Sunday, June 19, 2016

Time To Say Goodbye

At least for now, probably for good. When I started this blog in 2009, I never expected I'd still be writing it now. 3500 posts later, here I still am. I'm a bit of an info-junkie, loving to find good info and share it with others, but looking for new content for just about every day is starting to feel a bit like a prison. Plus, the methods for finding that content have changed remarkably in these past six years, and not necessarily for the better from the perspective of writing this blog. Initially, stores faithfully kept calendars of events on their websites where I could quickly look for ideas. Whole Foods hasn't maintained its local web calendars for at least two or three years, migrating instead to media like Facebook, where I have to chase them down. And now there's another shift, with the stores putting specials out on their own apps, yet another place to chase. So what was at first fun is now becoming somewhat tiresome, and I do think I deserve a break from this.

To those wonderful people who have been following these writings, thank you with all my heart. (And a very special thank you to you, Ms. A.!) Maybe I just need a rest, then the info-junkie will take back over and get me going again. But for now, I'm really looking forward to spending less time with my fingers on a keyboard.

P.S. Don't forget all the free breakfast stations on Bike to Work Day coming up quickly this Wednesday, the 22nd. Haven't had a chance to do a post on that, but I can already see my fingers might itch to get back into writing after a rest.

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Boulder Farmers' Market Today

A rather toasty day today, so probably best to get to the Boulder Farmers' Market before the temperature gets too high. And what reasons to do so on this last weekend officially falling in spring before the solstice - sugar snap peas and garlic scapes have arrived! With a short season for both, carpe diem. Here's what the Market says you can expect to find today:

Fresh at the Market this Week: 
garlic scapes, peonies, snap peas, collards, turnips, cherries, spicy greens, radishes, rhubarb, strawberries, spinach, mint, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, green garlic, lettuce, bok choy, micro-greens, edible flowers & hanging baskets

Friday, June 17, 2016

Weekend Plus Copper River

Once again, it looks like our local Whole Foods stores aren't planning any particular sales for the weekend, at least that they've posted yet (although their weeklong steak sale is enough to lure anyone in anyway, see Wednesay's post for that). As for the current state of fresh Copper River salmon fillets, yesterday at the Sprouts on Arapahoe I saw them for $15.99 a pound. At Whole Foods yesterday, they'd dropped a whopping $1 to $28.99 a pound, although they were indeed beautiful, basically ready for their photo shoot. And as mentioned Wednesday, King Soopers is advertising them this week for $14.99 a pound, club price.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

This Week's Red Wagon CSA

Always exciting to see what new produce emerges as the spring, now nearly summer, season progresses. Snap peas and garlic scapes this week from my Red Wagon Organic Farm CSA! Always a good indicator too for what you'll see at the Boulder Farmers' Market. Here's what Red Wagon says about this week's CSA (and what is a Salanova? - Red Wagon is educational too):

CSA week 4, here is what we hope to bring you:

Regular Share
-Hakurei Turnips
-Garlic Scapes
-Spring Onions
-Sugar Snap Peas
-CHOICE: Lettuce OR Spinach
-CHOICE: Kale OR Collards OR Chard

Large Share Additions
-Extra Sugar Snap Peas
-Salanova Head Lettuce
-CHOICE: Mint OR Dill OR Cilantro

Bike Ride, Farm Tour and Lunch

An event is coming up on June 26th featuring two of my favorite, and easily confused, entities, Cured, the fabulous local downtown shop of fine cheeses, wine and other delicacies, and Cure, the organic farm at 75th and Valmont. It's pretty pricey but takes up most of the day. Here are the details from Cured:

Pro Peloton + Cured Ride, Farm Tour and Lunch Ride: Saturday June 26th9am-3pm: Join Pro Peloton’s owner, cyclocross ninja and all around bicycle guru Brandon Dwight and Cured’s ex-Tour de France cyclist turned cheese and wine consumption expert Will Frischkorn for a supported 2.5 hour ride in the foothills of Boulder.  After your ride, enjoy a guided rose tasting, farm tour and catered picnic at Boulder’s Cure Organic Farm.  We will meet at the NEW Pro-Peloton (2516 Broadway) for a 9 am departure and will plan on being back in town at around 3:00. Cost is $148 per person and space is limited to 20 participants. You can purchase tickets on the website by clicking HERE!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

This Week's Hot Grocery Deals (IMHO)

We have new sales starting today at our Boulder Sprouts and Whole Foods stores. Here's what's looking good to me now.

Sprouts will do another 72 hour sale this Friday through Sunday, but the only items particularly appealing to me are previously frozen 16/20 count farmed shrimp for $6.99 a pound, quinoa (white or tri-color) $1.99 a pound, and raw almonds $3.99 a pound. I don't eat conventional strawberries, but those will be just 98 cents for a one pound package.

In Sprouts' regular sale starting today through June 22, I'm liking bone-in New York steaks at $6.99 a pound (everybody's advertising things for the grill for Father's Day), their own stuffed chicken breasts $2.99 a pound (boneless skinless ones also that price), whole or split fresh chickens $1.69 a pound, stew beef okay at $4.99 a pound, and boneless pork loin chops or St. Louis spare ribs $3.99 a pound. And if you don't want to break out the grill for dad, they have fully cooked full 22 ounce racks of baby back ribs for $11.99 each. In fish, previously frozen five ounce lobster tails are $5.99 each for a surf  'n turf on the grill for dad, and previously frozen wild jumbo sea scallops are $10.99 a pound, but I'd avoid the halibut or farmed salmon sold in portions if you do the math to make it per pound. They aren't advertising Copper River salmon, but I saw it at $15.99 a pound a few days ago, would hope it might be the same or lower. King Soopers is advertising Copper River for $14.99 a pound with card, while Safeway only says it is "available."

In organic produce at Sprouts, mini sweet peppers are $1.98 a pint, and they are great on the grill, while the rest is fruit: yellow peaches $1.98 a pound, red or green seedless grapes $1.98 a pound, and various sized strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries all $2.98 a container. Elsewhere in the store, I'm liking bulk coffee at $6.99 a pound (actually loving that one, and it includes organic), and the rest of the sale primarily emphasizes Sprouts' own brand in every department.

I know Whole Foods simply must have a new sale starting today, but as of this fairly early morning writing, the Pearl Street website is still listing the sales that ended yesterday. I'll check again on that later today, when new stuff surely will be up.

Update - so Whole Foods did finally update its sales post sometime this morning. For the sale running through June 21st, the stunner is their exceedingly fine boneless beef ribeye steaks for just $10.99 a pound, $9 off. If you are looking for brined meats for the grill, bone-in split chicken breasts are $3.99 a pound, and classic brined pork chops are $5.99 a pound. Organic strawberries are $2.99 for a one pound package, basically matching Sprouts. Also looking good are Cilegine mozzarella at $2.99 for eight ounces (caprese time!), Farmers Market potato salad in prepared foods at $6.99 a pound as an easy cheat for that bbq menu, and with all that time possibly outside this weekend (although it's going to be HOT!), some four ounce Alba Botanica sunscreens are $7.99 each. And maybe with that heat you'll want some Talenti gelato or sorbetto at $3.50 each.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Dine Out For Wildlife

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, that wonderful organization that cares for injured or orphaned wildlife, will receive support from another Dine Out for Wildlife on June 21st. Here are the details from Greenwood:

DINE OUT FOR WILDLIFE 
TUESDAY, JUNE 21
Join us at the Boulder location of Potbelly's Sandwich Shop from 5-8 pm Tuesday, June 21. 25% of the proceeds go to Greenwood. Every toasty warm sandwich on the menu is made to order, and they have great salads too! 

Corn Running Late This Year?

I encountered one of the Munson family yesterday and couldn't resist asking how the corn was coming along this year. She replied that with such a cold spring, it looks like it's going to be a little late this year. If I remember correctly, she said last year the Munson farm stand opened on July 20th. Patience, waiting for fabulous local corn.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Lucky's One-Day Supplement Sale

In all this sadness, it seems positively silly to be writing this, but this Wednesday the 15th, all supplements will be 30% off at the Lucky's Markets in both Boulder and Longmont.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Boulder Farmers' Market Today

It's a beautiful morning to enjoy today's Boulder Farmers' Market, before temps reach the 90s this afternoon. Here's the lovely spring produce (fruit!) the Market says you can expect to find:

Fresh at the Market this Week: 
turnips, cherries, spicy greens, radishes, rhubarb, strawberries, spinach, mint, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, green garlic, lettuce, bok choy, micro-greens, peonies & hanging baskets. coming soon: snap peas

Friday, June 10, 2016

Alfalfa's Cookout

A nice idea for an inexpensive lunch this summer. Every Saturday, the Alfalfa's stores in both Boulder and Louisville will be doing a Community Cookout, with four yummy options of plates at just $5, and $2 for hot dogs for the kids. From Alfalfa' (and apologies if it cuts off on the right):

The Alfalfa's Community Cookout!Join us in Boulder and Louisville every Saturday from 11am-2pm for our community cookout!
Natural Beef Burgers, BBQ Ribs, Grilled Veggie Sandwich, and Bratwurst all for $5 each. And a little somethin' for the kids: Grilled Beef Hot Dog for only $2.
Pick Your Side: Alfalfa's Famous Coleslaw, Basil Potato Salad, or Grilled Vegetables.
As always, thank you for shopping at the Boulder and Louisville communities' only local and independently owned grocer!

No Weekend Sale?

Whole Foods usually does some sort of specials for the weekend, but as of this writing, they haven't posted any on the Pearl Street page. Bummer, but it doesn't mean something might still be happening.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Red Wagon CSA

Here's what's in this week's Red Wagon Organic Farm CSA pickup. So much fun - still pea shoot season!

This week we hope to bring you the following:

Regular Share
-Hakurei Turnips
-CHOICE: Lettuce OR Spinach
-CHOICE: Kale OR Collards
-CHOICE: Green Garlic OR Spring Onions
-CHOICE: Herb OR Peashoots

Large Share Additions
-Lettuce AND Spinach
-Kale AND Collards
-Herb AND Peashoots
-Garlic Scapes
-Rhubarb


Don't forget to bring your bags. See you at your pick up!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Copper River Salmon Prices

As previously reported, this year's fresh wild salmon season has just begun with the arrival of Copper River salmon. I last saw it at the Whole Foods on Pearl about three days ago for $29.99 a pound, same price at which it was introduced a week earlier, although it could have subsequently dipped. This is the only time of year I check out the bigger grocery chains, as they tend to use Copper River as a lure for a visit (during which I buy nothing else). This week that visit is looking pretty likely, as fresh Copper River fillets are $14.99 a pound at Safeway (with card), and the same at Albertson's (I don't even know where the Albertson's store is in Boulder).

This Week's Hot Grocery Deals (IMHO)

We have new sales starting today at our Boulder Sprouts and Whole Foods stores. Something new is probably also happening at Vitamin Cottage, since their long-lasting sale ended last Saturday, must check that out. So here's what's looking good to me now.

At Sprouts through June 15th, I'm liking value packs of boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.88 a pound, London broil $3.99 a pound, bone-in country style pork ribs $1.99 a pound (shoulder roast also), and their own stuffed chicken breasts $2.99 a pound. In fish, really big previously frozen 13/15 count raw farmed shrimp are $7.99 a pound, previously frozen wild Alaskan snow crab clusters are $7.99 a pound, and fresh farmed Atlantic salmon fillets are $6.99 a pound, but stay tuned shortly for a post about salmon.

In organic produce at Sprouts, on-the-vine tomatoes are $1.98 a pound, then the specials are all fruit: red, green or black seedless grapes $2.98 a pound, various size packages of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries $2.98 each, and Red Raven black plums $1.98 a pound. Elsewhere in the store, I'm liking bulk cut hot pepper jack cheese for just $1.99 a pound, Horizon Organic milk $2.99 for a half gallon, a line drive of 30% off all Amy's brand products, my very favorite Green Mountain Creamery Greek yogurts just 77 cents each (most are 110 calories!), Home Run Inn frozen pizzas $6.99 each, Annie's mac and cheese $1 a box, the 15-ish size of Muir Glen organic tomatoes $1.25 a can, 5.5 ounce bags of Late July tortilla chips $2 each, and spice it up with 40% off all Tabasco brand products.

At Whole Foods through the 14th, I'm ecstatic about wild halibut fillets for $14.99 a pound (nearly half price, and MSC certified of course, but wonder that it doesn't specify fresh/frozen). Also, brined St. Louis style pork ribs are $4.99 a pound, and Belgioioso Auricchio burrata is again $3.99 for eight ounces. Some Mineral Fusion shampoos and conditioners are half off at $5 each, and some Fage Greek yogurts are $1.25 each. Otherwise, not a lot is hitting me for this week's sale, but I'll be on their doorstep for that halibut.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

My Poor Herbs!

Yesterday afternoon's storm really did a number on my herb plants in pots. My giant basils from Whole Foods are now staked up, praying for a recovery. My parsley might make it, but somehow that doesn't seem as important as the giant basils. Plants in the herb garden proper are fine - once they got established, those guys seem indestructible.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Tips For Storing Greens

In this season of beautiful spring greens, my fave Red Wagon Organic Farm offers this blog post on how to best store them for better shelf life in your fridge.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Boulder Farmers' Market Today

With so many markets run these days by the Boulder County Farmers' Market, guess I need to say that unless specified, I mean the original in downtown Boulder. (The organization is also hosting the regular Saturday Market at the fairgrounds in Longmont today, plus the inaugural Union Station Farmers' Market today, which being in Denver strains the definition of Boulder County.) In any case, the wonderful local produce you are likely to find will have the same seasonal theme. This from the Farmers' Market (and p.s. that I've heard a limited number of cherries may already be available):

Fresh at the Market this Week: 
turnips, spicy greens, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, pea shoots, asparagus, mint, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, green garlic, spring onions, lettuce, bok choy, micro-greens, peonies, allium stems, sweet peas (flowers), hanging baskets & gardens starts

coming soon: snap peas, strawberries and cherries

Friday, June 3, 2016

Union Station Farmers' Market Tomorrow

After a couple of evidently successful trial runs last summer, the Boulder County Farmers' Market will open its first ever regular season at beautiful Union Station in Denver tomorrow, if you happen to be in the area (perhaps taking the Flatiron Flyer RTD bus from Boulder that will land you right at the Station). Here's what the Market says:

This Saturday, 23 Colorado farms and 17 local food producers will set up their stands for the inaugural Union Station Farmers Market, downtown Denver's growers-only market at the historic Union Station. Our newest market will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekly through October 22. Join us at the Grand Opening for the ribbon cutting (9 a.m.), vegetable tastings, chef demo with Beast + Bottle (10-11 a.m.) and Market Bucks giveaways throughout the day.

This Week's Red Wagon CSA

Here's what Red Wagon Organic Farm has been offering in its CSA this week, always a good indicator of what to look for at tomorrow's Boulder Farmers' Market. From Red Wagon:

Week 2, and welcome to our biweekly B!

Yummy lettuce headed your way
Yummy lettuce headed your way

This week we hope to bring you:

Regular Share
-Egyptian Walking Onions
-Green Garlic
-Easter Egg Radishes
-CHOICE: Hakurei turnips OR Scarlet Turnips OR Red Russian Kale
-HERB CHOICE: Cilantro OR Mint OR Garlic Chives OR Oregano OR Thyme OR Sage OR Lovage
-CHOICE: Arugula OR Lettuce OR Pea Shoots OR Spinach


Large Share Additions
-CHOICE: Hakurei Turnips OR Scarlet Turnips OR Red Russian Kale
-Green Curly Kale
-TWO CHOICES: Arugula OR Lettice OR Peashoots OR Spinach
-TWO HERB CHOICES: Cilantro OR Mint OR Garlic Chives OR Oregano OR Thyme OR  Lovage

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Whole Foods Launches New Store Concept

I read yesterday via my cool new favorite New Yorker app that Whole Foods has just launched the first of a new line of smaller, lower cost stores, 365 by Whole Foods. It's evidently tech- and millenial-friendly, and scaled back in ways such as no butcher in the meat section. Aside from the tech saturation, I'm rather wondering if Whole Foods wasn't in fact piloting something along these lines when they took over and revamped the Wild Oats at Broadway and Baseline a few years ago, offering something more for the CU student than the serious cook. In any case, the intriguing New Yorker article is available here.

Vitamin Cottage Through Saturday

Just a reminder that the current long lasting sale at Vitamin Cottage runs through this Saturday, the 4th. You can read my picks here, bearing in mind that stocks tend to run low on sale items right at the end, and who knows what a new sale might bring.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

One-Day Sale At Whole Foods Today

For today only, the 1st, our local Whole Foods stores have Kikka sushi spicy salmon avocado rolls (seven ounces) for $4.19 each, basically half off.

This Week's Hot Grocery Deals (IMHO)

Good first morning of June, after a lovely overnight rain. We have new sales starting today at our Boulder Sprouts and Whole Foods stores, while the current long lasting one at Vitamin Cottage runs through this Saturday, the 4th (heads up on that one). Here's what's looking good to me now.

At Sprouts through June 8th, I'm liking boneless pork loin chops (roast also) for just $1.79 a pound, grass fed fresh ground beef $4.99 a pound, their own stuffed chicken breasts $2.99 a pound, there's a Buffalo Stampede of many specials on bison, and fresh ground chicken, chicken breast or pork are $2.99 a pound. In fish, I'm liking previously frozen wild Alaskan cod fillets for $6.99 a pound, and previously frozen 21/25 count farmed ez peel raw shrimp for $5.99 a pound. They also have three fish specials priced per portion - do the math on those and you probably won't bite. And we've just barely entered the fresh wild salmon season that always begins very high, no advertised specials on that yet.

In organic produce at Sprouts, pints of mini sweet peppers (great on the grill) are $1.98 each, some one pound packages of Earthbound Farm salads are $3.98 each, red or green seedless grapes are $2.98 a pound, and mini seedless watermelons are just $1.98 each. Elsewhere in the store, I'm liking Newman's Own pizzas $5.99 each, some Kashi cereals (bars also) $2.99 each, Near East side dishes $2 a box, DeLallo whole wheat pastas $2 each, and I've never tried them, but Plainville Farms organic sliced meats sound good at $5.99 for a six ounce package. Plus there's a Sip into Summer sale with a bunch of beverages 50% off.

At Whole Foods through the 7th, much looks like a repeat of last week, but I'm liking air-chilled split chicken breasts for $2.49 a pound (half price), fresh Artic char fillets $12.99 a pound, brined St. Louis style pork ribs $4.99 a pound, and brined chicken breasts $6.99 a pound (although far better to get the split ones and brine them yourself). I'm also liking Principe prosciutto di San Daniele $2.99 for a one ounce package, Belgioioso Auricchio burrata $3.99 for an eight ounce container, and for a cheat, the prepared caprese salad sounds good at $6.99 a pound, $3 off. In organic produce, blueberries are $3.98 a pint, cantaloupes are $2.50 each, and red or green seedless grapes are $2.99 a pound, basically a match with Sprouts on that one.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Copper River Salmon Has Arrived

So let the insanity begin with the start of the fresh wild salmon season. Whole Foods has Copper River fillets for $29.99 a pound, seen yesterday at the store in Superior since access there seemed far better than trying to get to Pearl Street during the Bolder Boulder. I'll wait a few days until the price almost surely drops, then the other river sources come in and it's heaven for us fresh wild salmon fans.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Happy Memorial Day

A strange confluence of concepts, a lovely long holiday weekend but a time to honor those lost fighting for freedom. If you are still contemplating what's for dinner, look a few posts below for two that contain extensive guides. We've had to contend with very dark late afternoon skies this weekend, and today looks like no exception, so good luck with grilling plans.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Whole Foods' Sur La Table Discount

Sur la Table is partnering with Whole Foods to offer you a 20% discount on some great cooking tools through June 12th. See this for details, but also note at the bottom that there are some major brands not included, so you won't get something like that coveted Vitamix at the discount. Check out that bottom paragraph for all the specifics.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Boulder Farmers' Market Today

A beautiful morning indeed for today's Farmers' Market. The Market itself will be in only part of its normal space with the Boulder Creek Fest also happening, but the Market reports the other vendors will be present as part of that Fest. Here's what to find:

Fresh at the Market this Week: 
spicy greens, turnips, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, allium stems, pea shoots, asparagus, mint, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, green garlic, spring onions, lettuce, bok choy, micro-greens, hanging baskets & gardens starts

coming soon: peas and peonies

Friday, May 27, 2016

Weekend Sales At Whole Foods

Our local Whole Foods stores have so many new sales just for the holiday weekend that I sure hope this will copy in well. Too many for me to repeat by hand. From Whole Foods:

Continental Sausage Co
Veal & Pork Bratwurst
(12 oz)
$4.99 ea
Regular $6.99 each
you save $2
Valid 5/26 - 5/30
$2 OFF

Continental Sausage Co
Smoked Bison Bratwurst
(12 oz)
$4.99 ea
Regular $8.99 each
you save $4
Valid 5/26 - 5/30
$4 OFF

Seafood
Fish Steaks
(Per lb) Select Varieties
$2.00/LB OFF
reg. prices vary / lb
Valid 5/27 - 5/30

Grillos Pickles
Pickles
(16 oz) Select Varieties
2 for $8
Regular $4.99 each
you save $1.98
Valid 5/27 - 5/30
$1.98 OFF

Grillos Pickles
Pickles
(32 oz) Select Varieties
2 for $9
Regular $6.99 each
you save $4.98
Valid 5/27 - 5/30
$4.98 OFF

Bakery
Cookie Bar
$8.99 / lb
Regular $11.99 / lb
you save $3
Valid 5/27 - 5/30
$3 OFF

Naturalissima
Uncured Panino Pepperoni
(6 oz)
$4.99 ea
Regular $6.99 each
you save $2
Valid 5/27 - 5/30
$2 OFF

Naturalissima
Panino Prosciutto
(5 oz)
$4.99 ea
Regular $6.99 each
you save $2
Valid 5/27 - 5/30
$2 OFF

Whole Body
All Sun Care & Insect Repellents
Select Sizes and Varieties
25% OFF
reg. prices vary each
Valid 5/27 - 5/30

Cure Farm Store Now Open

Good news. Cure Organic Farm's farm store at 75th and Valmont is now open for the season, Wednesdays through Fridays 11 to 6, Saturdays and Sundays 10 to 4. If you are looking to avoid the crowds of the Boulder Farmers' Market it makes a fine alternative. It is also a pleasant bike ride from town, despite the large trucks sometimes using Valmont Road (a considerably more civilized ride than going up the crowded Boulder Creek path to the Market these days). Check the link above for all the details, including a weekly list of what's available. And it will be even better once Munson Farm opens its stand right across the street when the local corn comes in.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Red Wagon CSA Starts This Week!

I'm so psyched that this week is my first pickup of the season from my Red Wagon Organic Farm CSA. Here's their plan, always a good indicator of what to expect at the Boulder Farmers' Market too. Pea shoots still! As for the choice between braising mix, arugula or lettuce, wish I could take them all. The word from Red Wagon:

Hello!  Welcome to the first week of CSA!
Farm Crew tending to onions
Farm Crew tending to onions
This week we hope to bring you:

Regular Share
-Egyptian Walking Onions
-Hakurei Turnips
-CHOICE: Herb OR Pea shoots
-CHOICE: Braising Mix OR Arugula OR Lettuce
-Easter Egg Radishes

Large Share Additions
-BOTH: Herb AND Pea shoots
-ONE OF EACH: Braising mix, Arugula, Lettuce
-Rhubarb
Sunrise at the Farm Friday 5/20/16
Sunrise at the Farm Friday 5/20/16
Farm Friend, Snapping Turtle is ready for the season!
Farm Friend, Snapping Turtle is ready for the season!

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

This Week's Hot Grocery Deals (IMHO)

We have new sales today at our Boulder Sprouts and Whole Foods stores, while the current one continues at Vitamin Cottage through June 4th (look several posts below for that one). Here's what's looking good to me now, and these are sales that take us across a big grilling holiday weekend.

At Sprouts through June 1st, I'm impressed with bone-in country style pork ribs at $1.49 a pound, very good either simply grilled or even better smoked, and value packs of boneless skinless chicken breasts are just $1.77 a pound. Pork spare ribs are $2.99 a pound, while bone-in beef short ribs are $3.99 a pound. Whole or split chickens are $1.49 a pound, several types of fresh sausage are $2.99 a pound, bone-in ribeyes are $10.99 a pound, and 93% lean ground sirloin is $4.99 a pound. So many choices for what to put on the grill. In fish, fresh farmed salmon is $6.99 a pound (also good on the grill), previously frozen jumbo wild sea scallops are $9.99 a pound, and previously frozen 31/40 count wild Gulf shrimp are $5.99 a pound.

In organic produce at Sprouts, on-the-vine cluster tomatoes are $1.98 a pound (a good price, but don't forget the spectacular 98 cents a pound on organic romas that ends today), one pound packages of strawberries are great at just $1.98 each, and six-ish ounce containers of blackberries or blueberries are $2.50 each. Elsewhere in the store, I'm liking bulk coffee at just $6.99 a pound, Crunchmaster's fave crackers $2 a bag, Clif bars $1 each, Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips $2 for a 5.5 ounce bag, and some Boulder Canyon potato chips or popcorn BOGO. Oh, and for total laziness (or maybe a great choice if the predicted thunderstorms materialize on Monday afternoon), the deli has full 22 ounce racks of cooked baby back ribs for $11.99 each.

At Whole Foods through May 31st, I'm liking brined St. Louis style pork ribs with a fine pedigree for $4.99 a pound, in-house brined chicken breasts $6.99 a pound, ditto that pedigree, and beef kabobs $7.99 a pound, again all with a fine pedigree. Organic red or green seedless grapes are $2.99 a pound, pints of organic blueberries are $3.99 each (wonder how a pint compares to the ounces in Sprouts' sale), and conventional sweet corn is four for $1, not bad at all as we patiently wait for our local Munson's corn. I'm also liking Belgioioso Auricchio burrata at $3.99 for eight ounces, Honest Tea organic lemonades just $1.50 for a 32 ounce bottle, and nine-ish ounce bags of Bearitos corn chips at $3 a bag. I'm also quite curious about 365 brand organic 10-minute whole grains. I've never noticed them before, and a sale price of $2.50 for 8.8 ounces might tempt me to see what I could do with an organic whole grain in just 10 minutes instead of planning much longer time.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

More For Memorial Day

The New York Times has a fine feature called Cooking that sends several emails a week with food suggestions from luminaries of the home cooking world. It is always particularly intelligently presented, and now they've come up with a collection of ideas for Memorial Day that is visually enjoyable too. Check it out here, and their use of the word cookout I think was deliberately chosen to invoke nostalgia in people like me.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Time To Think Grilling

On this spectacular Boulder morning, it's time to think about what to cook this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, which typically centers on grilling. If looking for some inspiration, here are a few guides to help you out: Memorial Day Recipes, Cocktails and Sides from Epicurious.com, Memorial Day Recipes from Food and Wine magazine, and Essential Grilling Guide from Cooking Light. In the midst of the festivities, Bolder Boulder included, I hope you'll take a moment to reflect on the origin of the holiday.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Boulder Farmers' Market Today

A beautiful day for the Farmer's Market, maybe topping 80 degrees today. So time to grab more of that late spring produce that is so precious, before we look at an onslaught of zucchini (not that I don't like that too). Here's what the Market says to expect:

Fresh at the Market this Week: 
radishes, rhubarb, spinach, tulips, pea shoots, asparagus, mint, scallions, arugula, carrots, spicy greens, kale, Swiss chard, green garlic, mustard greens, spring onions, lettuce, micro-greens, hanging baskets & gardens starts

P.S. If you're out at the Longmont market, they're doing a special radish festival with all sorts of fun things going on.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Weekend Sale At Whole Foods

Our local Whole Foods stores are offering us a duo of special sales for today through Sunday. Twelve-packs of their bakery crispy cookies are $3.49, and some Whole Body All Protein Powders are at least 25% off.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Current Sale At Vitamin Cottage

The current sale at Vitamin Cottage (aka Natural Grocers) lasts through June 4th, and offers some interesting options to me. For instance, on-the-vine tomatoes, always organic at Vitamin Cottage, $1.99 a pound (although remember organic romas are 98 cents a pound this week at Sprouts), six ounce containers of organic raspberries $3.29 a pound, six ounce packages of Diestel select natural turkey slices $3.89 each, Wallaby organic yogurts 89 cents each, 25.4 ounce bottles of Spectrum organic extra virgin olive oil $9.99 each (regularly $15.29), some Annie's Homegrown natural mac and cheese just $1 a box ($1.50 for the organic or rice ones), Muir Glen organic pasta sauces or the big size of canned tomatoes $2.29 each, Annie's organic salad dressings $2.99 each (plus good specials on organic ketchup, mustards and bbq sauces nicely timed for Memorial Day), and Santa Cruz Organic peanut butters are $4.99 for a 16 ounce jar. Plus of course many specials on supplements.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

This Week's Hot Grocery Deals (IMHO)

We have sales starting today at our Boulder Sprouts and Whole Foods stores. Something is undoubtedly going on at Vitamin Cottage too, must check that out. Here's what's looking good to me now.

At Sprouts through May 25th, I'm liking their stuffed chicken breasts at $2.99 a pound, boneless pork loin chops (roast also) $2.99 a pound too, baby back pork ribs $2.99 a pound, and chicken breast tenders okay at $2.99 a pound (someone was really in the mind for $2.99 this week). In fish, previously frozen wild Alaskan cod fillets are $6.99 a pound, and very big 16/20 count previously frozen wild Gulf shrimp (I like that they aren't farmed) are $8.99 a pound, putting me in the mood for a fish chowder.

In organic produce at Sprouts, 4.4 ounce containers of blueberries are just $1.98 each, roma tomatoes are fantastic at 98 cents a pound, yellow peaches are $1.98 a pound, and red or green seedless grapes are $2.98 a pound. Elsewhere in the store, there's a Better for You Brands sale, with a bunch of lines 35% off. I'm also liking half gallons of Horizon Organic milk just $2.99 each, some Wallaby organic yogurts 69 cents each, Sprouts' own orange juice $2.99 for a half gallon, 32 ounce GoodBelly juice $1.99 each, and all Spice Hunter products a whopping 50% off regular price. I've never tried them, but if you need a prepared catering tray for a party, they have 10 varieties at 25% off.

At Whole Foods through the 24th, I'm liking Driscoll organic raspberries at $3 a six ounce container, organic cantaloupes remain $2.50 each, some Zevia sodas are $3.50 for a six pack, some Evol breakfast sandwiches and burritos are $2 each, Whole Foods' fine pedigree St. Louis pork ribs are $3.99 a pound, responsibly farmed 31/40 count cooked white shrimp are $9.99 a pound, Honest Tea organic lemonade is just $1.50 for 32 ounces, and Whole Foods' own yummy smoked mozzarella pasta salad is $7.99 a pound ($3 off). Also, some very large 32 ounce Avalon organics shampoos, conditioners, lotion and bath gels remain a real bargain at $12.99 each. Finally, they're only 80 cents off, but six packs of brioche hot dog buns for $4.69 each (Euro Classic Imports) are making me wonder if I might try to do my own lobster rolls at home.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Wine At Our Local Food Stores

We have (or now had) wine and liquor stores attached to two of our natural foods stores in the area. The Lucky's Market one in Longmont is having to close because with Kroger recently moving in as a major partner, they evidently no longer meet a state requirement of one liquor store per brand. Whole Foods' wine store on Pearl Street continues strong, and for today only, they are offering Conde de Valdemar rose for $11.24 a bottle, $3.75 off. With drizzles and a high hoped for of 50 today, it's not exactly a rose-sipping day, but temps are expected to top 80 by this weekend.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Inflamation Webinar From Sprouts

Inflamation is suspected as the agent of a variety of ills. Sprouts will host a webinar on the topic May 25th at 6:30 our time. All the details from them here.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Boulder Farmers' Market Today

It's a bit overcast, but still a pleasant morning to enjoy today's Boulder Farmers' Market. Here's what they say to expect, and grab those pea shoots and green garlic during their brief season!

At the Market this Week: 
rhubarb, spinach, tulips, pea shoots, asparagus, mint, scallions, arugula, carrots, spicy greens, kale, Swiss chard, green garlic, spring onions, radishes, lettuce, micro-greens, hanging baskets & gardens starts

Friday, May 13, 2016

Body Care At Lucky's

Lucky's Market in both Boulder and Longmont will have all body care 30% off for tomorrow only, the 14th. Great time to catch favorites that otherwise don't go on sale. And by the way, for sweet corn fans like me, bi-color ears are four for $1 in Boulder, five for $1 in Longmont all week through Wednesday.

Weekend Sales At Whole Foods

Our local Whole Foods stores are offering us a quartet of special sales this weekend, an apple pie for today only (happy Friday the 13th!), and the rest today through Sunday. I particularly love that Crave Brothers fresh mozzarella. From Whole Foods:

Bakery
9" Apple Pie
(36 oz)
$9.99 ea
Regular $12.99 each
you save $3
Valid 5/13 - 5/13
$3 OFF

Crave Brothers
Fresh Mozzarella Log
(16 oz)
$6.99 ea
Regular $8.99 each
you save $2
Valid 5/13 - 5/15
$2 OFF

Goddess Garden
Sunscreen
Select Sizes and Varieties
25% OFF
reg. prices vary each
Valid 5/13 - 5/15

MyChelle
Sunscreen
Select Sizes and Varieties
25% OFF
reg. prices vary each

Thursday, May 12, 2016

WFM Sur La Table Discount

This one is different. Whole Foods is partnering to offer a 20% discount at Sur la Table through June 12th. Details here, and note that some major brands are excluded. With Chef's Catalog now sadly closed after so many years, our kitchenware options have narrowed, but also remember we have our local, one of a kind Peppercorn as well.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Norwegian Salmon At Alfalfa's

I don't often go across town to get to Alfalfa's, but this week I might for fresh Norwegian salmon fillets for $9.99 a pound through May 17th. Sprouts also has farmed salmon this week for $3 less, but that's not going to be the yummy Norwegian. Also looking intriguing at Alfalfa's are grassfed ribeyes for $12.99 a pound, wild lobster tails $5 each, and Thumann's Black Forest ham $8.99 a pound.

This Week's Hot Grocery Deals (IMHO)

We have new sales starting today at our Boulder Sprouts and Whole Foods stores. There also should be something new happening at Vitamin Cottage, as their long lasting sale just ended, must check that out. Here's what's looking good to me now.

First of all, Sprouts will be doing another 72 hour sale this weekend, Friday through Sunday. Sweet corn looks fantastic at five for $1, just 20 cents each. It's conventional and not local, but we have to be realistic and take what we can get until our fabulous local Munson's corn starts coming in this summer. Also looking good are 21/25 count previously frozen raw shrimp for $6.99 a pound, bulk quinoa $1.99 a pound, Sprouts cage-free or omega-3 eggs $2.50 a dozen, and Sprouts kettle style potato chips 99 cents a five ounce bag.

In Sprouts' regular sale starting today through May 18th, I'm liking value packs of boneless skinless chicken breasts (thighs also) for $1.77 a pound (maybe a chicken or shrimp and corn chowder for the weekend), whole or split fresh chickens for $1.49 a pound, pork sholder roast or bone-in country style pork ribs $1.99 a pound, great to smoke on the grill, and fresh farmed salmon fillets $6.99 a pound.

In organic produce at Sprouts, sweet baby broccoli is 98 cents each (note that's for some unspecified amount, not per pound), twelve ounce packages of mini sweet peppers are $1.98 each (also great on the grill), and five-ish ounce (one's 4.4, the other 5.6) packages of blueberries or blackberries are $2.98 each. Elsewhere in the store, I'm liking Fage Greek yogurts BOGO, "hundreds" of gluten-free favorites on sale, all Pamela's products 40% off (wickedly good gluten-free cookies), Blue Diamond Artisan Nut Thins $2 a box (very good for the Artisan ones), and MaraNatha almond butter $5.99 for 12 ounces.

At Whole Foods through the 17th, I'm liking their fine 85% lean ground beef (with its grinding schedule posted by the hour) for $4.49 a pound, $2.50 off. Also some Evol breakfast sandwiches and burritos $2 each, Whole Trade organic cantaloupes $2.50 each, half off, some six packs of Zevia sodas $3.50 each, their own 365 organic bbq sauce $2.50 a bottle, and some of the big 32 ounce size bottles of Avalon Organics shampoo, conditioner, lotion and bath gels $12.99 each, nearly half off.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Haagen Daz Free Cone Day

So this evening is free cone day at Haagen Daz, for all you ice cream friends out there. Details here. (and check the times).

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Mother's Day Tomorrow

I hope you're planning on taking mom out, but with CU graduation also this weekend, restaurants will undoubtedly be a zoo. A special treat for eating in is also always an option, for which Epicurious has Mother's Day Menus, Recipes & More to help you out. Or you could just go to the fabulous local store Cured for one of their prepared gift boxes for mom, filled with bubbly, fine cheese, jam and the like, so long as they haven't run out (might be wise to call ahead).

Boulder Farmers' Market Today

With CU graduation today, maybe downtown will be a zoo, or maybe that means it will be deserted during the ceremony, making it the perfect time to visit the Boulder Farmers' Market. Here's what the Market says you'll find. Keep your eye on that freshly picked mint for your drinks for today's Kentucky Derby.

At the Market this Week: 
rhubarb (photo above c/o Meadowlark Farm Dinners), mint, overwintered spinach, tulips, pea shoots, asparagus, scallions, arugula, carrots, spicy greens, kale, Swiss chard, green garlic, spring onions, radishes, lettuce, micro-greens, hanging baskets & gardens starts

Friday, May 6, 2016

Weekend Sale At Whole Foods

For today through Sunday, the Pearl Street Whole Foods will offer a quartet of special sales. French macarons are two for $3, Isigny St. Mere Petit Benhomme brie is $5.99 each, $3 off for the 9.5 ounces, previously frozen jumbo red king crab legs are $21.99 a pound, $6 off, and in Whole Boday, cosmetics and nail polish are 25% off.

BOGO Brunch At Alfalfa's

Alfalfa's will give Mom special treatment for her special day with BOGO brunch on Mother's Day. Sorry this will cut off on the right, but you get the idea.


HELPING YOU MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES™
Join us on Mother's Day Sunday for a brunch where mothers eat free! From 9am – 2pm buy one brunch and get one free for mom.
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Thursday, May 5, 2016

Kentucky Derby Saturday

So while you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo today, it's also time to start planning for some mint juleps for Saturday for the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby. Whether or not you care for horse racing (at least this sport only requires two minutes, unlike other culinary fests like the Super Bowl), you can break out the fancy hats, and of course there are those mint juleps. For a few guides to food and drink for the day, check out the Derby's own official website, and the folks at Southern Living should know how to party this as well.

Three-Day Sale At Alfalfa's

Preparing for Mother's Day, Alfalfa's is offering this three-day sale for tomorrow through Sunday:


Friday through Sunday we have a 3-Day sale featuring the perfect items for mom:
La Vidaubanaise Cotes de Provence Rose. ONLY $15.99. Save $2!
All Pangea, John Master’s, and Helena Meyer at 20% Off! 
Fresh Carolina Shrimp ONLY $19.99/lb. Save $4!
Alaskan King Salmon Fillet ONLY $19.99/lb. Save $5!
Bairdi Crab Legs ONLY 10.99/lb. Save $5!

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Alfalfa's Body Care Sale

For today only, the 4th, Alfalfa's has all body care at 20% off. Time to prep for Mother's Day.

Wednesday Farmers' Market Resumes Tonight!

We've had the Saturday Boulder Farmers' Market for a few weeks now this season, and now it's time for the Wednesday evening market to return. So many wonderful options. Here's what the Market says:

Wednesday Night Boulder Farmers Market Season Begins May 4 
 



Boulder County Farmers Markets will re-open its Wednesday night Boulder Farmers Market on May 4 on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, from4 to 8 p.m. The Wednesday night market season will run weekly through October 5.

This season’s Wednesday night Boulder Farmers Market will include 21 farms, 13 locally packaged food vendors and 13 breakfast and lunch vendors. New vendors to this market include Seeds Library Cafe, Mi Abuela's Salsas, Thrive, Cafe Aion, Zeal, Alicia's Sweets and These Things Take Time. In addition, the market's expanded beer garden will highlight a rotating cast of local breweries, including Sanitas Brewing (opening night!), FATE Brewing, Boulder Beer, Asher Brewing, Twisted Pine, Upslope Brewing and Left Hand Brewing.

For more information about the Wednesday Boulder Farmers Market, including a full vendor list, visit bcfm.org/boulder-wednesday
 

This Week's Hot Grocery Deals (IMHO)

We have new sales starting today at our Boulder Sprouts and Whole Foods stores, while the long-lasting one at Vitamin Cottage runs through this Saturday, the 7th, so heads up on that one. Here's what's looking good to me now.

At Sprouts through the 11th, presumably since Mother's Day is coming up this weekend, a surf and turf special is at hand, with five ounce previously frozen wild lobster tails $5.99 each, and t-bone steaks $6.99 a pound. Yikes, how long has it been since I've done a t-bone cut. Their very good stuffed chicken breasts are $2.99 a pound (boneless skinless ones also at that price), stew beef is a good price at $3.99 a pound, grass-fed ground beef is $5.99 a pound, and filet mignon is $12.99 a pound. In fish, fresh farmed salmon is $7.99 a pound, previously frozen very big 16/20 count wild Gulf shrimp are $8.99 a pound, and previously frozen jumbo sea scallops are $12.99 a pound.

In organic produce at Sprouts, whole seedless watermelons are three pounds for $1, on-the-vine cluster tomatoes are $1.98 a pound (also a good deal at Whole Foods), and four pound bags of Valencia oranges are $2.98 each. In conventional produce, Hass avocados have bumped up from last week's great sale to 50 cents each, but that's still pretty good. Elsewhere in the store, with Cinco de Mayo still before us, fiesta favorites are 30% off, bulk organic coffee looks great at $6.99 a pound, some Brown Cow yogurts are 69 cents each, Home Run In pizzas are $5.99 each (I've really taken to those recently, but they are so big, they barely fit in my freezer), all Justin's great nut products are 35% off, Green & Black's chocolate bars (two other brands also) are just $2 each, and Muir Glen organic pasta sauces are $2.50 a jar.

At Whole Foods through the 10th, I'm liking fresh wild lake trout fillets at $10.99 a pound, farmed Norwegian salmon steaks for $8.99 a pound, and twelve ounce packages of 365 uncured smokehouse bacon nearly half off at $3.99 each. Their own prepared tamales are $2 each, a great value considering how much work goes into making a fresh tamale. Organic on-the-vine tomatoes are $1.99 a pound, basically matching Sprouts. Also, a large prepared 24 ounce quiche sounds like a good deal at $10.99 each ($3 off) for Mother's Day, especially if paired with that fine bacon that's nearly half off.

One-Day Sale At Whole Foods Today

For today only, the 4th, Kikka sushi cucumber avocado rolls are $3.99 each ($2 off) at our local Whole Foods stores.

Monday, May 2, 2016

Dine Out For Wildlife

I've mentioned more than once how incredible Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is at saving injured or orphaned wildlife in the area, and that local restaurants sometimes donate a portion of proceeds to help them out on a particular day. On May 5th, Proto's Pizza at both the Boulder and Lafayette will be donating a portion of proceeds to this marvelous organization, and my experience has been that in Colorado, you can't get closer to a classic Pepe's Pizza of New Haven than at Proto's.

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Cinco De Mayo This Week

Perhaps you're looking to celebrate with some Mexican foods this week in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Our local natural foods stores are certainly offering lots of specials with ready to cook chicken or beef fajitas or carne asadas, Frontera sauce sales, the three for $1 avocado sale at Sprouts and the like. If you are looking for more inspiration, check out these guides: Cinco de Mayo Menu from Food and Wine magazine, Cinco de Mayo from Saveur magazine, and of course, anything from Rick Bayless.

And happy May Day!

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Boulder Farmers' Market Today

Well, maybe not the most optimal weather day for strolling today's Boulder Farmers' Market, but think of the local fresh gems you could get if you made the effort (plus making a local farmer or two very happy). Here's what the Farmers' Market says:

At the Market this Saturday: 
overwintered spinach, tulips, pea shoots, asparagus, scallions, arugula, rhubarb, carrots, spicy greens, kale, Swiss chard, green garlic, walking onions, radishes, lettuce, herbs, micro-greens, hanging baskets & gardens starts

Friday, April 29, 2016

A Few Alfalfa's Specials

I rarely get a chance to get to Alfalfa's, much as I love the stores in Boulder in Louisville. Too bad, as they do so well with everything organic, and this week they have some specials that could be so helpful for Cinco de Mayo. I'd love the organic roma tomatoes at $1.49 a pound, and two house-made organic items, guacamole for $6.99 a pound, and pico de gallo just $3.99 a pound, perfect if you just don't have time to make your own. I'm also eyeing Di Parma prosciutto for $18.99 a pound, perhaps around $10 less than the norm, and it doesn't take much to add a special touch to a pasta or risotto. Might just have to make a special trip.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

CO Green Chili Pop-Up Saturday

Whole Foods reports they'll have a Colorado Green Chili pop-up this Saturday from noon to 6 pm at the Pearl Street store. There will be tastings during the pop-up, plus 20% off these products, and that part lasts all day. Other Whole Foods are also involved, but none others listed in Boulder.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

This Week's Hot Grocery Deals (IMHO)

We have new sales starting today at our Boulder Sprouts and Whole Foods stores, while the current long one at Vitamin Cottage continues through May 7th (look quite a few posts down for that one). Here's what's looking good to me now.

Sprouts will offer another 72-hour sale this weekend, Friday through Sunday, where I'm liking previously frozen 26/30 count wild Gulf shrimp for $6.99 a pound, some Tillamook yogurts three for $1, whole seedless watermelons 10 cents a pound, and pork baby back ribs $2.99 a pound, although the weekend's weather isn't looking so great for bbqs and picnics for the latter two.

In Sprouts' regular sale from today through May 4th, I'm liking whole or split fresh chickens $1.49 a pound, ground chicken, pork or chicken breast all $2.99 a pound, stew beef $3.99 a pound, and quite lean 93% lean ground sirloin $4.99 a pound. It's another week where their fish specials aren't truly calling me.

In organic produce at Sprouts, yellow peaches are $1.98 a pound (it will be a while before we see those beautiful ones from the Western Slope, so get started with an alternative), green curly kale bunches or cucumbers are 88 cents each, Bartlett pears are 98 cents a pound, and four pound bags of Valencia oranges are $2.98 each. In conventional produce, avocado fans will delight in Hass avocados at three for $1 (hope you're still reading, Ms. A.!). Elsewhere in the store, with Cinco de Mayo coming up, there are lots of "fiesta favorites" at 30% off. I'm also liking some Siggi's Icelandic style yogurts $1 each, Garden of Eatin' Cantina tortilla chips $2.50 for a big 13 ounce bag, bulk pepper jack cheese $1.99 a pound, and a line drive on Barbara's products at 40% off. For those in the market, there's also a baby sale, with some natural and organic baby essentials 25% off.

At Whole Foods through May 3rd, Hass avocados are $1 each, not in the league of Sprouts' three for $1, but the ones at Whole Foods tend to be larger. Organic Whole Trade mini watermelons are $3.99 each, wild domestic 21/25 count raw shrimp are $9.99 a pound, and fresh lake trout fillets sound tempting at $10.99 a pound. Frontera marinades and cooking sauces are $2 each to make Cinco de Mayo easier, and 365 brand organic extra virgin olive oil in the Mediterranean blend are on sale in both the liter and half liter sizes. Plus Whole Foods Market omega supplements are 50% off.