What’s worth trying at Charlotte’s new Wegmans? Go for the sweets and sourdough

The first Wegmans in Charlotte is just days away from opening its doors, and I’ve already made up my mind about what I’ll be going back for: something sweet in one hand, sourdough in the other.

The New York-based grocery store officially opens its doors in Ballantyne on Oct. 14, but I got a sneak peak Thursday afternoon.

But I wasn’t sure what to get before I went. I’d never been to Wegmans before, so I figured I could use a little guidance from people who knew what they were talking about.

On Wednesday, I posted a short video on social media, asking Empire State transplants to suggest some foods to try. They offered more than 600 combined comments across Instagram, TikTok and Facebook in less than a day.

I was inclined to follow Steve Lonnen’s strategy: “Just get one of everything.” But I wasn’t sure what would be available.

Mikael McDaniel also offered some words of wisdom for this Wegmans novice: “You don’t plan what you are getting at Wegmans, you walk in and let Wegmans show you what to get.”

And she wasn’t alone in offering suggestions. The comments were filled with recommendations for everything from Wegmans staples and specific snacks to prepared foods and bakery items like the famous Danny’s Favorite Sub, the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies and cannoli dip.

Unfortunately, food options were limited before the store’s opening. But I still managed to find plenty worth trying.

Wegmans has a vast selection of frozen foods, including pepperoni pizza drizzled with hot honey. And it can be prepared in under 10 minutes.

The occasional whiffs of pepperoni drifting throughout the store was enough to make me want to try it, and it delivered.

The pepperoni was savory and a little crisp around the edges, while the hot honey added a sweet kick that played nicely against the salty meat and melted cheese. The crust had a pleasant crunch, making it an easy frozen meal to enjoy without much effort.

The grocery store’s Gold Pan Meals feature chef-developed, ready-to-cook entrées, sides and appetizers packaged in aluminum containers with a distinctive gold interior.

I tried the Spicy Sausage Rigatoni — “rigatoni pasta and savory Italian sausage tossed in a robust tomato sauce featuring the bold heat of Calabrian peppers,” according to the store’s website.

The rich tomato sauce brought plenty of flavor, the Italian sausage added a savory bite and the Calabrian peppers gave the dish a lingering heat without overwhelming everything else.

I also sampled the Chicken Parmesan: “tender boneless chicken breast cutlet coated in a light and crispy parmesan breading” and “topped with tomato sauce, creamy shredded mozzarella cheese, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.”

The chicken was tender, and the tomato sauce added an unnecessary but much-appreciated brightness. Plus, the Parmesan — aged for a minimum of two years before it ever makes it to shelves, an employee revealed — added a tangy finish.

When I started writing this story before the event, I didn’t expect a loaf of bread and a stick of butter to make much of an impression.

Then I ate the Wegmans Organic Miche Sourdough Bread paired with Wegmans Butter Boy French Butter, and it was fantastic.

The Miche is one of Wegmans’ boldest sourdoughs, an employee explained. It has a “great sour tang,” a lovely crust and a good bite inside. The bread is made using grain that came from France more than 100 years ago, and Wegmans’ artisans ferment the dough for 48 hours to develop its flavor.

The long fermentation was noticeable. The bread had a sturdy crust that gave way to a flavorful center, and there was a pleasant tang in every bite, but it never became too sharp. Spread with the French butter, it got even better.

Wegmans Ultimate Chocolate Cake may be the best grocery store dessert I’ve ever tasted.

The cake has a pretty unique story, too.

In 2005, Wegmans held a contest among its employees to create the dish. Libby, an employee from New York, won. Twenty years later, the cake remains a favorite — and it’s being offered for $20 as part of the anniversary celebration through the end of October.

It’s easy to understand why it stuck around.

The cake had the perfect consistency: not dry, but not overly moist, either. It was soft enough to melt in your mouth while still having enough structure to hold together. Most importantly, there was a burst of chocolate flavor in every bite.

If Harris Teeter and Food Lion want to keep up with their newest competitor, they might want to make room for a little more indulgence — because Wegmans just raised the bar.

Location: 11550 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277

Instagram: @wegmans