Nintendo Is Kicking It Back With Old School Video Games + Mini NES Console

Let’s rewind to your routine in elementary school: You came home from school, grabbed a Capri Sun (thank god for the adult version) and some Dunkaroos, did your homework like the responsible kid you were and THEN went over to your friend’s house to play some classic Nintendo games like Duck Hunt and Super Mario Bros — those yellow stars were freakin’ awesome. It’s time to relive that childhood, because everything old is new again. Nintendo is bringing back the classic NES in one adorable little package.

Nintendo just announced that it is bringing back 30 of its classic games on the NES Classic Edition ($60) later this year. The mini entertainment system will connect to TVs via HDMI cable or Wii systems. But the coolest thing about the system is that it brings back all the childhood nostalgia with none of the mess. You don’t have to replace cartridges or blow the dust out of them when games stop working. Everything is pre-loaded and compact.

And the list of games reads like something straight out of our memories. Highlights include Balloon Fight, Donkey Kong, Dr. Mario, Galaga, Mario Bros., Mega Man, Metroid, Pac-Man and The Legend of Zelda. It won’t ship out until November, but OMG, can’t wait! We’re going to spend all of after-work hours planted in front of the TV as we revisit the late ’80s.

Will you buy the new NES when it comes out? Let us know @BritandCo!

(h/t The Verge; photos via Nintendo)

It's been 17 years since Gossip Girl first premiered on The CW, thus opening our eyes to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite and introducing us to a new generation of stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

In the six seasons the show was on air, it captivated fans and critics alike, serving up week after week of delicious drama and continuously upping the ante for TV show fashion. ("So many designers were lining up to be a part of it — they wanted their stuff on Blake or Leighton," costume designer Eric Daman told Vanity Fair.) Click through to find out what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the show's success, and where they are today.

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Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)

Of all the Gossip Girl cast alumni, Blake Lively is arguably the most well-known. Not only has she gone on to major roles in movies — including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and most recently, It Ends with Us— but she's also married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds (married in 2012).

Blake shares four beautiful daughters, James, Inez, Betty, and the youngest (born in 2023) whose name has not been announced publicly with Ryan. True to her Gossip Girl character, she's quite the fashionista! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her BFFs, who just so happen to include Taylor Swiftandthe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ladies.

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Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)

Leighton Meester has a career that would make even her cunningly ambitious Queen B character proud. Since Gossip Girl's end in 2012, she's acted in films including Life Partners, The Judge, The Weekend Away, and most recently, EXmas. She even recorded and released songs such as "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship and the solo effort "Somebody to Love," and even starred on Broadway in Of Mice and Men back in 2014.

Leighton is married to actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Jennifer's Body, Gilmore Girls) as of 2014. She has two kids – one daughter and one son.

She has been heavily involved in philanthropy while taking on acting projects, primarily volunteering and campaigning with Feeding America and the Los Angeles Food Bank.

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Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)

Long gone are the days when Taylor Momsen played Dan Humphrey's sweet (and a bit messed up) little sis, Jenny. The actress left the Gossip Girl cast in 2010 in order to pursue her dreams of a music career, and all these years later, she's still doing just that as the frontwoman of the uber-successful rock group, The Pretty Reckless. With four records under their belt, the four-member band has supported bands like Evanescence, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses, and has toured in numerous cities and music festivals.

Momsen has typically kept her dating life on the down-low. She is currently single and appears to be putting all of her energy into her band.

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Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)

Everyone’s favorite Gossip Girl — er, guyPenn Badgley, followed in his on-screen sister's footsteps after the show ended, pursuing his musical interests with rock band MOTHXR. The band's most current project, Centerfold, was released back in 2016.

Badgley has since acted in several movies and TV shows including Easy A, The Paper Store, and Here Today, but his most notable work has been on the ongoing book-based Netflix series, You. He plays Joe Goldberg, a charming bookkeeper with eerily odd characteristics, especially when it comes to love.

Badgley currently has a podcast titled Podcrushed, which explores the awkwardness of adolescence and revisits guests' best (and worst) middle school memories. He cohosts with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. One episode even features ex-Gossip Girl co-star, Leighton Meester!

Badgley is married to singer and doula Domino Kirke as of 2017. Kirke already had a child from a previous relationship. Badgley and Kirke had their first son together in 2020.

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Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)

Ed Westwick tapped into his angsty side post-Gossip Girl, starring as Tybalt in a 2013 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Since then, he has fought crime as Kent Grainger on Wicked City, played a crime lord on Snatch, and sold double-glazed windows on White Gold. Is there any role he can't play? Most recently, Westwick stars in the movie DarkGame.

With a background in music, Westwick also currently sings in the bandFor You. Their most recent release is the song "Tailspin," and they're set to release a new single "Here Comes Trouble" in March 2024.

Westwick had been dating model and actress Amy Jacksonsince 2021, with the pair getting happily engaged during a ski trip in January 2024.

Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)

Following his stint as a wealthy Upper East Sider on Gossip Girl, Texas native Chace Crawford tried his hand at playing a greedy oil worker on ABC's short-lived TV series, Blood & Oil. He's had several film roles since – you can catch him in movies like Undrafted, Eloise, Nighthawks, even voice-actingin Belle. Most recently, Crawford stars as The Deep on The Boys.

Crawford has previously dated Carrie Underwood, Rachelle Goulding, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, though he is currently single as a Pringle.

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Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)

Jessica Szohr, who played Dan Humphrey's BFF slash on-again, off-again girlfriend (needless to say, we were confused too), has been a lot busier than her character was after season four, when she was all but written off the show.

In the years since Gossip Girl, the actress scored several roles on TV shows such as Complications, Kingdom, Twin Peaks and The Orville. She even starred in Taylor Swift's music video for "22" back in 2013!

Jessica also welcomed a daughter with her longtime boyfriend in early 2021.

Jessica currently hosts a podcast called "XOXO" that dives deep into the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and behind-the-scenes moments. Some notable episodes have featured Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota), Aaron Tveit (Tripp van der Bilt), Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen), and Michelle Trachtenburg (Georgina Sparks).

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Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina Sparks)

Since her stint as the "bad girl" Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg landed roles on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, and Sister Cities among other numerous series and movies. She even reprised her role as Georgina for the 2021 remake of Gossip Girl on HBO Max!

She managed to keep her personal life largely out of the tabloids, including her dating life. The last update on her relationship status was in 2023, and that she was dating her talent agent, Jay Cohen. She reportedly previously dated Shawn Ashmore, Joshua Radin, and Jason Segel.

Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.

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Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)

Besides being a New York Fashion Week icon (we'd expect nothing less of Lily van der Woodsen's alter ego!), Kelly Rutherford has popped up in several TV shows over the years, including Quantico, Jane the Virgin, and Dynasty.

She also frequently travels to France and Monaco, where, after years of custody battles with her second ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, she has extensive visitation rights to see her two children, who reside there with their father.

"Yes, it was a challenging time. It was a heartbreaking time," she told People. "But I focus on the good most of the time, I really do," she says. "I'm very thankful of where we are. I have a great relationship with my kids."

When she's not with her kids or working on a project, Kelly is dropping iconic 'fit pics on her Instagram account.

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Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)

Matthew Settle, who played rockstar dad Rufus Humphrey, continued acting after the Gossip Girl cast dissolved. He hasn't been on any other TV shows other than one episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016. He mostly stuck to movies, acting in titles like Ouija, Marshall the Miracle Dog, and Valentine: The Dark Avenger.

Settle is also a dad of two children, having welcomed his first with actress and model Naama Nativ in 2009. He had divorced her in 2011 and went on to have a second baby with girlfriend Maria Alfonsin in 2015.

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Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota Kishlovsky)

Though Blair's loyal maid and, ultimately, best friend, wasn't technically a main character, there's no denying that it would have been a different show without her unwavering presence! Zuzanna Szadowski has dabbled in film and television since then, appearing in shows such as Girls,The Good Wife, and Modern Love.

In 2010, she partnered with Sam Weisman to open The Sam Weisman Studio, an acting school (now closed).

Oh, and did we mention she just so happens to be one of Leighton Meester's real-life BFFs?

Which Gossip Girl cast member is your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

It Ends With Us drama is seemingly never-ending, from the back-and-forth accusations of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to the multi-million dollar lawsuits. As the feud continues to escalate, the legal situations evolve daily — and now a judge just paused Justin Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit against the New York Times. Here's what's happening in this highly complex legal battle, and what it all means for the lawsuit in general.

Scroll to find out what this pause means for Justin Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit...

On January 16, 2025, Justin Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, their publicists, and the New York Times. By January 30, Blake and Ryan quickly filed to dismissthe suit with a single sentence: "The Lively-Reynolds Parties intend to move to dismiss Plaintiffs’ complaint."

According to Deadline, the New York Times also filed its own motion to dismiss the case on February 28, 2025. The media company wrote, "The Wayfarer Parties’ FAC tells a one-sided tale that has garnered plenty of headlines, but The Times does not belong in this dispute."

Now, a judge is seemingly siding with The Times by at least granting a pause on discovery for the lawsuit, according to E! News. Reporting from E! states that a motion was filed to "temporarily halt parties from having to exchange information or documents." Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the motion to pause, explaining that the media outlet has "substantial grounds" and "a strong showing that its motion to dismiss is likely to succeed on the merits."

Despite the Baldoni team's claims that this new window substantially shortens their time for discovery, Judge Liman maintained that "the burden of discovery is not measured only by the number of pages." And if we know anything about Baldoni's team? It's that they love to release lots and lots and lots of documents.

Judge Liman continued his decision by stating that Baldoni's team will be able to ask for the "extent of discovery" they need if the courts ultimately deny The Times' request. Still, he explained that "The Court intends to address the motion to dismiss promptly after it is fully submitted.”

A spokesperson for the New York Times told E! News, "We appreciate the court’s decision today, which recognizes the important First Amendment values at stake here. The court has stopped Mr. Baldoni from burdening The Times with discovery requests in a case that should never have been brought against."

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The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

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1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!

Letting more than a decade pass without updates can quickly leave a home feeling outdated. That was the case for this Pasadena home, which remained frozen in the '80s and ’90s — until Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of the celebrity-loved design firm House of Rolison stepped in to beautifully renovate and reimagine it. Their goal? To lean into the home's French-country architecture and transform the dated and dysfunctional space into a modern, light-filled space with moody vibes, vintage pieces, and luxury materials.

See the before and after of this French-inspired Pasadena renovation!

THE BEFORE

Courtesy of House of Rolison

Prior to the renovation, the home was stuck in the past with a lime green exterior and a late 80s/early 90s design aesthetic, including dated flooring, cramped rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, bulky kitchen cabinets and granite (granite!) countertops. Drumroll on the after....

THE AFTER

Gavin Cater

I'm in awe of this transformation. Amanda and Taylor enhanced the home’s original features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof with beautifully patinated gutters and accents, and kept original lighting fixtures while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern landscaping. Gorgeous!

THE BEFORE: ENTRY AND LIVING ROOM

Courtesy of House of Rolison

Before diving into the renovation, take a look at the original living area and entryway. The space feels not just overdone, but also cold and uninviting. The bulky staircases (plural) dominate the entry, while the divider adds nothing to the warmth or flow of the space. The furniture feels stuck in another era, and that tiny rug? A total eyesore!

THE AFTER: LIVING AREA

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The entry now is stunning, designed to make a statement with one staircase removed to create a charming seating nook and a more open, inviting flow into the cozy living space. The home now has 20-foot ceilings, an elegant formal living room topped with custom-stained cedar paneling, and a bespoke bar area showcasing beautifully restored red oak cabinetry.

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Elegant furnishings with modern silhouettes and warm, earthy tones instantly elevate the home's aesthetic. The restored fireplace adds warmth and character to the room, while a well-proportioned rug enhances the cozy, inviting space.

THE BEFORE: KITCHEN

Courtesy of House of Rolison

My eyes! This kitchen is a time capsule of outdated design, from the heavy granite countertops to the awkward circular layout that feels cramped and closed off.

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"We opened up the kitchen to create a much more spacious and functional layout," says Taylor. "One of the key changes was expanding the kitchen’s visual space by installing double islands to create more prep space and an inviting area for family to gather."

Gavin Cater

They also removed a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, which not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to flood in from both sides of the house. "The wood and paint-grade cabinetry allowed for contrast, and served as the perfect canvas for Calacatta Viola marble and absolute black slabs. The matte black hardware we used throughout the cabinetry and railings added a modern touch," adds Amanda.

Gavin Cater

Amanda and Taylor revamped the '90s kitchen into a chic and design-forward space by adding a moody breakfast nook for the family to gather. Find more banquette inspiration here!

Gavin Cater

Another challenge was optimizing the natural light — some rooms had very little natural light while others had plenty, so they introduced skylights where it was lacking. "We maximized the layout, lighting, and use of space while adding crucial design factors to make the property stand out," says Taylor.

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Striking a balance between light and dark, the dining room features a rich brown and black palette that enhances its moody, earthy aesthetic while beautifully framing the outdoor views.

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"The defining highlight for us is how we were able to preserve the home’s original charm while modernizing it to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of a modern family," says Amanda. The design duo kept the architectural integrity intact, but enhanced the functionality and warmth.

Gavin Cater

Taylor and Amanda restored the fireplace to its original brick, "but not how you might think," says Taylor. "We went through multiple processes to come to the final product. First attempting to remove paint, then micro cementing the fireplace, and at the very end we wanted to have the warmth and beauty of used brick. So we had to source used brick to satisfy the color and size needs for our room and proceeded to install."

Gavin Cater

Marble and matte black hardware was also used in the bathrooms, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home.

Gavin Cater

"We chose natural materials like warm oak wood, used brick, and natural stones to blend with the moldings and historic feel of the home," says Amanda. The soft goods complement these harder materials with natural linens and vintage style rugs.

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Touches of nature are woven throughout the home, subtly appearing in the artwork and décor.

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The adorable kids room is a clean canvas with neutral decor and a rich amber-colored rug.

Gavin Cater

The outdoors is just as stunning. The pair upgraded the pool tile to a cle rust brown tile to modernize and warm up the pool. "We take landscaping our homes very seriously, so when it came to this home we had to go all out," says Amanda. Grass, olive trees, ficus, vines and more create a serene environment for years to come.

Gavin Cater

"The idea was to create a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape — bringing the outside in," adds Taylor. "The seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and the design of the kitchen as the heart of the home really stand out."

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The Whole Foods hot bar is a buffet of delicious possibilities. It’s truly packed with fresh, flavorful dishes that make grabbing a quick meal feel like a total treat! From perfectly-seasoned roasted veggies to indulgent comfort foods like meatloaf and cornbread, you’re never missing out on good eats when you stop by the Whole Foods hot bar. If you’re wondering which options are worth piling onto your plate, these 10 picks are the best of the best!

Scroll on to discover the 10 best finds at the Whole Foods hot bar for a tasty on-the-go meal!

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1. Rotisserie Chicken

Whole Foods’ rotisserie chicken is a staple you simply need to try. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly-seasoned every single time! Some Whole Foods locations even give you a choice between lemon herb or garlic variations that add delicious depth of flavor. Plus, rotisserie chicken is always versatile – you can eat it on its own, shred it into salads, or pair it with any of the hot bar sides for a balanced, high-protein meal.

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2. Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is superior when it comes to comfort food, and Whole Foods’ recipe is no exception! It never fails to be rich, velvety, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and freshness from the basil. It’s a fan-favorite because it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled cheese to pasta.

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3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These aren’t the bland, mushy veggies you avoided as a kid. Whole Foods roasts their Brussels sprouts to crispy perfection, oftentimes serving them up with garlic, a balsamic glaze, or some Parmesan cheese! If you’re looking for nutritious, yet flavorful options from the Whole Foods hot bar, you’ve just gotta scoop up some of these sprouts and witness the magic for yourself.

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4. Grilled Salmon

Whole Foods’ grilled salmon is a standout item on the hot bar because of its buttery texture and slightly-smoky char. It pairs exceptionally well with the aforementioned Brussels sprouts or even a grain-based side like quinoa!

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5. Mac & Cheese

Whole Foods fans go nuts for their Mac & Cheese. It’s nothing but rich, creamy, and of course, loaded with cheese. It’s ooey and gooey, but typically, the top layer boasts a slight crispiness from baking. Yum. It makes the ultimate comfort food for picky kids and hungry adults alike!

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6. Classic Meatloaf

Don't knock meatloaf – especially Whole Foods’ meatloaf from the hot bar. This home-style dish is made with high-quality beef, flavorful seasonings, and a tangy tomato glaze that keeps you going back for more. And more! Shoppers love it so much because it brings back that nostalgia for a hearty, homemade dinner.

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7. Chicken Tikka Masala

This ready-to-eat Tikka Masala is so delicious. The chicken is always tender and absorbs the spicy sauce beautifully, making it a perfect dish when served over basmati rice. It’s a great way to enjoy Indian flavors without having to visit a restaurant (and pay restaurant prices).

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8. Fried Rice

Whole Foods’ fried rice can’t be beat. Often made with fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a touch of soy sauce for umami depth, it's a great side to scoop up for lunch or dinner.

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9. Baked Ziti

This comforting mix of al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and ricotta for extra creaminess is one of the best items on Whole Foods’ hot bar. Cheese lovers, make way!

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10. Nashville Hot Chicken

For those who can’t resist a little heat, the Nashville hot chicken at Whole Foods delivers a perfect balance of spice and crunch. Each bite is also slightly-sweet, so you’re going to get a balanced meal every time you stop by.

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