Gourmet & Healthy in Plano

Glistening silver casks line the shelves of The Virgin Olive Oiler, dispensing certified extra-virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the globe. Owner Charles Flach serves as the store's primary flavor scout, tasting and importing oils from countries with ideal olive-growing climates, including Portugal, Australia, Chile, and Narnia. Working in tandem with an enthusiastic staff, Flach stands by to answer customer questions and facilitate unlimited complimentary tastings. Each oil and vinegar, including those in a selection of 62 currently on tap, incorporates its own bouquet of aromas. A selection of more than 20 sea salts hails from Hawaiian, Australian, and Himalayan mountain homelands, and more than a dozen types of cane sugars fuse with cinnamon, ginger, and habanero. The company, which is located within the South Hulen Shopping Center, can customize products with labels made from photographs of loved ones or prized houseplants.

Embracing a bohemian aesthetic, Zin Zen Wine & Bistro lavishes guests with comfortable sofas and a menu of bright, gourmet cuisine to meander through while relaxing on the patio. From the kitchen, chefs send out pizzas straight off the grill, and rich baked brie wrapped in a flaky pastry puff with an apricot glaze. Throughout the month, Zin Zen also hosts live musicians, whose soulful croons provide sippers with a lively soundtrack to synchronize with their brass cymbal-style toasts.

With an empire stretching across 100 stores in 24 states, Nutrishop fuels bodies all over the country with scientifically formulated supplements, vitamins, and optimizers. Tasty Clif Bars and nutrient-filled protein concoctions rebuild muscles after workouts, and weight-loss formulas from Lipocor or Thyrostim even out erratic metabolisms. Teams of certified sports nutritionists staff each store, ready to guide patrons through the shelves of Muscle Milk and fruit extracts or demonstrate which pills help to detoxify livers, target hard-to-slim midsections, or activate latent mutant abilities.

Much has changed in the health-and-wellness arena since Richardson's Health Foods was founded more than 40 years ago. However, the family-owned store has stayed steadfast in its dedication to bolstering patrons' well-being by keeping abreast of current research and new trends. A knowledgeable crew champions all things natural and organic—from supplements to beauty supplies—and helps shoppers navigate aisles of earth-friendly wares to unearth products that are suitable for their specific ailments or health needs. Along with their vast inventory of goods, they also provide natural health services and therapies, such as cardiovascular screening to test the ticker's condition and deep-tissue massage to ease muscle aches caused by extreme piggybacking.