You heard it here first! Plus produce deliciousness and more!

I am so pleased to announce that we are setting our alarm clocks earlier so that all of our early bird owners and fans can get their Wheatsville fix even sooner every day! Starting on Monday June 15th Wheatsville will open at 7:30am. So set your rooster now, so you can join us bright an early! Our Fair Trade Organic Coffee bar will be ready for you along with its friend the Breakfast Taco! (So, how does it feel to be in the know early?! Only staff and you e-mail fans know this right now. But you can tell your friends if you want!)

Coffee with the board this Saturday
Enjoy some coffee and treats this Saturday morning from 10 am to noon on our patio. Visit with the board and talk with them about the store, cooperative principles and vision, the weather, or the trandsormation of society!

Need Thistle?
 
Artichokes are a special treat that is fun to eat. We've got' em at the front of the store so come on in and grab one!  Artichokes are very versatile and more can be done than just steaming them. You can stuff them with your favorite sausage or veggie sausage and cook them in the oven. I still like them steamed, peeling and dipping and being oh so excited when I pull out the choke and devour the heart. Share one with someone you love!
 
Local Produce Coming In
 
It is that time of year where we start seeing more local vegetables in our produce department. We've been getting some really nice leafy greens and vegetables from Montesino Farms, Tecolote, Buena Tierra, Urban Roots and Onion Creek. The kids over at Urban Roots have been producing some amazing collard greens this season. From Tecolote we've been getting bagged salad mixes and arugula, purple and green kholrabi, and a few other odds and ends. Onion Creek has been producing some execellent bunched red beets, and gorgeous green chard. Eating local produce is a great way to shorten your food chain, and buying it from your co-op is a great way to keep your money in your community!
 
Cul de Sac
Thank you to everyone who has been patient while we have relocated to our little nook. This is only a temporary home for your produce department and we feel like we are making it work pretty well. Once again, big thanks to all of the customers coming by and visiting us in our temporary home.
 
Word from the meat department

We continue to make some really nice Quick to Fix items. Look for these in our full service case:
Moroccan Lamb patties: flavorful spicy sausage patty with fresh cilantro & parsley various other spices – these are becoming very popular.
Cajun Catfish: a lil spicy taste of the south with no msg, preservatives, and additives. Fresh made Italian sausage link: We make and stuffed these in house, by hand (a first!). Add the flavor of fennel, garlic, and just a little spice to make your spaghetti jump off the plate.
Garlic and herb chicken: featuring Buddy's Boneless white meat marinated in garlic, thyme, rosemary, basil and oregano. This is a great piece of chicken! It is versatile in the kitchen and can be used as a topper for a salad or mixed with pasta and fresh veggies or pesto.
Salmon patties: Made with wild caught Alaskan salmon and flavored with sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger.
New Wheatsville Made Chorizo from all Niman pork.
Don't miss a whole bunch of our favorite local products in the freezer: Thunderheart Bison, Bastrop Cattle Company Grassfed Beef, Richardson's Pastured Pork.
 
The deli!!!!!!
 
Fresh in the Deli for the month of May we have two great recipes.  The first recipe comes to us from Ashland Food Co-op in Ashland Oregon. Raw Sundried Tomato Sunflower Pate is a perfect early summer appetizer.  We take sundried tomatoes and blend with raw tahini, green onions, fresh basil, lemon juice, garlic and sunflower seeds creating just the right pate for spreading on a hearty cracker or fresh pita bread triangles. Serve with stuffed grape leaves for a light lunch.  The other recipe is from Putney Food Co-op in Putney Vermont.  Balsamic BBQ Chicken Wings bring a twist to a barbeque favorite-chicken wings all dressed up in balsamic vinegar BBQ sauce then grilled to perfection.  Compliment with fresh vegetables or a healthy side dish.
 
The smoothie of the month is PB&J smoothie.  This is a strawberry &  blueberry delight!  We blend organic soymilk with creamy organic peanut butter and of course, strawberries & blueberries.  This smoothie will remind you of the simple delights of being a kiddo.
 
Our salsa of the month is Tomatillo Fire – roasted blend of serranos, jalepenos, and poblanos, blended with tomatillos.  This is one of my favorite salsas because it is great on anything!
 
 
From Greg, in the land of cheese
I would like to welcome back some favorite Pureluck products to our shelves. If you love goat cheese and blue cheese you will be in lactose heaven.  First of all, a big howdy to Pureluck's  blue ribbon winner, Hopelessly Blue. Also returning is their ode to the camembert, the Del Cielo.  Their delightful Feta is also gracing our shelves once again. And in case you haven't already noticed this treat, the meat department is now selling an in house hot Italian sausage. This sausage would go great with any of our locally made fresh pasta. I would recommend using it with the Butternut Squash ravioli. The sausage's savoriness  will compliment the sweetness of the ravioli.  Enjoy the treasures that ere to be found in the cheese case and trust me, you should really try the sausage & butternut squash.
 
STAFF PIcks!
Check out our "Staff Top Ten Picks" posted throughout the store, we work here and shop here!!!
Look for the green signs in front of the products.
 
 
Featuring Ray Wilder, Deli Counter:
The deli's Beet and Kale Salad: Yum, yum, yum, yum!  Healthy, raw,  juicy and delicious!  I could eat it everyday!
The deli's Spicy Greens: Brilliant dark greens with the perfect amount of flavor and spice...great on a black bean taco!
Bakery: Any of our bakeries gluten-free cakes...especially the chocolate ones!!  Sheesh, it doesn't get any better than this!!
Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge Coconut Bliss: The best coconut ice cream around!  Organic, fair trade, sweetened with agave...you almost feel healthy eating it, but it's so dreamy, you won't even care!!
GT's Guava Kombucha: Hawai'i in Feburary plus stomach settling relief...refreshing and soothing!
Margarita's Corn Tortillas: Local, non-GMO, awesome corny yumminess!!
FES Flower Essences: Powerful support for your heart and body...choose from an array to meet your individual needs!:
Sunflower Butter: Affordable, delicious protein...try it in a smoothie!!
Texas Pecans: Gotta eat those wonderful local nuts!!  What a treat!
Go take a hike mix:  If you're not a fan already, you will be...unique, scrumptious energy!!
 
Featuring Beth Buetel, Cashier
Organic Raw Cashew Butter- smooth, creamy, addictive. great on carrots! or a spoon =/
No pudge brownie mix-  to make two-bite brownies: put in mini-muffin pans for half the time
or... if that's too long... just add yogurt?!? So easy! So fudgey!
Katz' Midnight Blue Coffee- Dark, full, and smooth. It makes me linger.
Alexander  Family Farm Eggs- Good baking starts with good eggs and these are perfection!
Remember When Butter- Makes everything you cook or bake taste like heaven.
Raw Revolution Raspberry & Chocolate Bar- It's like my favorite wheatsville berry brownie- but no flour!
Cel-Ray Soda- Refreshment perfection. Surprisingly celery like- but no strings!
Richardson's Farms Pork Products. the pan-style sausage is divine, but they're all delicious...
The deli's new breads!!!- Rosemary Loaf. So good you just might have to go to confession.
Pure Luck Farms herbs- Wafting up gorgeous scents wherever they go. Dill, Thyme & Love.
 
Rush Hour Recipes
With the start of a new month comes a new Rush Hour Recipe! Yay!  This month features Chicken With Chimichurri Sauce.
Every month we'll feature a new entree recipe (featuring a mix of vegetarian, non-vegetarian and vegan options) at the Deli Counter and on our website. We will keep an archive of recipe cards at the member center as well, so that you can pick one up and use it for your dinner shopping. You can even use these recipes to build your own recipe book. These recipes come from various co-ops all over the States, which is pretty cool. Plus they have been kitchen tested so you trust them to turn out right. Increase your kitchen repertoire with these quick, easy, fresh, entree recipes.  Follow this link to see the Rush Hour Recipes:  http://wheatsville.coop/recipeindex.html
 

I hope that you have a great week!

Dan
Wheatsville

Chicken and changes.

Short e-mail this week for a change! (We're so busy, we hardly have time for anything!)

Our deli continues to come together with some new or new-ish things!

Look for brand new Natural Rosemary Garlic Roasted whole Chicken ready to take home and eat! In the deli self-service case!
Have you had our fresh baked LaBrea bread yet? It's really good. We're baking it three times a day and doing our best to keep it sticked for you.
Many of you have been enjoying our new Fair Trade organic coffee bar. I enjoy the soy hot chocolate made with Organic Dagoba chocolate syrup. We've got a member coupon on the Wheatsvillain, brewed coffee with a shot of espresso.
Soup is still available! It's now out for self service next to the baker case. We have 2 soups a day (plus our tempeh chili available at the deli counter.)

Words from Bryan, our meat guy!

Hey wheaties! Thanks for all the positive feed back on the new seafood case, and quick-to-fix entrées. In the Fresh Cases this week we have the following to entice you with.
 
Moroccan Lamb patties: flavorful spicy sausage patty with fresh cilantro & parsley various other spices – these are becoming very popular.
Cajun Catfish: a lil spicy taste of the south with no msg, preservatives, and additives. Fresh made Italian sausage link: We make and stuffed these in house, by hand (a first!). Add the flavor of fennel, garlic, and just a little spice to make your spaghetti jump off the plate.
Garlic and herb chicken: featuring Buddy's Boneless white meat marinated in garlic, thyme, rosemary, basil and oregano. This is a great piece of chicken! It is versatile in the kitchen and can be used as a topper for a salad or mixed with pasta and fresh veggies or pesto.
Salmon patties: Made with wild caught Alaskan salmon and flavored with sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger.
Don't miss this month's member coupons on great Applegate products: Natural uncured slow cooked ham -.25 off with coupon and Organic spinach and feta sausage -.25 off with member coupon.

Expansion news
It's been just under a year since construction started on this amazing and historic project at your co-op! Can you believe it?
Relive some of the early demolition at http://www.youtube.com/user/wheatsville Plus a few other videos including me in the kitchen with the downlow on how to cook simple asparagus.

If you've been in this week, you've seen the store continue to change as we move toward completion of the project (we're just about 6 weeks away from the finish line!)

Grocery has relocated to some new shelves, but it has not yet expanded into its final form. (That will come in a few weeks!)
Produce is relocated at the end of the first of the new grocery aisles. Head on down and visit your friends in produce land. They miss you! Plus, they've got some of that local food we should all be eating, right?
The new Hospitality Desk was installed today. This will ultimately be personned for the vast majority of the day, but for the next couple of weeks will mostly just look pretty. It was made by local craftsman at
Nagelhout & Company and the concrete top was made out of recycled concrete and bottled from Ecology Austin by the Austin artists at Newbold Stone.

Change will continue over the next month and half. THese e-mails are a good way to stay apprised of the changes.

REMEMBER: If you can't find something, please ask the staff. We WANT to help you find what you're looking for and help make this transition as smooth as possible.

THANK YOU so much for your continued patience and support during this exciting but sometimes trying time!

See you in the store, I hope!

Dan Gillotte
Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy

Earthday! We like to move it move it and more!

Hi frends!

Introducing the Wheatsville Food Co-op Gro-op!
In partnership with our friends at Austin Green Art and Resolution Gardens, Wheatsville is launching an easier way to grow your own food! Come to the launch announcement and film screening at the Triangle from 4pm-10pm on Wed. April 22nd! Join us for a screening of King Corn and learn more about the Wheatsville Gro-op!

Wheatsville Presents the Austin Green Art eARTHday this Saturday!
Gateway to the Green Economy
Join us Saturday, April 18, 9 am - 3 pm at Republic Square Park (4th & Guadalupe)
Join thousands of your neighbors, local green businesses and environmental groups and the cultural community in a manifestation of the Sustainability Revolution! Products, services, food, kids activities, music, art and more celebrating life in balance and restoration. http://www.austinearthday.com/
This event is rain or shine, and we need the rain so bad, that we're not even hoping that it stops! But even though you're sweet, you're not made of sugar, right? So head on down and celebrate Earthday!

The new store is really coming together, eh?
Despite some chaos and lots and lots of movement and changes the store is really starting to move toward its final look. Thanks for your continued patience and patronage. Your support makes this all possible. We've made some significant changes to grocery, vitamins, bodycare and produce this week. Please be sure to ask if you're not finding what you need. We haven't gotten rid of any product to make these moves, so if it was here last week, it's probably here this week... somewhere. We're trying to have extra staff on to be there to help you find what you need.

Word from the new and improved deli!
A fair trade organic coffee bar, a beautiful bakery case brimming with treats, and fresh-baked artisan breads – including a fabulously crusty, organic French baguette! – are just three of the many new reasons to come out to the Wheatsville Deli this week! But there are so many more!
In the full-serve case you may find the creamy, spicy Red Curry Tofu, Balsamic-Glazed Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, pungent Broccoli with Cashew Tamari, crispy Risotto Cakes, Curry Lime Chicken Salad, grilled sustainable Yellow fin Tuna Steaks, tender Almond Roasted Asparagus, healthy Lively Carrots and Beets, the Asian-spiced Ume Bean Salad, and tons more! We have Mongolian BBQ Baked Tofu, Southern Fried Tofu and Popcorn Tofu – which is looking better than ever thanks to our new deep fryer!

African Peanut and Minestrone soups are on the menu as well. As always, custom sandwiches – grab a coupon for 50 cents off a Boar's Head Ovengold Turkey Sandwich this month – tacos, and our rice 'n' beans are ready to be served just the way you like 'em. This is one of the BEST VALUE lunches in the whole dang town! And don't forget our righteously famous Frito Pie, made with our own Tempeh Chili – it's a chewy, crunchy taste sensation and the perfect lunch on any day.

Or just grab a bite from our self-service deli case – grab-n-go sandwiches, green salads, Chicken Salad, Gingered Tempeh Pasta, Tuna Salad, Pimento Cheese… you can even save 25 cents off the Thai Pasta this month!… all these and more await you, so stop in and let the Wheatsville Deli fill you up!

And be sure to try the Deli Counter's latest smoothie of the month, the refreshing "Pineapple Banana Dream," a smoothie bursting with fruit and reminiscent of sipping pina coladas on the beach!
 
From the Land of Cheese:
 
Some Brie facts:
Brie is a soft, cow's milk cheese that originated in the Brie region of France. It has a buttery texture and nutty flavor. Brie is traditionally made with raw milk and aged for a period of four to five weeks. Unfortunately, government regulation requires any cheeses made with raw milk, to be aged at least 60 days. So, that means you have to go to France if you want to eat true Brie. The outside of the Brie is covered with a white mold (penicillium candidum) and is meant to be eaten. Bries tend to have butterfat content around 45%. Double cream bries, like Fromage D' Affinios have a butterfat content around 60%. Triple cream bries, such as Saint Andres, have a butterfat content of 75%. Brie can be eaten with crackers, crusty bread, or fruits and nuts, like pistachios and pears. A subtle red wine, like a Pinot Noir or a dry, lively white wine, like a nice Champagne is a good pair. Quince paste or fruit preserves could also be served along with the Brie.
 
There are two "bries" that we carry that I would highly recommend. Brazos Vellay Cheese Company's  Brie  and the Saint Andre triple cream. Brazos Valley Cheese Company is located outside of Waco on the Brazos  River. Let this cheese sit out for an hour, before eating. After five minutes of sitting, this cheese starts to change states and from the inside out turns into a slow river of butterfat. This brie is made from fresh Texas cows milk and made without the use of additives or preservatives. The Saint Andre triple cream is made using a sour cream, sweet cream and heavy cream. This gives it its dense body, tangy taste, satin texture and a butterfat content of 75%. I would absolutely recommend Champagne and strawberries to compliment this cheese.
 
The use of brie does not have to be confined to appetizer or on a cheese plate. It can be used in many different recipes. Use brie in place of butter for mashed potatoes. If you are daring, use it alongside the butter. It can be used in mac and cheese or as a filling for tarts.  I had a wonderful sandwich made up of turkey, brie and fig spread on marbled rye. Once you start eating this cheese and understanding the nuances of its taste and texture, you will realize the uses for this cheese are almost limitless.
 
 
Word from Bryan, the Butcher
 
Most of our customers can walk up to our seafood department and pick anything they like, knowing that we're providing them with high quality, sustainable seafood. Wouldn't you like to take that confidence with you when you eat out? Even the best restaurants struggle with balancing quality seafood with tight budgets, and more often than not the quality is what ends up suffering. Though most restaurants have sustainable options, like catfish or tilapia, you still have to know what to look for. Wheatsville Food Co-op, as a pledged member of the seafood advocacy watch, is proud to provide you with information and knowledge to make informed decisions at all times. That's why we provide you with the same information we use to stock our shelves.
 
Try this link: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx
 
This seafood watch list provided by the Monterey Bay Aquarium is wallet sized, so you can take it anywhere. You can also have it downloaded to your cell phone. The seafood watch list tells you, by region, what seafood choices are acceptable based on sustainability and population. We pass out the wallet sized seafood watch list in the store, or you can request it from the Meat Department staff. It's a handy tool to use for yourself or to give to friends who may not be as familiar with the important issues surrounding our oceans. We also recommend giving copies to the chef at your favorite restaurant and request that they sell only sustainable seafood. New this year, The Monterey Bay Aquarium has devised a sushi watch list that we have available. So check it out!
 
This month, Applegate Farms slow cook ham is on member coupon, for $.25 off $5.99.  Applegate spinach and feta chicken and turkey organic sausage is also on coupon for $.25 off of each.  Have a good week, see ya soon!
 
New Freezers mean more new cool stuff for you (ha! that was a punny one!)
Gluten Free Free Pizza Crust- Locally Made
 
Gluten Free Kneads make all natural pizza crusts that are delicious, convenient, and produced in a dedicated gluten free facility.
Their products are created with their own flour blend called Smart Flour.  It contains tapioca, teff, and amaranth flours which enhances its protein, vitamin and mineral, and fiber content.  Taste the difference and see how delicious gluten free can be.
 
Featured in the pizza section of our new freezers!
 
http://www.glutenfreekneads.com
 
In the Beer Aisle
Beer of The Week
 
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
 
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has a deep amber color and an exceptionally full-bodied, complex character. Generous quantities of premium Cascade hops give the Pale Ale its fragrant bouquet and spicy flavor. The perfect beer for Spring, both full-bodied and refreshingly light.
 
 
Thanks!
Have a great week!

Dan Gillotte
Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy
 

Happy Happy Happy and other spring stuff!

Hello Wheatsville friends and fans!

Hopefully, you've been finding your way through the ever changing
funhouse that is Wheatsville these days. If you feel lost, be sure to
ask one of our staff members and they'll be glad to set you on the
right path! Thanks for your patience and enthusiasm for our project.
I've had so many really nice comments from people. I really appreciate
it.
We'll be open regular hours this weekend. For those of you that
partake, I hope you have a great Passover and Easter filled with
family, friends and fun!

We've got so much to share it's kind of unbelievable!

Scroll down for cool stuff like:
Seventeen Year old Bakes spelt yumminess for you!
Did someone say coffee bar?!?
The new deli is rockin'
Cheese news
Loncito Lamb and other meat news
Earthday!
Rush Hour Recipes
Staff Picks
Ooh! Strawberries and the good stuff is coming!

I want to share some cool feedback from Wheatsville owner, Bob Morgan.
He took a situation that could have been a complain and turned it on
its head and found the really positive aspect of the situation!

This is NOT a complaint, but a sign of success. At one point this
afternoon, there were 10 bikes on the bike rack (mine included), and 8
more hung on various handrails. It took some cooperation to pack that
many onto the rack, it normally wouldn't happen.

You ought to get a picture of the bike rack full of bikes sometime and
use it for some kind of publicity (and somewhere along the way, expand
the bike rack (We will. Soon!- Dan)).

I bet that there weren't 18 bikes total in all of Austin in front of
all the other grocery stores in town combined.
This is success for Wheatsville, for Austin and for all of us on the
planet.

New Items in grocery!

Introducing: Munchie's Lunch Box
Munchie's Lunchbox is a small, family run bakery located in Bastrop.
Their Head Baker is 17 year old Zach. In the beginning, Zach wore many
hats including baker, packer and seller. The bakery has grown and now
his two brothers Robert and Duncan work with Zach. They use Organic
spelt flour, real butter and Cage Free eggs. They recycle and compost
all of their banana skins and egg shells. The finished compost goes
back into the garden to grow fresh herbs. Additionally, they buy wind
credits for 100% of their electricity use. Spelt is the main flour in
all of their products. Spelt is an ancient grain that is high in
fiber, protein and complex carbs. It is not gluten free but can be
tolerated by some people with wheat allergies. Munchies Lunchbox uses
only Organic spelt flour from Vita Spelt.

Wheatsville is currently offering their delicious brownies, banana or
pumpkin breads and many flavors of scones. Try one today from our new
hot coffee section by the deli.

Come into your brand new Wheatsville Deli and check out our new space
– and offerings! We have a wonderful new fair trade coffee bar where
we make to order delectable all-organic lattes, cappuccinos, mochas
with your choice of sauces and flavorings! There's even a money-saving
member coupon for 50 cents off the Wheatsvillain – our signature
coffee drink with an eye-opening shot of espresso! For you tea
drinkers, we are also now making chai lattes and are offering a lovely
assortment of many organic varieties of Mighty Leaf teas!

This month the Deli Counter brings you a warm weather cooler, the
refreshing Pineapple Banana Dream, a smoothie bursting with fruit and
reminiscent of sipping pina coladas surfside! This tasty pineapple-
banana concoction will have you in your flip-flops basking in the
salty sea breeze in no time!

Sweet and spicy, Sweet Serrano Salsa is the salsa for April – this
tasty orange salsa combines hot serrano peppers, vine-ripened tomatoes
and red onions with sweet peaches and cilantro to make a beautiful,
flavorful salsa, perfect for dipping chips or topping your tacos!

On sale at the Wheatsville Deli now through April 15th are our two
brand new Fresh in the Deli Specials for April. From Food Front
Cooperative Grocery in Portland, Oregon, comes a delicious grain
salad, Greek Artichoke Hearts and Bulgur. Abundant with seasonal
spring vegetables, nutty bulgur wheat is complemented by artichoke
hearts, baby spinach, fresh mint and roasted red peppers. Flavored
with Greek staples oregano, garlic and lemon, this salad is a both
healthy and hearty.
Also at the Deli, you can pick up some of our new Honey Almond Beets
with Feta, recipe courtesy of the Willy Street Co-op in Madison,
Wisconsin. Here, sliced tender spring beets are tossed with crunchy
almonds and salty feta cheese. The delightful textural contrasts are
heightened by a sweet-tart dressing of local honey, red wine vinegar
and cardamom.
In other money-saving coupons this month, you can get 50 cents off a
custom Boar's Head Ovengold Turkey Sandwich, as well as 25 cents off
our wheat-free Thai Pasta Salad available in our self-serve case!

And be sure to remember, this week brings us the Easter holiday! Deli
specials for the weekend include hard-boiled Easter Eggs colored with
all-natural homemade dyes, sweet honey-glazed Spring Ham layered with
shredded Parmesan and fresh basil, and Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche for
your brunching pleasure! Also in the beautiful new bakery case will be
our favorite (and the Easter Bunny's too, we hear) Carrot Cake!
Come on in and check out your NEW WHEATSVILLE DELI!!

From Greg in the Land of Cheese
Cheese is now located in the new addition, to the left of the deli
counter, inbetween meat and beer. Cheese will eventually move into its
own cheese island, but that is a few weeks away. We have a couple of
items on sale. Organic Valley Cream Cheese in the tub for $2.49 and
Organic Valley Parmesan for $3.49.

Bryan, the butcher
Hey folks! For Easter we will have small Niman Petite Hams and
Loncito's boneless lamb legs available. You favorite local items can
now be found in the freezer, with an expanded selection of
Thunderheart bison and Bastrop Cattle Company products. Loncito's got
a wonderful write-up in the Statesman today: http://www.austin360.com/search/content/food_drink/stories/2009/04/0408loncito.html
unfortunately, his production has been a little low, so we don't
have as much product as we would like, but we will this weekend.

Look for fresh sausages in our new Quick to Fix case. We have beef
and pork Italian sausage made with Niman ranch meat & Chicken sausages
made with Buddy's chicken. And we have some great tasting salmon
burgers, perfect for you to take home and cook right up for your dinner.
In our new seafood case we currently have great selections of Wild
Caught Alaskan Sockeye and Coho Salmon. Fresh oysters are coming! So
keep an eye out for those.

Austin Green Art eARTHday
Wheatsville is the major sponsor of Austin Green Art's Earthday at
Republic Square Park on Saturday March 18th from 9am to 3pm. This
should be a really fun event and Wheatsville will soon be launching
our newest local food initiative in conjunction with this event. Stay
tuned! For more information about the Green Art eARTHday go to: http://www.austinearthday.com/

Rush Hour Recipes
Every month we'll feature a new entree recipe (featuring a mix of
vegetarian, non-vegetarian and vegan options) at the Deli Counter and
on our website. We will keep an archive of recipe cards at the member
center as well, so that you can pick one up and use it for your dinner
shopping. You can even use these recipes to build your own recipe
book. These recipes come from various co-ops all over the States,
which is pretty cool. Plus they have been kitchen tested so you trust
them to turn out right. Increase your kitchen repertoire with these
quick, easy, fresh, entree recipes. Follow this link to see the Rush
Hour Recipes: http://wheatsville.coop/recipeindex.html .

Staff Pick 'em! Yummy and awesome stuff tha you can trust!
Check out our "Staff Top Ten Picks" posted throughout the store, we
work here and shop here!!! Look for these signs in front of the
products that our staff love. These guys are featured for the month
of January.

Featuring Laurie Power, Deli Cook:

The Diva Cup. It's easy, environmentally responsible, and
undetectable. I can ride my bicycle in white pants if I wanna.
Bota Box - Old Vine Zin. It's economical, environmentally
responsible, and magically delicious - I can't believe it's boxed.
Bionaturae pastas. Toothy, sauce grabbing, my favorite dry pasta ever.
I love the fusilli!
Lacinato kale. I cut it in skinny ribbons and add to raw salads,
cooked grains, pasta dishes, or stir-fry. It's healthy, delicious,
versatile, and user friendly!
El Milagro. I can't decide which of their products I love most.
Tortillas? Tostadas? Chips? All are staple items in my house.
Pineapple-zucchini muffins. They are delicious, and smell incredible
when they are toasting. I wish I had one now.
Turkish Garbanzo Bean Salad - Not only is it a lovely color, it's
delicious, textural, complex, and unusual.
Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Skin Toner - Not only does it smell
wonderful, it is very refreshing and hydrating. I put it on after a
shower instead of moisturizer.
Cafe Brasil Poco Fundo (Coopfam) - my caffeine addiction supports
after school art programs and Estela's scholarship fund, so it's
totally worth it. The coffee's good too.
Chocolove Cherries & Almonds in Dark Chocolate Bar - This is essential
for my well being. Blurs the line between want and need.

Featuring Ryan Soutter, Grocery Stocker

Gopal Curry Power Wraps- It's like a hippy slimjim.
Thai Young Coconuts- Sweet refreshing nectar.
Quorn Products- I love them ALL! The UK finally made something right.
New World Sprout Salad- Tasty. Invigorating. Alive.
Avery The Reverend- This Sinister Minister is a serious sipper. Prost!
Ginger People Ginger Drinks- Feel good in a bottle.
Morningland Cheeses- Marvelously crafted cheese, a long time favorite
of mine.
Eco Teas Mate- When you have to get something done with tenacity.
Hunza Goji Granola- Plus almond milk = Happy delicious breakfast-time.
Niman Ranch Grass-fed Beef- Grass makes this meat so sweet. Support
humane farming.

Produce is heading into the delicious season!

Berries
It is the beginning of the strawberry season, and conventional Texas
berries have started showing up. We also have organic strawberrys, and
a blueberries. Berries are good by themselves, but even better dipped
in sugar or covered in whipped cream (preferably homemade).

Kumquats
This current batch of kumquats is the best we've had all season. These
are really fun to watch people eat. I love sampling them out to kids
and watching the reaction to the sour aspects, and the redemption of
the sweet finish on their face. Hilarious. These should be eaten
whole. If you like you can rub you fingers on the skin and release the
essential oils.

1015's
Sweet onions are delicious. They can be eaten raw, or slow cooked for
righteous carmelization. There are three pound bags of organic 1015's
and loose conventional 1015's.

Local Herbs
We are proud to carry Pure Luck's organic culinary herbs. Pure Luck is
known for their amazing artisinal goat cheeses but they grow some high
quality herbs as well. Each bunch is $1.49, and are bagged and are
stocked in water for freshness. We are also carrying Buena Tierra's
organic basil. We are looking forward to another great season from them.

Ch Ch Changes
Big changes are coming for your produce department (like the rest of
the store) and we'll try to make the transitions as smooth as possible
for you, and your shopping. Look for this the week of April 20th or
so...

I hope you have a great week!

Dan Gillotte
Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy

New look same great place, Coffee with the Board, what to expect in the coming week and we're closing early!

Hello Wheatsville friends!

It's been great to see so many of you coming in to check out the new addition and participate in our game, "Where did you hide the bulk department?!" I am really excited and pelased with the new space and have gotten so many wonderful comments from you all. I'm so happy that this idea we had years ago now has nice people like you using it!

If you haven't been in this week, please come by. You'll find the original store to be in an interesting phase with lots of open spaces and hanging plastic. Then you'll cross over to the new addition and (hopefully) be blown away by the new space!
In case you don't know, here are some of the new things in our new space:

Fresh Baked Bread- we have in-house fresh baked LaBrea bread for you to enjoy. So far the response to this has been tremendous and people seem to really like it. One person said that it was the one thing they were missing at Wheatsville. I"m so glad to fill that need with this new bread. I've been enjoying it a  lot myself!

Organic, Fair Trade Espresso Drinks! Yeppers... get your caffeine needs met through your co-op! And, I'm happy to brag that unlike other places in town, we use ORGANIC MILK and SOYMILK (at no additional charge) and we even have organic Chocolate and flavored syrups! Whoa! This really is quite special and you won't just find it at any old coffee shop, I promise.

Greatly expanded Frozen Foods- This department has grown A LOT and so far people seem to love it. Look for more entrees (including the delicious Amy's Tamales), more ice cream and non-dairy frozen treats (the coconut milk So Delicious treats have been a HUGE hit at our house!) and even new and different burritos! This department is the first FULLY expanded department, so it can give you a taste of what's to come!

Expanded seafood selection and quick to fix meat items! Bryan and Mark have been whipping up some nice looking cases every day and some product that is top notch. Don't be shy, step up to the counter and ring that bell! Someone will get right with you!


CLOSING EARLY NOTICE: We will be closing early on Tuesday April 7th at 10pm in order to relocate the registers into their new final home! So, come on in Wednesday for still more changes!

If you're having trouble with the changes, please don't hesitate to ask for help! And, don't worry, we're still the same Wheatsville you know and love, even if we've spruced the place up a bit!

Coffee with the board this Saturday!
Come to Coffee with the board this Saturday from 10am-noon. Share coffee and treats with your board while talking about your co-op, the weather, or the transformation of society! How many other boards of directors of businesses make themselves available to chat with you?

Don't forget about Produce.
With all the excitement with the new store, don't forget about your green grocers over in the old store! We'll keep the light on for you! Produce doesn't get to relocate to their new digs for a while, but they still have excellent products for your green grocer needs!
 
1015's
We currently have  three pound bags of organic 1015 Texas sweet onions, and conventional loose 1015's. These are very sweet onions. They are great raw (I've seen people eat them apples, which is not for me, but I've seen it), and cook down to be even sweeter. They are only availble for a brief time in the early spring so get them while they last.
 
Convenient Produce Near the Coffee
We have some produce near the self serve coffee area. There are both conventional and organic bananas, some citrus and a few apples and pears. Pick some up if you're in a hurry in the deli because fresh fruits are a good idea!
 
Local Herbs
Right now, we are offering Pure Luck Herbs, Buena Tierra basil, and Urban Roots cilantro. As the season progresses look for more fresh spring produce.
 
Texas Strawberries!
Yep, we've got 'em! Come in and get 'em while you can!

In The Grocery Aisle
Steaz Organic Energy Drink:
 
Here's a great one for a hot day. Steaz Organic Energy Drink is a natural way to get the energy boost you need, and it's a refreshing drink for the times when you also need to cool off. This is a different kind of energy drink made with fair trade Ceylon green tea, yerba mate, acai berry juice, and other natural ingredients. There are no artificial flavors, colors or other ingredients. You can try three different flavors at Wheatsville: berry, diet berry, and orange. To learn about Steaz Organic Energy Drinks go to http://www.steazenergy.com
 
Justin Merrifield, Grocery Buyer

LOST KEYS ALERT!!
On Saturday, March 29th, around 2 in the afternoon while enthusing about the new deli, a Wheatsville staffer dropped her keys and another staffer accidentally gave them to a customer who didn't realize they weren't hers. The folding remote key costs about $250 to replace, so our staffer is very anxious to recover them. If you have some mysterious keys (and you don't know where they came from), please bring them by Wheatsville the next time you're in the store.

Have a great week and thanks for your continued patience during our major project!

Dan
Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy!