Posts categorized 'General Interest'

A Smashed Pumpkin for a Great Cause

It was a dark and stormy night...no scratch that. It was a perfect fall day outside of Central Market Westgate. The grackels were cawing and the sun was shining, and there it sat, proudly awaiting its fate. After weeks of perching in Protein Alley, it was time for our proud pumpkin to come back outside to meet its maker, but not without fulfilling its dreams first.  

The pumpkin's destiny was to raise money to give to the Capital Area Food Bank by selling a "guess the weight" ticket.  $1 bought you a guess, and help it did – overall, $670 was raised! 

Many guesses were made, some good and some bad, but only one could win. Drum roll please...the pumpkin weighed 1,143 pounds!!! Mike Fitzgerald of South Austin was the lucky winner of a $300 Central Market Thanksgiving Shopping Spree! Great guessing Mike!

(Insert sad music here). And now, for the pumpkin's dramatic exit. There it sat in the beautiful morning sun. We cranked up the chainsaw and began cutting, orange flesh was flying everywhere. The pumpkin split open revealing its alien-like insides. The seeds were then harvested and sent back to the farmer to ensure future prize-winning offspring. A moment of silence please...and now let's celebrate Thanksgiving!

Castello Vicchiomaggio Wine Dinner

Please come join Central Market's Wine Manager, Heidi Holcomb, for an evening of great food and fine wine at Barbaresco Restaurant - Bar on November 9. Come savor the food creations from Chef Erick ABRAMS. Central Market is proud to partner up with Chef Erick for this night of exciting wines and flavors! You don't want to miss out on this one. Please call Barbaresco at (210) 231-0989 to make your reservations today!

Check out www.barbaresco.net for further details.

Sip and Savor!

Please join us at Central Market for our Wine & Cheese Entertaining Event on November 6-8! Come discover our vast variety of wines and cheeses from all over the world with tastings, pairing ideas, entertaining tips and more! With more than 700 varieties of cheese and 2,500 wines, nobody does wine and cheese like Central Market!

Also, please come take advantage of our 20% case wine discount happening Novmber 4-10! Come mix and match reds, whites and bubbles and stock up for your holiday season! Featured case specials on Bears' Lair Wines, Down Under Chardonnay and Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon.

Once again, come join us Central Market November 6-8 for our Wine & Cheese Entertaining Event and take advantage of our fabulous deals for your holiday season.

Fight the Flu and combat Colds

Cold and flu season is upon us, with added concerns this year due to the prevalence of the H1N1 virus. To stay healthy, it's a good idea to do everything you can to boost your body's natural ability to fight off infection.

A good place to start is a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and plenty of water. Vitamin C helps your body to produce interferon, an important part of your immune system, and stimulates the activity of bacteria-killing cells. Citrus fruits, strawberries and blueberries are well-known sources of Vitamin C, but broccoli, bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, mustard greens and Brussels sprouts are also rich in the nutrient. Beta carotene – found in sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squash and the leafy greens that are also high in Vitamin C – increases the number of infection-fighting cells.

You may also want to add some nutritional supplements on a daily basis. Taking 600-1000 mg of Vitamin C and 200 IU of Vitamin E daily has been shown to strengthen immunity. Zinc, selenium, and Omega-3 fatty acids (such as those that come from flax seed or fish oil) increase the number and activity of white blood cells. Other antioxidant options include oil of oregano, echinacea and olive leaf. Source Naturals Wellness Formula is a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and herbs designed to boost immunity. Probiotic acidophilus is available in capsules and liquids in adult, children's and infant strengths. Many require refrigeration for maximum potency, but there are also shelf-stable forms that don't require refrigeration if you need an immune boost on the go.

If you're already suffering from flu symptoms, Boiron's Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic medication, can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, and elderberry extract can also bring you relief. Researchers from the Florida-based Herbal Science Group LLC, writing in the July 2009 issue of the journal Phytochemistry, reported that flavonoids from elderberry extract bind with H1N1 (swine flu) virus, blocking its ability to infect a host. They compared the elderberry flavonoids' antiviral action with those of Tamiflu and Amantadine. Our Healthy Living Department has a number of products containing elderberry extract, including New Chapter Immunity Take Care, Nature's Way Sambucus, Dr. Dunner Sambu Guard and Gaia Black Elderberry Syrup.

National Breast Cancer Awareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. To support the cause, we are featuring Cline Cellars Cashmere red wine through the month of October. Cline will donate $1 from each bottle sold to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Cline Cellars Cashmere is a red blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah, with flavors of spicebox and chocolate covered bing cherries. Cline specializes in robust, yet silky wines and has been making wine since 1982. Support the cause and enjoy a luscious bottle of wine!

Yes, cauliflower can be exciting

One of the unsung heroes of the vegetable world, this crucifer is often overlooked and under-appreciated.  We here at Central Market want to show you how nutritious and delicious cauliflower can be, and this week only you can save $1.50 on Organic Cauliflower – now that's exciting! (Check out our Weekly Specials for more great deals.)

The milky sweet taste of cauliflower is adaptable to many varieties of cuisine and is a great companion to sauces, curries and hearty meat dishes. Ever heard of Cauli-rice? All you need is a ricer. How about mashed cauliflower?  If you want a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes, think cauliflower. I've even sautéed cauliflower with fresh minced garlic and then topped with Alfredo sauce – incredible! Visit our Recipes page for some of our favorite cauliflower pairings, and check back often for updates.

Cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that may help prevent cancer – glucosinolates and thiocyanates (including sulforaphane and isothiocyanate). These compounds appear to stop enzymes from activating cancer-causing agents in the body, and they increase the activity of enzymes that disable and eliminate carcinogens. increasing the liver's ability to neutralize potentially toxic substances. If potentially toxic molecules are not properly and rapidly detoxified in the liver, they can damage cell membranes and molecules such as DNA within the cell nucleus, which can start a chain reaction that may eventually lead to carcinogenesis – cell deregulation and uncontrolled growth. Both animal and human studies show increased detoxification enzyme levels from high-glucosinolate diets. Researchers suggest that this helps explain the epidemiological association between a high intake of cruciferous vegetables and a decreased risk of certain cancers. Visit World's Healthiest Foods for more information on cauliflower, including its numerous health benefits and excellent nutritional content.

Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer with Wine!

Attention BEER GEEKS!!! Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster Coming to Central Market

Garret Oliver is the famed Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery. Brooklyn Brewery beers have only been in Texas for one year and Central Market is fortunate enought to have the man behind the beer next week at select Central Market stores.

Garrett Oliver is the author of The Brewmaster's Table, and the foremost authority in the United States on the subject of traditional beer. After years of amateur brewing inspired by beers he had encountered during a year in England, Garrett began brewing professionally at Manhattan Brewing Company in 1989 as an apprentice. He became brewmaster there in 1993 before joining Brooklyn Brewery in 1994 as Brewmaster and Partner. Many of his beers have won national and international awards. He has served as a judge for the Professional Panel Blind Tasting of the Great American Beer Festival for fourteen years, and is a perennial judge for the prestigious Great British Beer Festival competition and Brewing Industry International Awards. Come see the man behind the beer and get up close and personal with this famed American brewmaster!

Wednesday 10/14  4:30 to 6:30  -Dallas Lovers Lane Central Market

Discovering Value Bordeaux Wines at Central Market

What better time of year, then fall in Texas, as the temperatures cool off a bit, football is in high gear, the grill is fired up outside and you are looking for that perfect red wine to go with all of it!

What better wine region to find such great values, than Bordeaux, France. Yes, that's right, Bordeaux! Many think of Bordeaux as the ultra premium icon wineries such as Mouton, Lafite Rothschild and Margaux. Those names do indeed spell out great wines and pedigree, but there is more to Bordeaux than meets the eye!

Bordeaux produces some of the best wines for the money and most consumers do not realize that they can find one for not only under $40, but for under $25.  If you are a Cabernet or Merlot based wine lover, this region is right up your alley! We are proud to offer 2 classic Bordeaux reds for under $25.

I've personally been to Bordeaux numerous times in search of the best values to bring back to Texas for Central Market's customers.

Chateau Haut Nadeau 2005 is at an unbelievable retail of $13.95. This wine shouts with dense notes of blackcurrant, vanilla and spice converging on the palate. Famed wine critic Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate said this wine, "represents undeniable quality/value." He calls this a sleeper of the vintage. This is why we are able to offer such a tremendous wine to you for under $15 directly from Bordeaux. Perfect with that next cheddar bacon cheeseburger off the hot grill!

Chateau Lamoliere 2005 is $21.95.  85% Merlot and 15% Cab Franc, this beautiful red is aged in barrels for over 12 months giving it an elegant finish even at a young age. Made by the former winemaker of the icon wine Mouton Rothschild, Patrick Leon. This wine is very rich, with hints of raspberry and ripe fruit. Made by Chateau Les Trois Criox. The estate is named "Les Trois Criox" (three crosses) by reference to the three church towers in the three villages, on whose terrirtory the estate's vines grow.The property is one of the oldest in the area of Fronsac. If you ever make a trip over to the winery, if you look closely on the cellar door, the date 1712 is carved on the keystone of the door. Perfect with a nice NY strip steak and garlic rosemary potatoes.

Viva Italia! Viva Vino!

Viva Italia! Viva Vino!

Wine Spectator's newest issue came out today and the timing could not have been better. It's all about Italy and the tremendous ingredients, meals and most importantly, fantastic wines coming from the boot.

The Spectator says, "There's a reason why people refer to the Italian way of being as "la dolce vita"-the sweet life. Of course people work hard there, and there are problems to solve. But Italians seem to have mastered the art of taking life one day at a time, and enjoying every minute. It's no wonder that wine is such an integral part of the Italian lifestyle. Enjoying a glass of wine and a home cooked meal with family and friends-the Italian way-is guaranteed to reduce stress and increase the pleasure of life."

Since this article is so timely and I could not agree more, I want to make life even easier for you and point out 5 extreme values that we have for you from the different regions of Italy.

Si Soave $9.95

From the northeast of the country, this light, fresh white wine is perfect as an apertif. Many do not realize that is the most popular type of white wine in Italy! The acidity is really mild, making it a versatile pairing.

Rapitala Nero d'Avola $9.99

A classic, lush red from Sicily showing notes of blackberry fruit, hints of chocolate with a balanced and elegant finish. 90 points and highly rated by Wine and Spirits Magazine! Winner of the "Best Buy" award, too.

Nobillisima Pinot Grigio $8.95

One of the best Pinot Grigio values out there and you can only find it at Central Market. Compares favorably to the big names that you would normally pay twice the amount for. From the Veneto region, this wine over-delivers as a crisp white. It bears hints of white flowers, pear and a sweetness that reminds one of apples. Don't let the price fool you - this is a great Pinot Grigio. It makes me want to say "GRAZIE!" to those smart Italians.

Rosso Pesce $9.95

From the heart of Tuscany, this affordable classic Tuscan red is powered by the Sangiovese grape making it a fruity, well-rounded red perfect for your favorite hearty italian dish. This is what you serve with giant bowl of pasta covered in homemade Bolognese or alongside that crispy Neopolitan-style pizza topped with chopped salami. This wine is made for Central Market by the famed estate of Castello Vicchiomaggio in Greve, Italy.

Riondo Prosecco $10.95

Prosecco continues to be a hot sparkling wine. If you love bubbles, a hint of sweetness and the perfect way to start a night or even end a great evening, this is the bubbly for you. The famous wine critic Robert Parker of Wine Advocate calls this, "An Amazing Prosecco!" He gave this 90 points and is highly rated. We use it in this Prosecco Bellini Recipe or - more often than not - drink it straight from a flute.

Viva Italia! Viva Vino!- Chris Potestio, Wine Buyer, Central Market Stores