I have been to Foster's several times. Sometimes, it's a creamy, hit-the-spot smoothie, other times, it's a delish sandwich, and yet other times a muffin craving. Oh, and the brunch bites are not bad at all.
I like Foster's because it's casual and laid-back, but the food is gourmet and tasty, but not too tricky to pronounce. It's just a great place to hang out too. I could spend hours in the atmosphere, just catching up with a good friend. It's a great place and doesn't discriminate by type of person or age, which is cool. Anything goes and no one feels out of place.
One of the cool things hanging on the wall at the Chapel Hill Foster's (two convenient Triangle locations--Durham and Chapel Hill) is the several-page spread in Martha Stewart's Living magazine. Sara Foster used to work with Martha Stewart in their catering days.
Now, to the details about the food: dine-in or take-out, catering or wholesale, hostess gifts and more, there is a multitude of good stuff to try. Deli sandwiches include, but are not limited to Tarragon Chicken Salad; Bacon, Avocado & Sprouts (herb cream cheese, tomato, cucumbers, basil mayo on sunflower); Greek Vegetarian (artichoke hearts, cucumbers, tomato, spinach, grilled onions, feta spread on Syrian bread); California Veggie (grilled onions, green chiles, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, avocado, muenster and honey mustard on a dill roll). Sorry, I can only vouch for the vegetarian stuff, but I can assure you I polished off every meal, every time.
Next, let's venture into the world of market wraps. Southwestern Jalapeno Cheddar Wrap (black bean spread, avocado, green chiles, romaine, grilled onions, salsa and cheddar), Thai Chicken Wrap
(sliced grilled chicken breast with cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, scallions and peanut sauce), and others. The Chapel Hill store offers some fantastic pizzas. TRY THEM. Try them all.
Good breakfasts (what I like to call healthy, but fun) include bagels, fruit, wraps, sandwiches, eggs, biscuits, etc. Soups and salads are available here as well as cookies, muffins, rolls, pies, cakes, and breads. Keep in mind that while each Foster's offers many, many items, they do change seasonally.
Drinks--for the child in all of us: Wabbit Juice (carrot, apple and celery). If you don't want to walk up to the counter and actually order this, try a super milkshake (chock full of tastiness and fruit) or a smoothie (my favorite) of just about any fruits you want. And what's a great hangout without coffee? You can get it here.
Foster's is also a mini, chic shop for nifty gifts, mostly stuff that you like at houseware stores (coffee items, gift baskets, jams & jellies, etc.) And just like any hip gourmet food place, Foster's Market is coming out with a cookbook (in 2002).
Want to see/know more? Check them out at http://www.fostersmarket.com/
My preferences? Durham for atmosphere (very rustic and countryside setting) because you can sit outdoors and enjoy the sun. Chapel Hill has the pizzas. You really can't go wrong.