.

Suffice it to say that, to my recollection anyway, I've never been treated with more contempt in my life by an establishment...from the hostess right on up to the management. That I hear I'm not alone is of no surprise to me. That someone had a bad experience there is just an omen of things to come if they go back.

By a local journalist's own words, that restaurant is just plain arrogant. I'm fine with vegetarian fare...but I don't put up with being treated like an annoyance, and that's *exactly* how they've treated me, and many others.

Heh. "Coy". If you knew me, you'd *never* accuse me of that. The only reason I said that the way I did was because of my history with the place. I heartily recommend that you avoid ISC at all costs. I can direct people to good vegetarian fare if they desire it, along with service and honorable treatment to boot. How original, eh?

[tokyo]

Ah, it all makes sense now. And I took the arrogance personally! I thought maybe I didn't look vegetarian enough. You know, like I was a vegetarian poseur and I don't practice yoga, so who am I kidding asking for tofu chili? Would it surprise you that the waitress simply never returned to our table after I sent my abysmal salad back? She sent the busgirl to offer us dessert and bring the check.
Well, these are the very things I hope to learn on chowhound. I couldn't find much regarding Inn Season Cafe on this board, which surprises me since it has received some national press. Unfortunate that out-of-towners may visit based on this and view it as representative of the *BEST* Detroit has to offer.
Since I am getting quite off topic, I will post a new thread seeking delicious vegetarian served with a smile... Thanks for the insights. :)