Stolen Bread at Whole Foods

Infinite Markup?

Why is Whole Foods selling stolen bread? (and for so much, too).

And isn't announcing it to the world rather brazen?

The explanation, for fellow dyslexics, bad spellers and/or Emily Litella fans (Gilda Radner's old SNL character): that would actually be "stollen bread," a Christmas specialty (guess who celebrates Chanukah?).

New Linden Hills Co-op

In a Word: 'More'

Want a one word summary for the new Linden Hills Co-op that just opened near 44th and France, about six blocks west of the old location?

"More."

As in, more floor space (I'd guess at least double); more parking; more deli space and prepared foods; more eat-in dining tables for enjoying all those prepared foods, etc.

Twin Cities' Most Expensive Salad Bar?

And, at least for some items, more money: at $8.99 per pound, the Co-op's salad bar out-does even Whole Foods.

Tempering the sticker shock somewhat: great specials on selected items like Muir Glen Pasta Sauce ($2.50, vs. $4-plus regularly), as well as $5 coupons every two months for members.

Given the high quality (if expensive) food and produce, and the new, more accessible location, the Co-op can expect lots more members.

Great Vintages: 1993, 1998, 2004, 2010

Ranking Fresh Produce Crops

No, those aren't banner years for Cabernet Sauvignon's, or Zinfandel's, or some other varietal (I'm not much of a wine drinker, actually).

They're bumper crops for produce like cherries (OK, I made up all those dates, except for this year).

Personally, I always thought that there should be a way for "foodies" to track which years were superb, and which ones mediocre.

Clearly, for cherries and peaches, 2010 is the former!

P.S.: according to the produce guy at Whole Foods, the secret is where the produce comes from. His theory, at least, is that Washington state produces juicier cherries and peaches because the nights are cooler than in California (where more of the fruit comes from).