Hello Wheatsville!
Thanks to everyone for making last week such a great one for us. We had the most shoppers ever in one week at Wheatsville, great sales and lots of fun! Even though summer has decide to barge in on Spring, we're hoping that May delivers some good weather to enjoy the outdoors and our patio.
We're gearing up for Hemp History Week next week. Hemp History Week seeks to celebrate America's rich history with industrial hemp and generate strong support for the re-legalization of hemp farming. Learn more here.
And don't forget Mom! Mother's day is just 11 days away!
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Wheatsville's One BIG Thing
Every week, Wheatsville staff picks the product we're most excited about right now! You'll find this week's One Big Thing merchandised at the Hospitality Desk and in Housewares—back by popular demand, it's the WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASS.
What do we like about WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASSES?
1) Each WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASS is just $5.99!
2) WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASSES feature a retro WV Co-op logo—they could become collectors' items once they're sold out.
3) Looking for a summertime beverage to fill up your WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASS? Try Maui Brewing Company Coconut Porter—sold in single cans for $2.49 each!
Flip for Summer Beer!
New Belgium brewing Co. Somersault Ale 6 packs are here! This perfect summer lounge around beer is ridiculously fun and easy to drink. There is an opening brace of citrus aroma from Centennial hops, a soft apricot fruitiness tucked into the flavor, a fresh snap from a sliver of ginger root, finished with oats in a long cool mash. Grab a six pack today!
Wine for you!
Santa Rita 120 Cabernet only $6.99 regularly $9.99! Brilliant ruby red color. An intense bouquet developed through a combination of mature red fruits and plums and vanilla tones with a fine toast from the barrels.
Sprouted Whole-Grain Goodness
I'm very excited to let you know about a great new product available in the Bulk department, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice from Tru Roots organic foods. This rice is soaked until it begins to sprout and then it is dried, this process wakes up dormant enzymes in the rice, and gives you a rice that is packed with health benefits, cooks quicker, and tastes better! Compared to regular brown rice, sprouted rice has triple the amount of the essential amino acid lysine, and ten times the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). You can substitute it in any rice dish, and it's super tasty! So be sure to stop by the bulk department and try some today!
Springtime Changes Bring Delicious New Dishes To Your Wheatsville Deli!
We are excited about a ton of new dishes and specials we have for you this week!
Our two new Fresh in the Deli dishes are a refreshing Mango & Black Bean Salad from Bloomingfoods Market in Bloomington, IN, and an Indian hot bar dish, the flavorful but not too spicy Peas & Paneer from Food Front Coop Grocery in Portland, OR. Keep an eye out for these very tasty specials! Check out our blog for more on the Deli's new dishes.
If you'd like to order some items ahead to show your Mom some love, take a look at our new, affordable Catering Menu, featuring a complete assortment of platters and trays like Raw Veggies, Antipasta, Cheeses, Bakery Bars, Fresh Cut Fruit, Banana Bread, Muffins, Coconut Cream Pies and Whole Cakes! Check out our website's catering page and call us at the Deli to place your order: 512-478-1164!We'll have lots of wonderful holiday treats for both Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day next week including some tasty holiday hot bar menus and brunchy heat'n'eat whole Quiches plus unique bakery specials like vegan, heart-shaped "Mom" strawberry shortcakes and real, make-your-own shortcakes made with whole wheat pastry flour and heavy cream!
From the world of meat
The seasons have left you with no more excuses, so pull up a fuel source, maybe grab a beer, and let's see what we can put on some heat.
Burgers. We have our own Bacon Cheddar Burger @$10.99/lb. that supports the small farmer. Made from Windy Bar Ranch ground beef (which by the way is now available in the freezer in two pound packages @$5.99/lb.), Niman Ranch Bacon and Organic Valley Cheddar Cheese. Niman Ranch meats are certified Humane, sustainable, and produced by small farms. Organic Valley is a Co Op of small fams and Windy Bar Ranch is a Ranch in Stonewall Texas. Also in the burger family we've got an asian inspired Salmon Burger @$14.99/lb. and a Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken Patty @$6.99/lb. Also great for the grill is our Seasoned Fajita @$9.99/lb.
We also have some great grilling cuts from Windy Bar Ranch. Flat Iron Steaks, Flank Steak, Inside and Outside Skirt Steaks are all fantastic on the grill.
If you're looking for fish Mahi Mahi @$12.99/lb. is a great grilling fish. It is a firm flesh fish with a great flavor. So good they named it twice.
We have Niman Ranch Brisket @ $5.99/lb. We also have a Market Trimmed Brisket @ $8.99/lb if you are shopping for something a little smaller than a whole Brisket.
When you're over by the the freezer you might see some new faces inside. There are a couple new gluten free options. Ian's GF Fish Sticks @ $5.49, and Applegate Farms GF Chicken Nuggets @ $5.99. Also from Applegate Farms, Chicken and Sage Breakfast Sausage @ $5.79.
There are some new frozen Seafood options in there as well. Ahi Tuna Steaks @ $4.99 and Flounder Filets @ $5.99. These are two to a pack and individually frozen and wrapped. These are sustainable and brought to us by Orca Bay. Here is a link to their website.
http://orcabayseafoods.com/ and I highly recommend checking it out.
We also have Richardson's Unsliced Pork Belly. If you're interested in making your own bacon this would be the place to start. Here is a link to home curing Bacon. http://ruhlman.com/2010/10/home-cured-bacon-2.html This is from the Food52 blog that is also worth checking out. Right now there is a Charcuterie contest going on. It is a great place to learn about this aspect of meat preparation.
Cheese Island
This is the last week that our Bulgarian Feta, Domestic Feta, and Port Salut will be on sale. Come on in and buy these delicious cheeses at a discounted price. Also, we have one more 6 pound block of the Charlie Cheese. It really is more than just a cheese with a pretty smile. It is a delicious cheddar with a sharp bite.
Check out this link to some money saving Organic Valley coupons and go here for our Feta and Port alt specials.
From Your Green Grocer
"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art" – Francois de La Rochefoucald
In Wheatsville's produce department, we're on a quest to make it easy to eat intelligently. In fact, most co-op shoppers and members are well on their way, but there is always room for improvement. One of my goals is to help people see how cooking is easy and fun. I see too many people shopping from a recipe, afraid to make substitutions or to alter their meal plan in the slightest. The reality is that if you start with good, fresh ingredients, it's very hard to go wrong! The only way you'll mess it up is if you try too hard.
Right now is a perfect time to start experimenting. We're seeing lots more locally grown produce on our shelves these days, with more on the way. Drought conditions are wreaking havoc on farmer's plans and while we can't bring them any rain, Wheatsville can buy produce at the best possible price to sell in our store.
Hairston Creek Farm, located on 17 acres in Burnet, is a certified organic farm that's been in operation for over twenty years. Gary and Sarah are real characters! Committed to a life they love, they're in it for the long haul and we're so glad to be a part of it. This week, they dropped off several hundred pounds of beautiful zucchini. I cooked some up in a frittata this morning and it was such a treat! Click here for a great, but simple recipe!
Another local farmer all-star is Brent Johnson from Johnson's Backyard Garden. I had the great opportunity to visit Brent earlier this spring. Brent is the model for the new American small farmer: half entrepreneur, half agricultural engineer, all passion. Brent sells most of his produce through his CSA and at the farmer's markets, but Wheatsville provides a valuable service: absorbing surplus quantities of product. This weekend, we're receiving organic broccoli, bunched beets, red butterleaf leattuce, and a return of the incredible organic carrots we saw earlier this spring, this time in bunched form. I don't know what Brent does to grow such amazing carrots, but I sure hope he keeps doing it! Come by the co-op and check out what Johnson's Backyard Garden is growing – and visit him at the farmer's market this weekend!
Last few days to stock up on Ann Webb and Badger Suncreen
That's right… just a few more days to stock up on all of your favorites from Ann Webb and Badger! Our incredible sale ends April 30th, so pop in and pick up all of your faves while you still can. Brooke from Ann Webb will be doing an in store demo on Friday, 4/29 from 4-7 PM and will be happy to answer any and all of your questions!
Fun Kitchen Goodies from Our House Wares Department
Add a little action to your tea party with NinjaBread Men Cookie Cutter Sets, just $7.99 for a set of 3!
Matryoshka Measuring Cups are back! These measuring cups nest inside each other like Russian dolls, saving space and looking adorable at the same time. Set of 6 for $9.99. And don't forget the Matching Spoons for just $5.49.
Powerful Sale on Your Vitamin Aisle
It is time to get out and enjoy all that the Austin outdoors has to offer. Herbalogic Peak Power can help you maintain energy whether you find yourself wearily chasing toddlers or wondering why you joined that boot camp. This natural energy boost is made by a local company, Third Coast Herb Co., and is a great companion for all your adventures!
Get Herbalogic's Peak Power on sale now through May 10th for $14.99 (reg. $19.99). Try a free sample this Sunday, May 1st, from 11-2pm!
Cool Co+op Deals!
Customer favorite Stahlbush Island Farms Frozen Fruit is on Deal beginning today for only $2.99 reg. $3.99. Choose from antioxidant packed blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, Marion blackberries or the healthy berry blend. Stock up your freezer for quick and easy smoothies or the perfect addition to your morning cereal. Click here for more Co+op Deals valid Wednesday, April 27th – Tuesday, May 10th.
I hope you have a most excellent spring week!
Dan Gillotte
Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy
