Friday Quickies #3: Getting Chain-y . . .

. . . no, I will not shotgun-blast someone in the face. But you might consider doing that to me since this week my musings will be on chains food/beverage stores.

BevMo! 5-cent sale almost over: If you like wines, go before the sale ends this Monday -- buy one bottle and get another for a nickel. A great opportunity to be adventurous with unfamiliar regions and varietals, stock up on well-acquainted favorites or have a few in reserve as a backup gift or for dinner parties. My personal favorites of the nearly BOGO set? The peachy, bright and vibrant 2005 Screaming Jack Viognier and the smooth, chocolate-cherry-ish 2005 Vichon Pinot Noir.

Extra Tip to Save a Little More: Place the order online for pickup at your local store (it can be as little as an hour away), Web search BevMo coupon codes (oh hell, just click the link) and save yourself that 5-10%. Can be quite a bit if you're getting the pricey stuff or buying a few cases' worth.

Upcoming Whole Foods Flagship Store in Pasadena: As disappointed as I am about Wild Oats impending demise and the consolidation of the two - the press release about the features of the 75,000+ sq. ft., two-story whole foods already got me salivating, and the store is still weeks away from officially opening. Offerings include a tapas/wine lounge, sandwich/Italian/seafood bars, customizable cook-to-order fish, freshly made tortillas and a "chocolate island". Of course, now I can wave bye bye to a larger portion of my salary . . . the place is not (dis-)affectionately dubbed "Whole Paycheck" without reason.