Friday, November 12, 2010

We are excited about the the parmigiano reggiano wheel cracking that will happen at 3:15 on Saturday Nov. 13th at 3:15. There will be samples galore! (Come early from 1-3 for our Thanksgiving sampler!)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thanksgiving Sampler! Parm Cracking! So much yumminess!

We are so excited for Thanksgiving that we want to start NOW!

Join us this Saturday for the Taste of Thanksgiving Sample day from 1-3 PLUS we'll be featuring all your Thanksgiving day favorites on the All-Day Hot Bar this Saturday at the Deli from 11-7.

And, if that's not enough, we're cracking into a Wheel of the King of Cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano at 3:15 on Saturday (and we'll share some samples!)

Scroll on down for more information about our action packed Saturday, everything else we have planned for Thanksgiving (just 2 weeks away!) and a whole bunch of other cool stuff!

Taste of Thanksgiving

Turkeys!

Baby T-day

Make Thanksgiving easy

Vegetarian and vegan at Thanksgiving

Pear season

New deli deliciousness

Beer and wine specials

Bulk energy

Cheese island news PLUS a video of the king of cheeses!

Holiday gifts are easy

Save the date for art!

Bacon?

Co+op owner deals

VOTE!

 

This Saturday is the Big Day! That's right, from 1pm to 3pm this Saturday November 13th, the Deli will be sampling many of our wonderful Thanksgiving dishes on Wheatsville's front patio, and also running an All-Day Thanksgiving Feast hot bar from 11am-7pm! This way, you can taste all of our specialties to start you planning what you'll be stocking up on for T-Day, and if the taste gets you craving more, you can come on in the store and fill up a tasty plate of your holiday favorites for lunch or dinner, too! We'll have our classics like Vegan Cornbread Stuffing, Creamy Coconut Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Niman Ranch Pork Sausage Bread Stuffing, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Vegan Mushroom Gravy on the hot bar, alongside sliced Roast Turkey with Gravy and sliced vegan Tofurkey with Gravy, with some cold Cranberry Relish on the side! Also being sampled and available for sale in the store will be holiday favorites like Garlic Chive Cheddar Cheese Balls, Vegan Rosemary Biscuits, Vegan Coconut Cream Pies, Vegan Pumpkin Pies and Classic Pumpkin Pies! Come in and eat up! Then come back the next day for our All-Day Sunday Brunch!

Turkeys!

The word on the street is TURKEYS!!!!! We will be getting in Grateful Harvest Organic Turkeys and will have them in stock on Saturday the 20th.  Grateful Harvest turkeys are deep chilled for a premium bird and are $3.49/ lb.  We are taking Pre-orders at the Hospitality Desk for your convenience but we will have plenty in stock (we have over 300!!).  Interested in learning a little more about Grateful Harvest? http://www.gratefulharvest.com/about_us.aspx

While you're sampling the Wheatsville Deli's delicious dishes, you're going to get thirsty!  Wash it all down with Maine Root's Pumpkin Pie Soda, Thanksgiving's favorite soda! This is a seasonal flavor from Maine Root that uses Wholesome Sweetener's Certified Fair Trade and Organic Cane Sugar!  You can find them in the Ice Box right in front of the Deli counter for just $1.49 each.  Get 'em while they're here, because when they are gone, they are gone until next November!

Babies can enjoy Thanksgiving too!

Bring your babies to the Taste of Thanksgiving sampler this Saturday!  Inside the store, the founder of Austin based NurtureMe Baby Food will be passing out samples of the all organic quick dried baby food that our baby friends just love!  Little ones can try Crisp Apples, Plump Peas, Scrumptious Squash and Hearty Sweet Potatoes. I don't know which fact about this product I like better:  the fact that the lightweight package is completely recyclable (and easy to slip into the diaper bag) or that you can mix the powder with water, formula or breast milk for a quick, nutritious meal.  Each single serving pouch is $1.19, or you can buy a box of eight for $8.99http://nurtureme.com

Thanksgiving shopping made easy with Wheatsville's Co+op Deals! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant

For the Love of Baking - Our shelves are filled with all the good quality ingredients you need to make Thanksgiving delicious! Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Sugar now $2.99 reg. $4.89, Organic Valley Organic Butter now $3.99 reg. $5.99, Farmer's Market Organic Pumpkin now $1.79 reg. $2.69, If You Care Parchment Paper now $3.99 reg. $4.99, Organic Valley Organic Whipping Cream now $2.99 reg. $3.29, Bob's Red Mill Organic Flour now $3.99 reg. $5.69, Frontier Natural Bulk Organic Ground Cinnamon now $4.79/lb reg. $7.29, Spectrum Naturals Organic Canola Oil now $6.49 reg. $10.49, Tropical Source Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips now $2.99 reg. $4.69, Wholly Wholesome Organic Pie Shells now $2.99 reg. $3.99, Frontier Herb Organic Vanilla Extract now $6.49 reg. $9.49 and Santini Evaporated Milk is now $0.99 reg. $1.59.

Flavoring your sides & main course has never been easier! Pacific Natural Foods Organic Chicken and/or Organic Vegetable Broth now $2.29 reg. $3.39, Lundberg Family Farms Gourmet Rice Blend now $2.29 reg. $2.99, Tofurky Vegetarian Roast now $8.99 reg.$12.99, Grown Right Organic Cranberry Sauce now $1.99 reg. $2.39, Cascadian Farm Organic Vegetables now $1.79 reg. $2.89, Edward & Sons Organic Mashed Potatoes now $1.99 reg. $2.79 and Near East Couscous Side Dish Mix now $1.49 reg. $2.19.

Remember, our Deals are easy to reference. Go to http://www.wheatsville.coop and click on the Co+op Deals link.

Vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving? You betcha!

I'll have a more full length feature next week for veg Thanksgiving, but wanted to make sure that you veggie friends out there know that we are here for you to have a rocking Thanksgiving, too! My wife, Rosie and I love Thanksgiving and we get all we want here at the co-op. We also tend to start early, so we have a Tofurky Roast last week and we also tried the new Gardein Savory Stuffed Turk'y the other night and really liked it. http://www.gardein.com/thanksgiving.php We also feature Field Roast Celebration Roast, too. AND, you can also consider an even more alternative alternative like our Deli's Leeks and Carrots or, stuff a squash! (Look for next week's e-mail for recipes!)

Produce Notes

We've fallen head over heels for Comice Pears at the Co-op, and I encourage you to come by and try one.  I think they are literally the best pear ever grown.  Juicy, sweet, creamy, and flavorful, they give you everything you could possibly want in a piece of fruit.  Ever poach pears?  It's easy and sophisticated at the same time!  Try this recipe:

-6 firm pears (not quite ripe), peeled with stems on

-3 cups red wine

-1 cup water

-1 cup sugar

-½ vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise

-1 star anise

-2 tablespoons honey

-1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

Choose a cooking pot that will hold the pears snugly. Place red wine, water, and sugar in the pot. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pot; add the pods along with star anise, honey, and lemon juice. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring to make sure the sugar is dissolved. Add the peeled pears, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until pears are tender. Remove the pears and continue simmering the liquid until it becomes thick and syrupy. Use this syrup to glaze the pears before serving. Serve pears warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraiche if desired.

As the weather cools down, we'll be carrying more and more of my favorite fruit: CITRUS!  It doesn't seem logical, but winter is citrus season.  This week, we saw the first delivery of Meyer Lemons and Organic Texas-Grown Rio Star Grapefruit!  Look for more in the coming weeks!

Also this week we are starting a new sale program in the produce department.  We haven't customarily run sales for some strange reason, but that's in the past now.  Watch for new sale items each week!  I'll let you know through the weekly email and the Wheatsville Produce Department Facebook page.  Swing by this week and grab some Organic Red Chard for $1.49 each, Organic D'anjou Pears for $1.39/lb, and Organic Girl Spring Mix for $3.39!  Look for the 55¢ off coupon on the shelf and get a final price of $2.84!

 

New Deli Owner Specials!

Soup season is in full swing, and to celebrate, the Deli has put its Large 16 fl oz Hot Tempeh Chili and Homemade Soups, with an ever-changing selection, on sale for owners at the Food Bar, $3.49, reg. $3.99! Check our Facebook posts or put in a call to the Deli at 512-478-1164 to find out what hot soups we have today! We are also stocking an assortment of grab'n'go soups and Tempeh Chili on these chilly days for you to stick in your fridge, heat'n'eat for an easy meal anytime!

Also on sale for owners at our Deli Counter is our best-selling Popcorn Tofu Po'Boy – crunchy, savory batter-dipped and deep-fried tofu nuggets on a hoagie roll with a drizzle of our house-made Cashew-Tamari Dressing – all of which come with your choice of veggies, just $5.49, reg. $6.49.

Our savory Black Olive Hummus, available in our self-serve case, is not only great for pita chip dippin', but makes a fantastic sandwich spread too, on sale for owners at $4.99/lb, reg. $5.99/lb. Our last owner special for this period is the pretty in pink Nile Valley Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea, refreshing and lovely at just 99¢ a cup, reg. $1.69! All of these owner specials are good now through the end of November!

Want a beverage that's a little more hearty than iced tea? The Deli Counter will taunt your tastebuds this month with our sweet'n'spicy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie of the Month! Blending apple juice with pumpkin, cinnamon and graham crackers, this frozen orange concoction is an annual treat for just $4.99!

November's Salsa of the Month is the staff favorite Sweet Mango Fire! Sweetness from fresh apples and mangoes combines with the heat of spicy habanero peppers to create a beautiful and irresistible salsa that will keep your chips dippin' until the end!

Also on sale at the Deli Counter through the month of November are tasty cold cuts: Boar's Head Honey-Maple Ham at $8.49/lb, reg. $8.99 and Pepper Jack Cheese, $6.19/lb, reg. $7.19, so stock up on your tasty lunchables!

 

Wine and beer specials!

Haras Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile on sale just $7.99 regularly $12.99! Variety : 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 3% Merlot, 3% Cabernet franc Dark purple red color with violet reflects. This wine has a generous fruity and cedar nose, with some fresh mint notes blended with a very attractive leather and spicy touch. The palate is full with a nice balance of ripe fruit finish. Smooth tannins, fresh minerality and a core of concentrated fruit.

Victory HopDevil Ale is on sale for just $7.99 regularly $9.49! Menacingly delicious, with the powerful, aromatic punch of whole flower American hops backed up by rich, German malts. HopDevil Ale offers a roller coaster ride of flavor, coasting to a smooth finish that satisfies fully.

 

Chunks of Energy in Bulk

Hi folks, I'd just like to point out a great snack available in the bulk department that you may not have noticed.  Energy Chunks are 100% Organic energy bars cut in to bite sized cubes.  These little chunks are super tasty, and they pack quite an energizing and filling punch.  We currently have them available in two flavors:

Organic Carob Super greens, a delicious blend of carob, fruits, seeds, nuts, and a whopping blend of green superfoods.

Organic Cacao Goji Berry, this tasty variety is 100% raw and contains Goji Berry powder.

Stop on by the Bulk department and give them a try!

 

CHEESE ISLAND

We have a few deals going on at Cheese Island. Organic Valley Cream Cheese and Neufchatel 8 oz. bar are on sale for $2.79 ea. regularly $3.29 ea. Nancy's Conventional Cottage Cheese 16 oz.  is on sale for $2.79 ea. regularly $3.29 ea. Parmigiano Reggiano is on sale for $18.99/lb, regularly $21.29/lb. Organic Valley Four Cheese Italian Shreds 10 oz. are on sale for $4.29 ea.

We are now stocking Vermont Butter and Cream's Crème Fraiche. It is $4.99 for an 8 oz. tub.

Come one, come all!! This Saturday, Nov. 13th, we will be cracking open a 90 lb wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, at 3:15 p.m. This will be a first for Wheatsville. Sam Cowan from Amertrade will be helping. We will be discussing what makes Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmigiano Reggiano and the cracking process. Also you will be able to sample the Parmigiano Reggiano and purchase cuts straight off the wheel!!

 

Now, I leave you with a link that will have you singing the praises of Parmigiano Reggiano.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmZ28NIQPbM

 

Holiday Gift Shopping Made Easy!

Even though we love the winter holiday season we know that juggling menu planning, traveling, family time, and gift shopping can strike fear in the heart of the bravest individual.  Fear not!  We're here to make your holidays as stress-free as possible by providing a one-stop shopping experience.  Come browse our gift displays next time you stop in for groceries and avoid the big box stores, shopping malls, and headaches!  We have tons of awesome gift items to fit every budget, from inexpensive stocking stuffers and Chanukah trinkets to fancy decanter sets and fair trade hand bags.  Look for our helpful Gifts Under $20, Gifts Under $10, and Gifts Under $5 signs to make finding the perfect present even easier.  Our featured items this week are a Votive Menorah set for $7.99 and a Glass Menorah Set for $19.99.

 

Calendars, Calendars, Calendars!

Our 2011 calendars have arrived and we are pretty stoked to offer such a great selection again this year.  Calendars make great gifts and with choices like Cake Wrecks, Extraordinary Chickens, Toilets of the World, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, we have designs for everyone on your list.  These always sell like hotcakes and we can't guarantee that we'll be able to re-order all designs once they're gone so get 'em while you can!

Save the date for Art!

It's about that time, the annual Wheatsville Artsfest is right around the corner on Sat. and Sun. Dec. 4th and 5th! This year, it will be in the back of the parking lot and on the north side of Wheatsville, so et ready to get local arts and crafts for the holidays (or for yourself!) and listen to some great live music! Stay tuned for more….

 

Did someone say, "Bacon"?

Just a reminder that we are running two great Owner Specials on Applegate Farms Bacon; Natural Turkey Bacon on sale for $4.89, reg. $5.39 and Organic Sunday Bacon on sale for $4.99, reg. $5.49.

Niman Ranch Hams are now in stock! We have quarter hams and half hams for $8.99/lb.  These hams are delicious and a great way to go if you are looking for something other than turkey to be the center piece for your Holiday meal.  Below is a link to their featured farmers the Willis Free Range Hog Farm.  http://www.nimanranch.com/featuredfarmers.aspx

Great special on Henry & Lisa Battered Salmon!! On sale for $5.29 a package, regularly $6.59. That's a great buy so stock up. Find them in the freezer next to the beer case. This is a great sustainable seafood company, if you are interested in learning more about them check out their website: http://www.ecofish.com/henryandlisas.htm

For the cooler weather we are cutting a wide selection of Niman Ranch roasts.  I made a great roast this weekend based on an idea that my father shared with me.  Uur roasts are super flavorful and very tender – fire up the slow cooker!

Eye of Round Beef Roast, $6.29/lb.

Top Round Roast (also known as London Broil), $7.99/lb.

Boneless English Beef Roast, $7.99/lb.

Boneless Pork Loin Roast, $6.99/lb.

Pork Shoulder Roast, $4.99/lb.

 

Co+op Owner Deals are stocked with savings! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant

Our Grocery Department is loaded with tremendous fall savings! Arrowhead Mills Sweetened Shredded Wheat is now $3.49 reg. $4.29, Lakewood Organic Pomegranate Juice with Acai or with Goji is now $3.99 reg. $6.49 and Shady Maple Farms Organic Grade B Maple Syrup is now $10.49 reg. $16.79.

Our Refrigerated Department has several Owner favorites on Deal: Nancy's Whole Milk Yogurt now $5.99 reg. $6.79, Organic Valley Organic Low Fat or Regular Sour Cream now $2.49 reg. $2.99, Organic Valley Organic Half & Half now $2.99 reg. $3.49 and Kozy Shack Chocolate Pudding, Rice Pudding and Tapioca Pudding now $2.99 reg. $3.59.

Our Bulk Department is stocked with savings! Equal Exchange Organic French Roast Decaf now $9.99 reg. $10.99, Lundberg Farms Organic Wild Rice Blend now $3.49 reg. $4.69, Sunspire Grain Sweetened Carob Chips now $4.49/lb reg. $6.29/lb and Sunspire Organic Dark Chocolate Chips now $5.99 reg. $8.99.

Remember, our Owner Deals are easy to reference. Check them out on our web site @ http://www.wheatsville.coop and click on the Owners link.

Vote Vote Vote!

Were in the middle of our Annual election at the co-op where you owners get your say in who will serve on the board of directors and what charitable organizations will get money from us this year in our Community Action Wednesday program! Vote on-line here: http://wheatsville.coop/election/index.html

Have a most excellent week! I hope we see you on Saturday!

 

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy and pie enthusiast!