Thursday, May 29, 2008

Hi Wheatsville friends!

I hope you are enjoying our summer weather! We went to the lake this past weekend and it was a real delight! I recommend it.

Here's what you can read below!
End of May, start of June
Produce Delight Time
Gluten Free Beer?!?
Deli, Meat and Cheese have what you want
Coffee with the board
Expansion update
Farm Family Benefit reminder!
and, if you're good, we've got some awesome recipes at the end!


End of month stuff!
If you've still got the Co-op Advantage Coupon books in your possession, this weekend is the last chance to use them. They expire at 11pm on Saturday May 31st. So come on in and use them up!

It's also the last week for Co-op Advantage May monthly specials. So, if there is a favorite item of yours on sale at the moment, stock up now!

Don't worry, we'll have a whole new batch of specials up for June!

Stone Fruit Deliciousness!!
If you haven't tried any of this years Texas Hill Country peaches, then you are really missing out! I suggest you eat one right now. Currently in produce we have a nice variety of stone fruits for so early in the season. Come by and get some organic apricots, organic peaches, and organic white peaches!
Berries!!!
This years berries have almost been as good as the Hill Country Peaches, which is a huge compliment. We currently have organic strawberries, organic blackberries, and organic raspberries. We also have some conventional blueberries that are grown in Texas.
Melons!
We have organic watermelons! They taste like candy, and are a great price ($6.59) for their size. We also currently have both organic cantaloupes and honeydews. They are both delicious, and nicely sized.
Eat Local!
We continue to try and offer a great selection of locally produced produce. We currently are featuring organic golden zucchini, zucchini, yellow squash, napa cabbage, daikon, beets, curly kale, bunched basil, cucumbers, and green cabbage from our friends up at Buena Tierra farms in Fredonia. The organic green beans from Tecolote farms look perfect and were picked yesterday! Look out for local heirloom tomatoes coming later in the week from Green Gate Farms out east on MLK, and some local organic blackberries! And don't forget about the peaches!!!

Beer words straight from the mouths of customers!
We found this wonderful praise online (thanks Google!)
"Wish granted!Tonight I found Green's Quest Tripel Blonde Ale at the Wheatsville Coop. It's a gluten-free beer and described as a tripel which made me giddy with excitement. After tasting it, I was even happier."
This happy customer discovered a new offering: a delicious Belgian tripel that's gluten-free! http://www.glutenfreebeers.co.uk/

Fresh in the Deli!
Beat the heat!
Come to the Wheatsville Deli for a sample of Cold Berry Soup, made with fresh red, ripe strawberries and White Mountain organic yogurt!
And as peach season begins, come in this week for your last chance at our May smoothie of the month, Just Peachy, with cobbler-esque hints of vanilla and cinnamon!
Or forego the fruit for our other cold drinks, the eye-opening Iced Coffee Toddy, sweetly strong Ginger Limeade or refreshing Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea.

The deli cooks so you don't have to!
In the full-serve deli case find: Seared ahi tuna steaks, Hot Wings made with Buddy's all-natural chicken, and Loncito's Lamb Meatballs are currently sharing the case with Popcorn and Southern Fried Tofu, Raw Tuscan Kale and Parmesan Salad, and a beautiful, sweet slaw made from simple raw veggies, Lively Beets and Carrots, among other goodies! Come on in and try some!
Cheese land
Our Cheese Department has lots of cheesy add-ons for your for springtime BBQ's, such as tasty sliced American and Swiss cheeses. Kick it up a little by going for an easy gourmet snack with some crackers and wine, featuring Full Quiver cheese spread or Pureluck Chevre
This week in the meat department:
Try some local chicken!!!!!
There are a lot of good reasons to support Buddy's Natural chicken. Not only is it locally raised in Gonzalas Texas, it is also free from both antibiotic & hormones. And these chickens are cage free and have access to the outdoors.
  • Buddy's Natural Breast regular 6.49 lb now 6.29 lb.
  • Buddy's Natural premium Leg Quarters regular price 1.99 lb now 1.79 lb.

Coffee with the board
Saturday June 7th from 10-12- try some deli iced coffee at this one!

Expansion update!
Thanks for your patience as we continue to work on the parking lot aspects of the project. Remember, there is more parking in back after 5pm and on weekends. You can even park in the small fenced in area directly behind Wheatsville next to the bus stop if no one else is there. It really is easier to park in thr morning before 11am or so and after 8pm. If you can redirect anyh of your shopping, it might make it a more pleasant shopping trip for you.
We're making good progress on the conversion from former InStep building to new offices and meeting room space. We are looking forward to that for sure! We exepct to see the retaining wall taking shape in the next week or two.

Help out our friends at Hairston Creek Farm this THURSDAY MAY 29th!

Carol Ann of Boggy Creek Farm writes so nicely and has included this about the challenges facing our friends at Hairston Creek Farms and something that you can do about it!

"The community comes together in trying times, and now -- especially now -- a certain farm family needs its friends, its customers, and those who care about the local food supply to rally around. Sarah Rowland, co-farmer of Hairston Creek Organic Farm near Burnet has been diagnosed with an extremely aggressive cancer. Although the family has insurance, we all know that, in the details, a policy is never sufficient. And, when facing possibly the greatest calamity one can face, emotional support, as well as financial help, is surely needed.

Thus, in an age-old tradition, we are joining together to aid the Rowlands with both love, and financial support. Sarah and Gary Rowland are pioneers in the local food movement, beginning their farm in 1990. For all these years, they have grown nutritious food, with integrity and dedication, and provided it to consumers in the Austin area as well as in Burnet County. Sarah is a pillar in the Sunset Valley Farmers Market, helping to guide it to success with direction and faithful attendance for many years.

A fundraiser is planned for May 29, Thursday at 7 PM, at the sublimely beautiful Barr Mansion's Artisan Ballroom http://www.barrmansion.com/contactus.html (map). Chefs are always gracious at these times and many will prepare delicious tastings from food donated by area farmers, ranchers and producers. A silent auction will feature restaurant suppers, gift certificates, artisan crafts and works of art, etc. Suggested minimum donation at the door, or in advance at area farmers' markets and at BCF, is $20. Greater generosity is of course encouraged. For more information and to make donations via credit cards, visit http://www.rowland.austinfarm.org/. To send checks directly to the Rowlands, their address is
Hairston Creek Farm, 4300 Co Road 335, Burnet, Texas 78611.... Thank you in advance."

Awesome recipes!
Wheatsville Owner Robbie Nelson has been kind enough to share some of his favorite recipes with us. Here are two. If you like them, I have a few more that i can share in the coming weeks!

Sizzlin' Veggie Fajitas
1 package White Mountain Wheat Roast
½ small green bell pepper
½ small red bell pepper
1 small onion
1 small zucchini squash
1 jalapeno or poblano pepper (optional)
1 TBLS olive or canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 TBLS chili powder
Juice of one large lime
1 avocado, sliced
Sour cream (optional)
Your favorite Wheatsville hot sauce (mine is the Salsa Casera!)
Flour tortillas
- Slice wheat roast into ¼" slices, then slice again to make ¼" x ¼" strips.
- Clean seeds & membranes from green and red peppers. Cut into ¼" strips.
- Slice onion in half and then slice each half into ¼" slices.
- Remove stem from zucchini. Cut in half crossways, then cut each half into ¼" x ¼" strips.
- If using hot peppers, remove seeds and slice into thin strips.
- Heat oil in heavy steel or cast iron skillet until hot. Add wheat roast and vegetables. Cook, stirring often, about 3-5 minutes. Veggies should be cooked through but not overcooked.
- Add garlic and chili powder, stir to coat veggies and wheat roast.
- Add lime juice to skillet mixture, watch out for sizzle! Stir lightly and serve immediately.
Serve on warm tortillas with avocado slices and your favorite Wheatsville salsa. Sour cream is a nice touch to offset the lime & chili flavor, but not necessary.

"Shaggy's" Cole Slaw
I used to love the old Shaggy's restaurant on South Congress. It closed a number of years ago, but I tried to come up with a recipe that reproduced their delicious cole slaw. This one is pretty close.
½ small green cabbage, inner core and tough part of leaves removed, sliced very thin
½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 bunch green onions including green parts, sliced
1/2 package plain Chinese thin noodles (wheat, not rice), crushed into smaller pieces (put noodles in a plastic bag and crush a few times with your hands)
2 TBLS sweetened rice wine vinegar
¼ cup sesame, canola, or other mild vegetable oil
6 drops toasted sesame oil
Mix first four ingredients in large bowl.
Whisk together vinegar and oils. Immediately pour over vegetable/noodle mixture.
Toss to coat, let sit at room temperature 5-10 minutes and then serve.
This dish is best served within 30 minutes of preparation. The noodles should still be slightly crunchy. It can be stored in the 'fridge for up to 6 hours but the noodles and cabbage will become soft.
Thanks!

Have a great week!
Dan Gillotte Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy
_______________________________________________

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Summer Fruit, Farm Tour Cancelled, Memorial Day and more!

Hi folks!

I hope things are going well for you so far this summer!

Scroll down for the following:
Summer Fruit Time is Now!
Farm Tour (sadly) cancelled
Memorial Day specials and featured products
Help our friends at Hairston Creek Farm
Expansion update
Monks visit Wheatsville!
Come to a board meeting

Now is the time for fresh produce!

The summer fruit is really starting to come into season! Enjoy the best fruit season with
Cherries
Peaches from the Hill Country
Nectarines
Apricots
Blueberries

Wow! Drooling now!

A note about our stone fruit (Peaches, nectarines, plums, etc.)- we believe that these are best when ripe. We also believe that refrigerating them before they are ripe can make them mealy. We are against mealy stone fruit. So, we don't refrigerate ours. This means that our stone fruit will be ripe (or will ripen nicely in a paper bag) and be very delicious for you, the eater. However, this means that our fruit can be a little more delicate than the rock hard cold fruit at other grocers. So, handle with care, buy what you can eat in a day or two and come back for more! (Use a bib when eating the really ripe ones!) 

If you find stone fruit that isn't ripe yet, the best way to ripen them is in a paper bag for a day or two at room temperature. Remember to check on them often. They can go from delicious to decomposed fairly quickly in our warm weather! (Did I mention wearing a bib?)

Thanks for all the nice e-mails last week replying to my !Peach Alert! It was great to hear from so many of you Peach Enthusiasts. (If you are not a peach enthusiast, it's probably because you ate one that wasn't ripe or that had been refrigerated and was mealy. Try one of our ripe ones and you may find yourself converted!)

The Farm Tour at Tecolote Farms is CANCELLED!

We're really sad, but we totally understand that the Tecolote folks are having some difficult times at the moment and instead of being fun, would just be a big extra burden right now. Katie and family have promised to reschedule with us, so we will do that, probably in the early Fall. You can read more about their travails including some action steps you can take to try and improve the water situation for farmers at http://wheatsville.coop/



Memorial Day in the Deli!

You can count on the Wheatsville Deli to fill all of your Memorial Day needs this holiday weekend and help you usher in summertime with friends, fun and fabulous FOOD! In the deli case, we will have an abundance of delicious staples like potato salads, coleslaw, pasta salads, beans and tons of tasty veggie sides to take along on your picnic or barbecue! If you want to enjoy the meat without having to bear the heat, pop in for some ready-to-eat Buddy's all-natural barbecued chicken pieces or grilled spice-rubbed ahi tuna steaks! And be sure to check out our bakery for some convenient grab-n-go sweet treats to take along on your picnic!
 
Don't forget to always check out our daily sandwich board in the deli for great and tasty sandwich specials!

Meat department specials!

Let's grill this weekend!!!!!
  • Ribeyes for 15.99lb regular price 17.99lb
  • Pederson's kielbasa sausage 4.89 each regular 4.99 each.
   
Heard the buzz about grass-fed meats? Wanting to try it? Trying to eat more local food? Well now's the time to try it for yourself, and it's on special!
  • Bastrop grass-fed ground meat regular 6.99lb now 6.49lb!!
  • Bastrop t-bone steaks regular 14.99lb, now 13.99lb!!
  • Bastrop Sirloin Steak regular 12.99lb now 11.99lb!!
 
 
The world of Cheese

Don't forget to check out the cheese department for the holidays!  Cheddars such as Cabot Vermont Sharp and Extra Sharp and Red Wax and Da Vinci Goudas make perfect picnic snacks!  Or bring an appetizer meat & cheese tray to your Memorial Day BBQ! 

Beer for that unquenchable thirst!
This Memorial Day Weekend the Beer Department is excited to offer $1.00 off on Lone Star and Pabst Blue Ribbon 12 packs!
Enjoy a cold one this hot weekend!
 
Help out our friends at Hairston Creek Farm!

Carol Ann of Boggy Creek Farm writes so nicely and has included this about the challenges facing our friends at Hairston Creek Farms and something that you can do about it!

"The community comes together in trying times, and now -- especially now -- a certain farm family needs its friends, its customers, and those who care about the local food supply to rally around. Sarah Rowland, co-farmer of Hairston Creek Organic Farm near Burnet has been diagnosed with an extremely aggressive cancer. Although the family has insurance, we all know that, in the details, a policy is never sufficient. And, when facing possibly the greatest calamity one can face, emotional support, as well as financial help, is surely needed.

        Thus, in an age-old tradition, we are joining together to aid the Rowlands with both love, and financial support. Sarah and Gary Rowland are pioneers in the local food movement, beginning their farm in 1990. For all these years, they have grown nutritious food, with integrity and dedication, and provided it to consumers in the Austin area as well as in Burnet County. Sarah is a pillar in the Sunset Valley Farmers Market, helping to guide it to success with direction and faithful attendance for many years.

        A fundraiser is planned for May 29, Thursday at 7 PM, at the sublimely beautiful Barr Mansion's Artisan Ballroom http://www.barrmansion.com/contactus.html  (map). Chefs are always gracious at these times and many will prepare delicious tastings from food donated by area farmers, ranchers and producers. A silent auction will feature restaurant suppers, gift certificates, artisan crafts and works of art, etc. Suggested minimum donation at the door, or in advance at area farmers' markets and at BCF, is $20. Greater generosity is of course encouraged. For more information and to make donations via credit cards, visit http://www.rowland.austinfarm.org/. To send checks directly to the Rowlands, their address is
Hairston Creek Farm,  4300 Co Road 335, Burnet, Texas 78611.... Thank you in advance."

Expansion Update
Not much to report this week. Things are moving right along as planned. Hopefully, you haven't been inconvenienced much or at all yet.

Wheatsville friend and fan (and Owner!) Suzanne Batchelor e-mailed me this week: 
"On construction shopping hints -- shopping at night, when you drive a car, is better.  Plus, I saved gas going and coming in sparser traffic.  

And shopping on a bicycle anytime, of course!  For that, I use soft-sided coolers ('6-pack' size and larger) for frozen items. They fit in bike baskets or backpacks, and the frozen items get home just fine.  On a long trip, put a plastic bottle half-filled with water in the freezer ahead of time--that's your 'ice' to keep things cool longer.

And, on a bicycle, you make your own breeze!"

Great suggestions, Suzanne! Thanks! Do you have ideas to share? Let me know and I'll include them in future posts!

More fun than an aisle full of monks!
We were very pleased to have a vist from the Tibetan monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery from India. They came and did a 30 minute blessing of Wheatsville and our expansion project. They did some chanting and some bell ringing and it was very moving and interesting. The sat in aisle 3, the center of the store and did their great ceremony. You can see pictures at http://wheatsville.coop/monksblessing.html We were greatly honored that they could spend time with us and bless our project and co-op with their warmth.

You're invited (as always!)
The next Wheatsville board meeting is Tuesday May 27th from 6-9pm at our temporary meeting space 406 West 30th Street (30th & Fruth, across from Trudy's) The agenda is available on-line at http://wheatsville.coop/bodagenda.pdf
Coffee with the board is on for the first Saturday of each month on the patio. Visit with the board from 10-Noon and enjoy treats, chatting and transforming society!

I hope that you all have a great week!

Dan
GM and e-mail guy!
Fun Videos of Wheatsville http://www.youtube.com/user/wheatsville