Articles about Groceries

Shortage of Speculoos Cookie Butter at Trader Joe’s

Oh. My. God. Teresa “Gubbshoe” Gubbins has uncovered the startling news. I will not steal her thunder because her story is deliciously funny. I supposed hoarders are selling on eBay.

 

 

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Updates on Lower Greenville: Trader Joe’s, HG Sply Co., and Dallas Beer Kitchen

The shell of TJ's coming to life.

The shell of TJ’s coming to life.

Lots of changes are underfoot in Lower Greenville. Yesterday I was walking along the street – just minding my own beeswax – when I noticed all these new places pop up. Lower Greenville is in the midst of a Restaurant Renaissance.

Though I haven’t seen any movement on chef Jason Boso’s food truck park, I’m guessing it’s waiting for Trader Joe’s to finish up construction work because the two areas will be sharing a common parking lot. Carnival Barker’s will open its ice cream shop in the truck park, and kids will be running around Lower Greenville like the crazies they are. Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House owners are fixing to move into 1919 Greenville Ave. for their new restaurant, The Blind Butcher, pretty soon. They still haven’t said when it’s opening yet. Mums the word.

So here’s what we do know, for sure: Trader Joe’s is making progress. Look! (See above photo.) The exterior is almost done. Cookie butter will soon be closer than ever.

Continue reading "Updates on Lower Greenville: Trader Joe’s, HG Sply Co., and Dallas Beer Kitchen"

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Artizone, the Online Grocery Store, is Giving SideDish Readers $25 Off

Isn't this pretty? Artizone could deliver this to your door (via Artizone)

Isn’t this pretty? Artizone could deliver this to your door (via Artizone)

There’s nothing I love more than grocery shopping, but online grocery shopping… now that’s a game changer.

Artizone, the Dallas-based online gourmet store featuring local products and goodies, is doing something special for SideDish readers only. Now through May 15 at 11:59 p.m., any new register to Artizone.com receives $25 in their Artizone wallet to spend. And whether or not you’re already registered, everyone gets 10% off at check-out as long as you enter this promo code: SideDish. This is valid one time per shopper, no minimum, and delivery is not included. If your order is over $120, delivery is free, though.

I don’t know about you, but this sounds to me like a pretty darn good deal. And Mother’s Day is coming up, isn’t it? Perfect timing.

 

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Eat This Now: Green Grocer’s Heirloom Black Rice and Kale Salad

Chef Chad Brown's kale salad (photo by Kevin Hunter Marple)

Chef Chad Brown’s kale salad (photo by Kevin Hunter Marple)

As seen in our April 2013 issue.

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The Food Boutique to Open in Dallas Design District This Spring 2013

I’m about ready to pack my bags and sign a lease with 1400 Hi Line Tower, which is quickly becoming the epitome of luxury living. Desiree Espada just alerted me to this blog post on dallasdesigndistrict.com about a new grocery store that’ll be feeding the hungry residents of 1400 Hi Line with its coffee bar, beer and wine on tap, cheese and fruit plates, and pre-made lunch boxes. The Food Boutique is headed by Creative Culinary Concepts, a local group of entrepreneurs comprised of Cory Schell, Adam Alfia, Brian Payson, and Alex Waldvogel. According to the blog post author, Kendall, “The Food Boutique will deliver to Design District residents and neighborhood offices.”

Don’t forget that Central Standard, the restaurant/bar by Restaurants America, has yet to open at 1400 Hi Line as well. No idea when that’s happening, but the PR contact for Restaurants America says maybe, maaaaybe April of this year. Restaurants America is pretty busy these days with the opening of Mockingbird Taproom (just opened on January 5), and the soon-to-be-open Shops at Park Lane’s Boca Chica, a tapas and tequila restaurant, at the end of February 2013.

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Save the Date: Green Grocer Opens on January 26

Green Grocer in Chicago

Think back to last July, when I announced that a new produce shop called Green Grocer would open in Greenville Grocery Land  by September 2012. (Well, obviously that didn’t happen.) Owners Cassie Green and Gary Stephens have announced via Facebook that the grand opening party is scheduled on Saturday, January 26, from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. “We’ll have vendors sampling out yummy food all day, so please come by and see us!” says Green.

From the bustling Facebook activity, it looks like Green Grocer, a gourmet grocery store featuring local Dallas products, is still tweaking its homemade chicken stock that’ll be sold once the store opens. Wackym’s Kitchen cookies and Carnival Barker’s Ice Creams will also be making organic versions of sweet treats for Green Grocer to sell.

If you’re wondering whether Green Grocer will deliver or not, this is how Green responded to a wallpost, “We will deliver via Artizone.com. It will be a few months out though before we are live on the site. We’ll keep you posted.”

Urban Acres is Moving to Beckley Avenue in Oak Cliff

Mr. Bradford Pearson alerted me to this happy news: Urban Acres is moo-oo-oo-ving.

Whoever wrote this blog post is very excited (!) and so are we (!)

Yup, IT’S OFFICIAL!  Our Urban Acres store is moving to the corner of Beckley & Greenbriar this spring, right by Methodist Hospital.  We’re taking over the old gas station building right next to Mama Connie’s Diner.  Our new place has a covered front area as you can see in the photo which will become a patio.  We also have lots of fun plans for the inside – we’ll keep you posted on progress!

Until then, we’ll still see you every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at our current store at 1301B West Davis!

Trader Joe’s to Open Between Cole and Knox Someday in the Faraway Future

Steve Brown from the DMN reports that the 2-acre property on Cole between Knox and Armstrong will be redeveloped by Lincoln Property Co. and property owner Sarofim Realty Advisors. Trader Joe’s, he says, will be the lead retail tenant in this future mixed-use development.

The first Trader Joe’s in Dallas (Lower Greenville) is supposed to open during the first quarter of next year. The second at Walnut Hill is “coming soon” (according to the website), and now this Cole/Knox location will be the third store for Dallas residents.

I’m so okay with this. TJ’s, keep moving into Dallas, please. I love your turkey meatballs. L-O-V-E.

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Whole Foods Market is Building a Store in Uptown

Uptowners, convenient grocery store shopping is coming your way. Whole Foods is building a new store in the vacant parking lot between Fairmont and Routh, says the Dallas Business Journal. My officemates got really excited until I told them the most critical part of this news:

It’s not happening until 2015.

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What Do You Remember About the Corner of Lovers and Greenville?

Before Central Market was built on the corner of Lovers and Greenville ten years ago, that spot was occupied by LouAnn’s nightclub, the “hub of the Dallas dining scene.” Performers like Lawrence Welk and Jimmy Reed use to bang up the stage with their music. Plenty of you, I’m sure, have stories to tell about this corner – stories that you may or may not remember, depending on how many Regal Beagles you had back in the day. So, to honor the 10th anniversary of Central Market, we’re asking you to tell your story in the comments down below.

Jump for the rest of the 10th anniversary celebration.

Continue reading "What Do You Remember About the Corner of Lovers and Greenville?"

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Get Those Grocery Lists Ready: Trader Joe’s Opens in Plano Today

Trader Joe's in Plano (photos by Melisa Oporto)

There is rarely a time when it is common to see a group of people congregated outside of a grocery store at the brink of dawn…that is unless a Trader Joe’s is opening in your neighborhood. Actually, it doesn’t necessarily even have to be in your neighborhood, as residents from Duncanville, Denison, Ellis, and Allen will attest while they stand in line at the opening of the new store in Plano.

There is an energy brewing amongst the excited patrons that feels celebratory and relieved at the same time. The store is decorated outside with balloons and employees can be seen inside setting up for the opening, dressed in their classic Hawaiin print shirts. Carts are lined up to perfection and ready, the grand opening banner is being put up, and it’s just a matter of hours before opening.

Jump for more. Continue reading "Get Those Grocery Lists Ready: Trader Joe’s Opens in Plano Today"

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Trader Joe’s in Plano Will Open on September 7

Thursday, August 30 at 2PM.

The culinarily curious only have to wait until September 7, just one week from today. That’s the date set for the grand opening on Trader Joe’s in Plano. If you want to do more than shop at Trader Joe’s, you can click here and apply for a job.(They offer full benefits and 10% off store items.) Address is 2400 Preston Road  Plano, TX 75093. (northwest corner of shopping center at W. Park & Preston Rd)
If you could only purchase three items at Trader Joe’s, what would they be? (They’re listening!)

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Rocking Callaloo With Tom Spicer of FM 1410 in Dallas

Just when you feel like you are up to your eyeballs in Dallas douchebags, you get an email from Tom Spicer and somehow this city takes on more depth. Tom Spicer is a forager, a poet, a cook, and a nutjob. Today he’s selling amaranth greens used in creating callaloo, a delicious Caribbean soup especially when the pretty weeds are stewed in coconut juice. (Yes, there are variations in the spelling of the dish. I am using epicurious.com‘s version which is our style. Tom, of course, has his own. Hit it, Tirebiter.

Do not Dred Calaloo~

by Spiceman

From Kingston Town to Kat Mandu
there’s an edible green that’s good to stew
and this Jamaican spinach is sooo delicious too
So when nothing ventured means nothing gained
cook these nice greens but make sure they’re strained
then add some fresh lemon juice so their flavor’s contained
Amaranth greens in colors from green and red to a variegated hue
will capture your imagination, your heart, and make your happy tummy too
ok, there you have it… it’s the best I can do, say hello to my Jamaican friend, Rasta Calaloo

yous truly

Rast Spice

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The Stand on McKinney Will Deliver Beer and Cigarettes With Your Order

Vices! Getcha vices! Vices all with one call! The Stand, the upscale concession style restaurant on McKinney Avenue is now offering cigarettes and beer with your delivery order. They claim: “Date night just got more convenient and safer.” I’m asking: “How long do I have to wait for a Mac Daddy Dog, carton of Camels, six pack of Coors Lite, and a date?” That would be more convenient for me.

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Jason Maddy of Oak Cooking “Dinner for Two” at Bolsa Mercado

Each week Bolsa Mercado invites a guest chef prepare their to-go dinners for two which are available for purchase starting Thursday afternoons until they are sold out each week.  Proceeds from the sales of the dinners will benefit Café Momentum, and each chef has been asked to incorporate produce grown in the garden of the Dallas County Youth Village within their menus. Today Jason “Don’t Call Me Harry Connick, Jr.” Maddy, execuchef of Oak, is in the kitchen. His menu and more info on Cafe Momentum below.

Continue reading "Jason Maddy of Oak Cooking “Dinner for Two” at Bolsa Mercado"

Another Reason Why We Love Tom Spicer

Deep in a forest beyond the douchiness of Dallas lives free spirit, forager, and my fellow Firesign Theater fan, Tom Spicer. He’s the head fiddlehead over at Spiceman’s FM 1410. Today he sends this gorgeous photo and a note. I quote:

Do you… verjus? Harvested early this morning at Spiceman’s FM 1410 garden, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that I bare rooted from canes brought to me from Benziger’s biodynamic vineyard in Sonoma County, CA. by my dear friend, Beat Kotoun of Korbrands Wine importers/marketers.3 years later, we are basking in their glow and so can you @ $10# CHEERS    Spiceman, aka “Larence of Lakewood”

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Bolsa Mercado Hosts Guest Chefs to Benefit Café Momentum

Charles Plummer (left); tomatoes (right) photos by Desiree Espada

Today marks the start of Bolsa Mercado‘s new program to host weekly guest chefs who’ll be cooking three-course to-go dinners (as part of the “Dinner for Two” program) in Bolsa Mercado’s kitchen. These guest chefs will be incorporating vegetables from the Dallas Youth Village‘s garden in their menus, and a portion of the dinner sales will go towards Café Momentum, a nonprofit restaurant concept started by Chad Houser and Janice Provost of Parigi that teaches the boys of the Youth Village everything about the restaurant business from washing dishes to waiting tables.

On Monday, Desiree and I took a tour of the Dallas Youth Village’s garden, which is headed by the affable Charles Plummer. For the past year and a half, the former chef now directs the organic gardening and  heads the culinary program at the center where teenage boys who’ve committed nonviolent offenses work with Plummer to tend the crops on the one-acre plot of land.

Jump for photos of the garden.

Continue reading "Bolsa Mercado Hosts Guest Chefs to Benefit Café Momentum"

Green Grocer to Open on Greenville Avenue in September 2012

The Green Grocer in Chicago

East Dallas is going to get pretty crowded with grocery shoppers now that Green Grocer has announced its partnership with Artizone.com, an online shopping community that features a wide selection of local artisanal shops and food businesses. Cassie Green and Gary Stephens founded the first Green Grocer in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago (2008), and now they’re opening a second location in Dallas by September 2012 on 3614 Greenville Ave. with 4,000 square feet of retail space. Green Grocer will be a “one stop shop to pick up every day grocery items, lunch to go, ingredients for a fresh and delicious dinner or a gift basket for a friend” and will feature “organically grown, locally produced food and specialty items.”

But Sunflower Market (soon to be Sprouts now that the two chains have emerged) already dominates the corner of Lewis and North Henderson, while Trader Joe’s is set to open on 2001 Greenville Ave. – just 1.2 miles away from Green Grocer – by the first quarter of 2013. Oh, and remember me telling you how Wal-Mart is opening its own Neighborhood Market store in the old Whole Foods space on 2218 Greenville? That’s happening this September as well. By next year, at the very latest, one-two-three-FOUR grocery stores will be fighting the good grocery fight within a two-mile radius.

What’s that idiom again? Two is company, three’s a crowd… so what’s four? Four might be produce-shopping overkill. With the advent of Green Grocer, at least this means that those of you who’ve been pining for a neighborhood market that supports small, local vendors as opposed to large retail chains are finally getting exactly what you want, even if we’ll all be playing bumper cars with our grocery carts along Greenville and Henderson. Hip hip hooray!

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Trader Joe’s Opens Friday in Fort Worth. Do You Care?

Listen to Bud Kennedy. He knows all the back roads to Trader Joe's.

The landscape of grocery shopping in DFW may or not transform on Friday when Trader Joe’s, the Jimmy-Buffet-Meets-The-Beach-Boys-Before-Brian-Wilson’s-Melt-Down-esque food store born in Pasadena, California in 1967, opens its doors at 2701 S.Hulen St. in Fort Worth. (The Trader Joe’s Lowest Greenville Dallas is now scheduled to open in Spring 2013). Like their In-N-Out Burgers’ brethren, California transplants are psyched out of their Two-Buck-Chuck-wasted minds that this Hawaiian version of Aldi is finally a reality.

Will you don a Hawaiian shirt and make the 72-mile (from downtown Dallas) round-trip drive to load up on cheap wine, pistachios, and Trader Joe’s Coconut Water Fruit Floes? Not me. Especially since Mr. Fort Worth, Bud “Propagandist” Kennedy sends this notice:

Please warn everybody that half of Fort Worth is under construction. The back way to Trader Joe’s is to exit I-30 at University and wind around the Colonial golf course. If you can’t find that, use I-20 and come north.Do not try to go over the Hulen bridge south of Central Market, and do not try to take Berry through TCU.

Whatevs, Bud. I’ll await reports from the good folks of Fort Worth and the dedicated food coconuts in Dallas who make the trip. Me, I’m headed for some real fun.

UPPITY DATE: Teresa Gubbins compares Trader Joe’s with other local grocery stores.

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RaceTrac Announces Chef-Driven Gas Station in Little Elm

Get Your Motor Running: Race Trac Chef Bob Derian chops a mysterious ingredient.

See the picture of the nice man? His name is Bob Derian and he is a chef. His official title is Director of Food & Beverage Innovation at RaceTrac Petroleum. His job is to create a delightful food experience in a gas station convenience store. We love good food in gas stations, especially tacos. But a chef-driven gas station is unique.

Brace yourself, Bertha. On June 21, Little Elm will debut the first RaceTrac’s RT6K store in our area. The 6,000-square foot gasoline convenience store will feature a 24-hour Swirl World Yogurt frozen yogurt shop with more than 40 toppings to choose from, a walk-in beer cooler, free Wi-Fi, tasty breakfast items, premium coffee, and outdoor seating. I can’t wait until John Tesar gets his hands on this concept. A free sous-vide burger with every fill-up. Oh, the possibilities are endless. (2100 FM 423. Little Elm, TX 75068)

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