Posts filed under 'food item'
I’m in love with … my grocer. Sounds scandalous, but really it’s among the best relationships I’ve had. For a delivery fee, my grocer will shop for me from my very specific list, call with questions, pack it up and deliver it to my door per my instructions.
Something that makes your life this much easier sounds almost too good to be true. But, true it is and, thus, Willy Street Co-Op’s delivery service has stolen my heart. It’s saved me from torturous grocery shopping trips with the kids and made my life a little more stress-free.
Here’s how it works. Check out Willy Street Co-op’s web site. Become a member (see site for membership details and options — you’ll need to stop by the co-op at 1221 Williamson Street to officially sign up). Then, register for on-line shopping and fill your virtual cart. Delivery fees depend on where you live in Madison, but generally are up to $10. Delivery days also vary by region. And, if those don’t work for you, you can always pick up your order at the co-op — packed and ready to go — for a mere $3.
This was my experience: I placed my order at 9:30 one Tuesday morning and by mid-afternoon, vóila, my groceries were delivered. My order ran the gamut from bulk items (like flours, and baking supplies and dried fruits and nuts) to frozen foods, fresh organic produce to and heatlh and beauty products — from face and shaving lotions to deoderants and vitamins. The delivery staff even called me a few times to clarify: They didn’t have a one-pound turkey breast as I’d ordered; the smallest was 6 pounds … did I want that whole bird? Or, how ’bout a small roasting chicken instead? Perfect. Thanks for checking.
The fact that you can give special instructions on the order — where to leave it, where to reach you, etc. — is a major bonus, as is the fact that you can choose how you’d like your bulk items packed (in plastic bags or bottles, or you can purchase other packaging if you prefer). And, if you’re not in the know, the co-op is about the best place in town to find organics, satisfy special dietary needs and philosophies (gluten-free, wheat-free, vegan) and purchase locally grown and produced foods and products. Its got a great deli and bakery, too. (We always order our birthday cakes there. Can’t beat the banana cake: moist and delicious; thick cream-cheese frosting; feeds a crowd; only $20.)
Really, this service is a sanity-saver. We’ll be ordering weekly, especially as it’s a great way to help track and control the grocery budget. Usually, when it comes to keeping tabs on my spending in any grocery store, well, forget about it. By the end of a trip with the kids, I’m just throwing things in the cart, or dashing for the door with only half my order. The co-op lists all weekly and monthly specials, and I find looking at the list online and adding/deleting items to my cart that way infinitely easier than returning to aisle 1 to reshelve a product while my 1-year-old protests.
For more details check out the co-op’s site or call (608) 251-6776. This is definitely one retail affair worth having!
Mama Kate
February 6th, 2008
There are so many people who absolutely adore spicey food and hot sauce. When looking for a fabulous spicey gift, Hot Peppers of Key West is where you’ll find the selection and the friendly service.
The store and website offer interesting award winning sauces such as Goin’ Bananas Hot sauce that Mike and Tom, the masterminds behind the Key West collection, whipped up!
There is a Hot Sauce of the Month Club, gift baskets, marinades, condiments and rubs as well.
Not only are there some hot hot sauces, there are also tons of not so hot sauces that the whole family can enjoy! So much depth in the sauces here—they are not just tongue burners(of course there are those if you are looking for them)! Great care is taken in choosing which sauces to carry at Hot Peppers of Key West.
PSSST!! When visiting this store in Key West, bring Mike and Tom some beer to share with you, and they’ll take you on a guided tour of the great products they offer! My husband and I learned this tip while in Key West, and we had such a fun time in that store! If like me, you can’t get there anytime soon and you have questions, just call! They are such knowledgeable and friendly guys! Mama Jen
November 26th, 2007
Anke Johnson has put together some fabulous and reasonable tips for surviving the Thanksgiving meal or meals if your me and have two Thanksgiving dinners to attend!
Have a Healthy, Happy Thanksgiving!
By Anke Johnson
For most of us, Thanksgiving is one of the happiest times of the year. The weather is cool and crisp. The wine is flowing. And we get to enjoy the company of family and friends. What’s not to love?
The only drawback might be the extra weight some people gain during the holiday season. Now, I’m not going to be a Scrooge and tell you to skip your favorite dishes on the 22nd. But here is what I do suggest: Focus on eating more of the healthier foods.
There are many healthy foods to choose from at Thanksgiving. Fill up on the turkey, tomatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, salad, nuts (preferably raw and unsalted), and all the other things that are good for you. Eat slowly and stop when you’re full. You don’t have to miss out on the candied yams (but if they’re not candied, fill up on them as well), stuffing, and dessert, but if you fill up on the healthy stuff, you won’t have much room to overindulge in those less-healthy options.
After dinner, take the kids out on a post dinner walk, before you do the dishes. The fresh air will invigorate the most tired cook, but most of all you’ll get the much needed blood flow back for proper digestion.
Follow this advice and you just might make it till dark without passing out in a food coma.
Above all, enjoy your holiday! www.naturalsolutionsbyanke.com
November 12th, 2007
And I ate it last week!!!!
On our trip to the Bay Area last week, where we used to live, our friends who live in Half Moon Bay suggested we all go to Sam’s Chowder House for dinner. I had never been there because it wasn’t there when I had lived out there—our friends are real foodies, so I knew we were in for a treat. The restaurant is right on the ocean, so there are wonderful views. It was casual though, which was good since we both had our kids in tow.
Once I mentioned the Lobster Roll on the menu, our friends chimed in about how delicious it is and how, no matter what we order, we must get two for the table to share…we also learned that it was one of the top five contenders last week for “America’s Best Sandwich” on The Today Show.
Well!!!! East Coasters prepare yourselves!!! This is the best lobster roll I have ever had, and for good reason! I love lobster, and that is what you get…lots of tender big pieces of lobster which aren’t hidden under the typical mound of mayo—just light dressing of delicate butter, herb and celery. Out of this world. Even the ex-East Coaster in our party agreed.
If you find yourself in Half Moon Bay (where I have long had visions of my fantasy dwelling), you must go to Sam’s Chowder House for their famous Lobster Roll! (Don’t forget—being able to have lobster in a rustic but swanky, oceanside restaurant where it is fine to have your kids in tow is a huge plus!) Mama Jen
September 30th, 2007
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