Jungle Jim's

You don't see those outside of many grocery stores these days.

While I was in Ohio over Thanksgiving, my sister and her husband took me to this hilarious mega-store called Jungle Jim's International Market. Their taglines are "Six acres of food all under one roof" and "It's not a Grocery store-it's an Amusement Park for Foodies".

That describes it perfectly.





Here is a little bit more about them...

Founded in 1974 by "Jungle" Jim Bonaminio, the store started as a small produce stand and has grown to over 6½ acres. Jungle Jim's is noted for having one of the largest wine collections in the United States, live seafood tanks, and an in-store cooking school in addition to a 1000 person Event Center.





I've never had so much fun wandering around a store in my life. Everywhere you turned, there was some kind of odd sign or weird display to see.











Also, who knew that someone gives out awards for this...



I'm not sure that I'd want to be on the judging committee for the NLA, but I will say they did manage to make their restroom entrance visually entertaining.



Being an International Market means that there was all kinds of food in the store that horrified me from an intestinal perspective. This particular item was the grossest...



Although, $1.77 for 6 duck heads really does sound like a bargain.  I'm just afraid that I'd accidentally eat one after a drunken night out and then would never stop throwing up.

And those who know me and my "Fish-ues" will understand why I didn't buy anything in this particular section either.



The smell alone from the live seafood tanks (and the creatures inside them) kept me dry-heaving for many aisles to come.

Thankfully I found the bakery and enjoyed the visuals and aromas much more over there. I mean, nothing says "Happy Birthday" like a Pet-head and tea cup themed cake.



I'm also not sure if Sharon intended for her sign to appear like an ad for a horror movie...



But, they surely looked good, Shirley.

Sharon.



One thing's for sure, you'll never be visually bored here...















So, if you're ever passing through Fairfield, Ohio, you really need to stop by Jungle Jim's for a couple of hours.



It's magically delicious!