Roth's Fresh Markets — Local services in Salem

So most people who know me would say that I'm cooking impaired, which is why many of my meals are not home-cooked meals. I must have acquired this lack of culinary skills from my mother, rest her soul, because some of my earliest memories were standing in buffet lines like Furr's and Luby's--please cut me some slack (and shout out to Furr's and Luby's, lol.) Fast forward to my visit to Roth's in Salem, Oregon, on Commercial Street today. Now, I'm being totally honest--I always considered stores like this--you know--a little upscale for my Wal-Mart budget, but there are good deals and specials if you look for them. I like the fact that most of the produce is fresh and organic, some grown locally, which I think is the main reason people should shop here. You know, cut out some of those pesticide-laden, GMO-infused produce found in abundance in traditional chain grocery stores. But the other reason I like Roth's is their good grill and deli, stocked with great standards like mac-n-cheese, chicken tenders, fried chicken--did I mention the salad bar, olive bar, shushi, sandwiches made to order, quiche, macaroni salad, red-potato salad...you get the idea--for those of us who lack the skills to make this food ourselves, this is a good alternative to McDonald's, Burger King, etc. Much more tasty, and hopefully, much healthier (unless you pile on the fried stuff!) Just be sure to look for...

We are so disappointed in Ross’s bakery and cakes. We usually buy a cake for special ocassions, birthdays, etc. so not all that often, maybe 3-4 times a year. We hadn’t bought one since winter 2017 so this last March 2018 for my son’s birthday we bought a half sheet, double layer with chocolate and vanilla and vanilla buttercream. It was so gross. The cake was dried out, crumbly and tasteless and the frosting was horrible. Like the inexpensive whipped cream frosting from Walmart. Everyone noticed the difference in taste and only the kids really ate their pieces.

So we decided to try from a different Roth’s (the one in Portland road) last week and again the cake was yucky. The recipe has changed completely. Roth’s cakes and buttercream frosting have always been a family favorite, but after two disappointments we’re not going to give it a third try. Costco has better cakes than Roth’s now and they’re less expensive, so they will be our go to from now on.

Roth’s bakery, if you want to share your old recipe for cakes and buttercream frosting I would LOVE to have it so I can make it at home. Been trying for years to recreate them and I can’t seem to...

I have been shopping at Roth's (mostly Vista Mkt) for decades. I love their European-style arrangement of groceries, the quality and assortment of the foods and goods they stock, and the helpfulness and friendliness of their staff...it is nice to be recognized and greeted. The overall atmosphere makes for a more pleasurable---and warm---shopping experience. Yes, they are a bit higher in price---I spoke with Orville Roth about this years ago, but I understand it pays for higher-quality food and hiring more people, including young baggers who need a good job to help pay for school. Personally, I don't want to bag my own groceries: I can keep an eye on the register (which can be incorrect anywhere); I am elderly and by then am tired and it's bad enough I have to unload and store the groceries when I get home! I consider the extra expense to be one of my "charities"...and the conversation at checkout is one of my social activities.

I drive past Safeway to shop at Roth's (both Vista and...