http://www.themarketsllc.comRSS feeds for The Markets LLC60http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/130/An-Old-Favorite-is-Back.aspx#Comments0http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=547&ArticleID=130http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=130&PortalID=0&TabID=73http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/130/An-Old-Favorite-is-Back.aspxOr Maybe It Never Left... If you've eaten out recently, you may have noticed the new chef's darling:  grilled cheese sandwiches, accompanied by tomato soup.  True comfort food, but now elevated to a new foodie level. There are even grilled cheese food trucks trundling their way through trendy Los Angeles and probably even New York, offering up melted cheese oozing from thick ciabatta bread, accompanied by a small cup of steaming hot tomato soup.  Satisfying, filling, full of flavor and a complete meal. Are you a purist when it comes to grilled cheese?  Does it need to be yellow (read American, cheddar) cheese, or do you try white (jack, Swiss, comte, gruyere), or one of the fabulous blues (gorgonzola, maytag, Humboldt fog)?  Try experimenting with the fillings, too..maybe adding a fig jam or a wide slather of horseradish and dijon, maybe some sliced cornichons or even a thin layer of carmelized onions...but I digress. The beauty of grilled cheese is in its simplicity.  You only need cheese, bread, a bit of butter for grilling, and you're all set.  Go even simpler with the tomato soup:  some people just heat up tomato sauce and dip their sandwich, though I like more flavor than that.  In any event, the newest trend is all about grilled cheese, and the satisfaction of that quintessential meal.  Make it at home, eat it for breakfast, wrap it in foil to stay warm for a work lunch...it's versatile and inexpensive and can adapt to whatever level of effort you want to put into it.  I'm making myself hungry right now, so it's on to Beecher's No Woman cheese, some seeded wheat bread and a cup of tomato soup topped with parmesan croutons.  Very nice indeed.The Food MavenWed, 28 Apr 2010 21:54:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:130http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/129/The-Markets-Stand-Against-Racism.aspx#Comments0http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=547&ArticleID=129http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=129&PortalID=0&TabID=73http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/129/The-Markets-Stand-Against-Racism.aspxThe Markets in Whatcom County joined the YWCA's Stand Against Racism ton Friday, April 30. The Stand is a program by YWCAs nationwide to eliminate racism by raising awareness through this event.  As a participant, The Markets have signed on along with thousands of other businesses and organizations, each sharing a vision of a nation free of racism and discrimination. Although our stand is not open to public participation, we are joining other citizens in this important effort.  For more information on the program, and many suggestions for how you and your family can raise awareness (as simple as reading books about other ethnic groups or speaking up when someone makes a racist remark), go to www.StandAgainstRacism.org Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:45:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:129http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/128/The-Market-at-Anacortes-Lends-a-Hand.aspx#Comments0http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=547&ArticleID=128http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=128&PortalID=0&TabID=73http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/128/The-Market-at-Anacortes-Lends-a-Hand.aspxOn Thursday, April 22, The Market at Anacortes will offer double the bag rebate:  ten cents rather than five cents, in recognition of Earth Day.  This one-day-only offer will be especially poignant to our customers, since we are dedicating all our bag rebate donations through May 15 to the Tesoro Incident Family Fund.  Following the explosion at the Tesoro Refinery in Anacortes and the deaths of six employees, The Market has been receiving generous donations from community members towards the Family Fund which has been established.  The Market also will be donating food for an upcoming fundraiser. Thanks to all of you who contribute your nickels from our bag rebate program:  it has made a big difference to our recipient, Skagitonians to Preserve Farmlands. (The bag rebate program returns a nickel to customers for each bag he/she brings shopping.  The nickel can be deducted from the total grocery bill at checkout or paid forward to a local environmental group, such as Skagitonians.)Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:56:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:128http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/127/Food-Slump-Ends.aspx#Comments0http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=547&ArticleID=127http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=127&PortalID=0&TabID=73http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/127/Food-Slump-Ends.aspxI was stuck in a comfortable but boring food slump, eating the same things every week, really eating for sustinence, rather than the pleasure of new and unexpected flavors.   But I finally broke free, and it happened, as you might expect, when I changed my surroundings. On a road trip through the Southwest, inspiration arrived first in the welcome form of a green chili cheeseburger.  There is something about the green chiles grown in New Mexico that really don't compare to any others.  You need to eat New Mexico green chiles a few times to get your mouth used to the increased level of hotness.  When they're draped all over a big and juicy burger, you won't find a better meal. Unless, of course, you happened to visit a small, hole-in-the-wall warehouse where huge barbecues were preparing some of the best beef brisket I've ever had.  Served up with a hearty portion of pinto beans --- no, they're not bland when you add those devilish green chiles --- and you're in serious danger of overeating.  I did, and was sad there were no leftovers. Did I mention the Navajo cheese enchiladas at the former Navajo Nation Inn at Window Rock?  I don't recall the name of the big hotel chain that took over the NNI, but it's still the same great food I had a few years back.  The difference in the Navajo enchiladas or tacos, for that matter, is the base.  No corn or flour tortilla here, but a big, hefty piece of Navajo fry bread, which resembles a pita in shape, but puffs up like a tortilla does when you quick fry it.  The chewy heft of the fry bread makes an excellent anchor for the generous toppings of melted cheddar, sweet corn and beans, chopped onions and fresh shredded lettuce, a couple dollops of "Christmas" salsa ---both red and green, some sour cream, and of course, naturally, plenty of the beloved green chiles. My food gyroscope was happily moving in all directions, sampling blue corn pancakes and chile-dusted pistachios, pecan fudge and sausage burritos, a wonderful quick version of chocolate beignets hot from the oven, and peach-infused lemonade.  I scribbled down a few meals I particularly enjoyed, including a huge salad in Death Valley, made with icy-cold greens, fresh dates, local goat cheese and crispy pumpkin seeds, with a ruby red grapefruit coulis surrounding the very pretty presentation. One last inspiration:  tooling through Moab, Utah on a warm and sunny midday, I stopped at a truck vendor who had set up a wood-fired pizza oven.  He had on offer freshly-prepared pizzas and various soft drinks.  I ordered a four-cheese version with hot sausage, red peppers and proscuitto, and basked in the sunshine while I watched him stretch and toss the dough and expertly prepare the pizza.  He said he had been making artisan pizzas in Alaska, but a job called him to Moab.  The finished product was thin-crusted and bursting with flavors, peppery and rich.  I savored every last bite and still dream about that amazing pizza. Does food taste better when you're away from home?  Probably, but away from home gives you great ideas for tweaking your regular meals.   I returned, inspired once more to create something amazing and different at least once a day. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:57:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:127http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/126/Sizzling-Early-Warning.aspx#Comments0http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=547&ArticleID=126http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=126&PortalID=0&TabID=73http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/126/Sizzling-Early-Warning.aspxBarbecue Cookoffs Are Coming This Summer! If you love barbecue --- smoky, tangy ribs, spicy pulled pork, sizzling juicy chicken --- you will want to mark your calendar for not one, not two, but three barbecue cookoffs sponsored by The Markets this summer! The live barbecue cookoff competitions feature over 20 teams, chasing big prize money and the golden opportunity to compete on a national stage.  These two-day events create fabulous smells and even more fabulous food for you to sample.  Is there a better way to spend a sunny summer afternoon? The first is the return of  the Skagit Valley BBQ Championship, which will be held at the Sedro Woolley Food Pavilion on June 19-20.  Last year was the first, and it was a resounding success. The next is the second time around for BBQ on the Border, at The Market at Birch Bay on July 17-18.  The third is a brand new event , The Markets Cookoff, hosted by Sunset Cost Cutter on August 7-8. If you can't get enough barbecue, join us at The Market at Fairhaven for a BBQ Pitmaster Class on May 22.  This 12-hour event, with instructors from Dances with Smoke and Raven's Fyre BBQ, will give you ample info on all aspects of barbecue.  Attendees will prepare four competition meats for judging, too.  Cost to attend is $150 and includes all meat, rub materials and wood for the pit.  Contact Tom Wallin at tkwallin@comcast.net for more details.  If you have a team ready to compete in any of the three events listed above, sign up at the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association's website: www.pnwba.com  If you're just a person who loves barbecue or just a person who loves good food in a friendly setting, mark your calendars to join us!  Cook on! Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:29:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:126http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/125/Denim-Day-in-Whatcom-County.aspx#Comments0http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=547&ArticleID=125http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=125&PortalID=0&TabID=73http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/125/Denim-Day-in-Whatcom-County.aspxOn April 23, Wear Jeans for a Reason The Markets' nine Whatcom County stores will again support Denim Day on Friday, April 23. Denim Day is a way to show support for ending sexual violence.  Sponsored by the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, people are encouraged to wear jeans that day. Why denim?  In 1999, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans.  The Justices stated that since removing jeans "is impossible if the victim is struggling", she must have assisted the attacker in taking them off, which they felt implied consent. So we're wearing jeans for a reason...how about joining us?Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:23:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:125http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/124/Relay-for-Life-Teams-Form-in-Our-Stores.aspx#Comments0http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=547&ArticleID=124http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=124&PortalID=0&TabID=73http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/124/Relay-for-Life-Teams-Form-in-Our-Stores.aspxAmerican Cancer Society's Community Fundraiser Underway Relay for Life is a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer.  Teams of people camp out and take turns walking or running around a track.  Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event, because cancer never sleeps.  We will again sponsor several Relay teams in our communities where we have stores.  This 24-hour event is much more than an event:  it's a commitment to raise awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and patient support.  Relay raises money to help prevent cancer, save lives and diminish the suffering from this dread disease. Our Markets-sponsored teams will have bake sales, golf tournaments, sell t-shirts, used books and videos and much more to raise money for Relay.  In addition, where we have teams of employees, friends and families, we will also provide in-kind sponsorship through a generous food donation. Our teams are forming at Arlington Food Pavilion, Moses Lake Food Pavilion, Sedro Woolley/Mt. Vernon Food Pavilion, Lynden Food Pavilion and Whatcom County stores (Cost Cutter, Market at Birch Bay/Fairhaven).  All our stores will sell sun and moon decals for $1. Our teams will also make available luminarias, These light the way under the stars to remember those lost to cancer, those fighting cancer and those who have fought cancer and won.  The ceremony of light is one of the most moving parts of a very moving event. Here are the Relay dates in communities in which we have stores: Wenatchee Food Pavilion (May 14-15) Prosser Food Depot (May 15-16) Everett Cost Cutter (May 22-23) Moses Lake Food Pavilion (June 4-5) Arlington Food Pavilion (June 4-5) Wapato Intl. Market (June 5-6) Sedro Woolley/Mt. Vernon Food Pavilion (June 5-6) The Market at Anacortes (June 18-19) Lynden Food Pavilion (June 25-26) Cost Cutter/The Market at Birch Bay/Fairhaven (July 9-10) Selah $ave-On-Food$ (August 7-8) Join us, and many others in your community, and take a lap with us at your local Relay for Life.  You will see friends and neighbors, your local businesses and their employees, taking a stand against cancer and making a difference. Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:20:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:124http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/123/MDA-Shamrocks-Against-Dystrophy-Thank-You.aspx#Comments0http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=547&ArticleID=123http://www.themarketsllc.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=123&PortalID=0&TabID=73http://www.themarketsllc.com/News/NewsReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/123/MDA-Shamrocks-Against-Dystrophy-Thank-You.aspxOur amazing customers and amazing front end team at our stores really made an impact with this year's Muscular Dystrophy Association Shamrocks Against Dystrophy promotion. We raised $12,391 over four weeks!  This donation will pay for 15-plus kids with one of the muscular dystrophy diseases to attend a free one-week summer camp at Lake Stevens, WA.  This camp allows kids with limited mobility the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of camp activities without barriers.  Our shamrock top-selling checkers will have the opportunity to attend VIP day at camp in August and also appear on the Labor Day telethon. We appreciate your generosity and your partnership with us again this year.  Over the past ten years, our company has raised over $100,000 for MDA, and most important, the young people afflicted with the various dystrophies.Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:55:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:123