tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72589149314929921472024-03-18T20:45:53.864-07:00Temple of Fresh&EasyThe "Neighborhood Market" obsession turns religious.OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-73228730592012776232013-06-05T19:10:00.001-07:002013-06-05T19:10:38.973-07:00F&Easy Here to StayYay!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NdHoNuJGFpc?list=PLkM9pOTVY2bR95K6W8nVo0NsjGIBxiBFO" width="560"></iframe>OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-32686216409167156732013-03-08T10:11:00.001-08:002013-03-08T10:11:43.372-08:00We Love Free FoodGood morning gentle readers.<br />
<br />
Look what just arrived in my mail box:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj11jfryHBHAkDumyrWOInBaMSW_H7EQB3f26vIPEp1J6Cd9p9x2Dy_CmrXwKp5_NlW0BoGVNVXu4cYVFyOz_d6gYgKwDC04mPVf18S4GO8XI6E6W-vZ89DVDBCs0Ixt3T6wYl_h6CiYGc/s1600/fandespring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj11jfryHBHAkDumyrWOInBaMSW_H7EQB3f26vIPEp1J6Cd9p9x2Dy_CmrXwKp5_NlW0BoGVNVXu4cYVFyOz_d6gYgKwDC04mPVf18S4GO8XI6E6W-vZ89DVDBCs0Ixt3T6wYl_h6CiYGc/s320/fandespring.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dreading losing an hour of sleep this weekend? We sure are! To make that "spring forward" a bit easier we want you to have breakfast on us. Come into your favorite fresh&easy Neighborhood Market on Sunday the 10th or Monday the 11th and get a FREE six pack of freshly baked Plain or Everything Bagels.<br />
<br />
Just bring in the coupon available at <a href="http://www.freshandeasy.com/bagelsforbloggers" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.freshandeasy.com/<wbr></wbr>bagelsforbloggers</a> to get your free bagels. (You can save a tree and scan it straight from your smart phone.) There’s no purchase necessary.<br />
Feel free to share the coupon with your friends, family, readers, and followers. As always, our bagels are only made with ingredients you can pronounce.<br />
<br />
#StillFighting <s>for more sleep</s> the good food fight,<br />
The Fresh & Easy Team</blockquote>
<br />
Thank you Fresh and Easy!!!!Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675918374775278239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-39443532236868446992012-08-01T22:30:00.001-07:002012-08-02T12:37:46.241-07:00My Cheating Heart: A ConfessionDear Fresh&Easy:<br />
<br />
I must admit I haven't been to the my regular Fresh&Easy on Spring street for quite sometimes. My most recent trip was a few weeks ago when I had some house guests whose diet is gluten-free among other things. It was necessity that brought me through the door that day.<br />
<br />
F&E, our long distance relationship has become an obstacle. <br />
<br />
I live just about 3 miles away from the nearest stores: the Spring Street location and the F&E Expresses in Garden Grove and Seal Beach. None of these are really convenient unless I am on my way to/from somewhere. Going 3 miles for a grocery trip I may or may not complete has grown cumbersome over the years.<br />
<br />
Having said that, I have been frequenting your Seal Beach location more because it's on my way home from me cheating on you.<br />
<br />
Yes, F&E. I have been cheating on you. Big time.<br />
<br />
I've been cheating on you with <a href="http://food.oakmonster.com/search/label/CSA" target="_blank">community-supported agriculture subscription I pick up</a> every other Friday at Long Beach Whole Foods and Sunday farmer's market at the Alamitos Bay, also right by Whole Foods. When I pick up the CSA box and/or visit the farmer's market, I usually start planning the meals.<br />
<br />
To be honest, when I have an armful of fresh produce, slabs of meat in a glass case at Whole Paycheck...I mean...Whole Foods are more inspirational than nicely packaged chunks at your store. I simply could not resist the temptation.<br />
<br />
However, the trip I take to cheat on you actually puts me on an easy path to hit the Seal Beach F&E Express on my way home. Often than not, I would swing in to run through the place just to see what's new.<br />
<br />
It's at this Seal Beach F&E Express where I fall in love with you all over again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://natsellssealbeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/FE-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://natsellssealbeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/FE-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: http://natsellssealbeach.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The condense version of your current stores is what YOU used to be when I first walked through the door 4 years ago. Almost everything was your own brand. The store is nice and compacted. (No, I don't miss the big aisles at all.) I know for sure that if things I want aren't on the shelf, they're probably not there so I don't have to waste time searching or asking someone--I just resign to the fact and move on.<br />
<br />
THAT is the F&E I used to know and love.<br />
<br />
I hate to say it but F&E original stores have become too big for your own good. While trying to please the American market and "listen to [your] customers", you seem to have lost touch with the "easy" part of your brand. You've followed the path of the Great American Excess and just became another grocery stores with nicely packaged foods.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://freshneasybuzz.blogspot.com/2012/07/fresh-easy-neighborhood-market-to-test.html" target="_blank">Fresh and Easy Buzz reported</a> recently that 2 F&E stores will be testing out
full-service check out stations. Good for you! But you won't
find me in THAT line. I still love checking out my own
stuff, not having to wait around and exchange pleasantries with anyone. Yet another very American request you must adapt to to survive.<br />
<br />
These are why F&E Express fits me better, like the earlier version of the full store. Most of the products are F&E brand--as simple as can be. Easy to grab ready-to-eat meals front and center instead of buried deep in the store. I can swing in, get everything I need, and check myself out without having to wait for anyone. (Well, except when buying alcohol, of course.)<br />
<br />
I'm sure the shopping preference of a foodie in a childless household--also an admitted Anglophile who doesn't like to stock-pile shop--doesn't really count for anything in the marketplace these days. But as one of your earliest fans, I just want to let you know that I miss the good ol' days.<br />
<br />
I don't know if I could fall in love with you like I did the first time ever again at the rate you're changing, but at least your Express store will keep me coming back. <br />
<br />
Yours truly,<br />
<br />
High Priestess OakMonsterOakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-55180857829976593052012-07-13T18:13:00.001-07:002012-07-13T18:13:10.899-07:00Design-A-Bag 2012 voting starts nowThe finalists are in! It's time to support your favorite design and vote for the best looking design for future f&e reusable bags.<br />
<br />
To vote, you'll need to <a href="https://friends.freshandeasy.com/" target="_blank">log in to your Friends of fresh&easy</a> account, scroll to the bottom for the Design-a-Bag voting banner. <br />
<br />
Good luck to all the contestants! Whoever the winner will be, we know we'll love to have your bag! <br />
<br />
FYI: I'm rooting for Alina from Lakewood as she's closest to my home turf, and for Leslie because I like the design. But don't let that sway you. ;-D<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeUEljtzlJLM9nNRmma0rTOHIPyRpSI9Hc09gk_5epnCOBJB3ZYSqENDe4RSif0EXA9n-LRi2uy0nZ7sVnmivVn7R1CihaEyrtKJMYGI0kXjDn5QbJjoRxjR-BWhZZ7Bmb8X-n6FcFpE/s1600/DAB_finalists_screencapture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="f&e design a bag contest" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeUEljtzlJLM9nNRmma0rTOHIPyRpSI9Hc09gk_5epnCOBJB3ZYSqENDe4RSif0EXA9n-LRi2uy0nZ7sVnmivVn7R1CihaEyrtKJMYGI0kXjDn5QbJjoRxjR-BWhZZ7Bmb8X-n6FcFpE/s1600/DAB_finalists_screencapture.png" title="f&e design a bag contest" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://blog.freshandeasy.com/2012/07/your-bag-your-vote-design-bag-voting.html" target="_blank">f&e blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-46000441666627429112012-06-22T09:31:00.000-07:002012-06-22T09:31:02.996-07:00Kitchen to Go Contest<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://freshandeasy.com/kitchentogo" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCtnQEw0Y3cloZ6Z8E-ctkEa4WXG5petvCEIQE4N8ZzZa_T97R3rVYtpg9CKZBVssJJ1bty8xScVNRY3HzlL6aUehlnonxVc-3gaSvt0d2ZMFtbWUR_tOvc64Bo1rWcLELBrMmO3AQBxz/s1600/image001.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you haven't checked out the new Kitchen To Go items, you really should. My kids are off doing summer vacation type things and I am not fond of cooking for one or two people. It's practically impossible!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Kitchen To Go line has over 150 items--entrees, sides, meal bowls for single serve, and they serve 1-4 people and the family size could easily feed six people if none of them are teenagers! Right now we are working our way through Italy. The other world cuisines offered are Mexico, Asia and America. You can view the whole menu and pairing ideas at <a href="http://freshandeasy.com/KITCHENTOGO.aspx" target="_blank">freshandeasy.com/kitchentogo</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To get people excited about the new line, there's a contest. From June 20th to June 27th respond to a @freshandeasy tweet (like this one)
</span><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tweet your fav <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523kitchentogo">#kitchentogo</a> items/combos - use <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523kitchentogo">#kitchentogo</a> & @<a href="https://twitter.com/freshandeasy">freshandeasy</a> and we just might pay for a meal! ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">— fresh&easy (@FreshandEasy) <a data-datetime="2012-06-21T03:35:06+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/FreshandEasy/status/215649014752874496">June 21, 2012</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js">
</script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and get entered to win a daily drawing for an F&E gift card. Be sure to use <b>#kitchentogo and @freshandeasy</b> in your tweet or Instagram post. You can enter as many times as you like.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LY9a_Y200Qo" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222;">
<br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675918374775278239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-5116283017456081162012-04-21T23:14:00.000-07:002012-09-13T11:42:38.417-07:00Dinner Possible: 7-Layer Dip<i><b>Note: This post was originally done on March 27, 2010. I'm updating it now to go along with the Meal Ideas video contest I've just submitted.</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dYz7TLH4k3U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hmmfoodgood.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-deep-is-your-love.html" style="font-weight: bold;">My 7-layer dip</a> has become somewhat famous among friends. But once, I run around F&E to get the ingredients, I thought maybe I can just try using ALL F&E products and see how it would work out.<br />
<br />
And boy, has that worked out! <br />
<br />
Usually, my first layer is non-fat refried beans with Mexican-style cheese blend melted into it. But since I've come to love F&E Cuban Black Bean Dip, I figured, why not? The rest is pretty much the same.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">One-Stop-Shop F&E 7-Layer Dip</span></span><br />
<br />
Layer them up however you'd like. I usually like to put sour cream layer OVER the guacamole to help keep the guac from browning a little bit. Optional: let the dip sit in the fridge for an hour for the flavors to meld together. Served with any of F&E Tortilla chips. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Layer 1</span><br />
1 jar of F&E Cuban Black Bean Dip.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Layer 2</span><br />
2 tubs of F&E fresh Guacamole. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Layer 3 - The Secret Layer</span><br />
Mix well 1 big tub of (light) F&E Sour Cream and 1 packet of
Lawry's Taco Seasoning. Yep. It's the secret ingredient that makes
people go...hmm...what's THAT?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Layer 4</span> <br />
1 container of F&E fresh salsa (mild, medium, or spicy...your choice!)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Layer 5</span><br />
As much as you like of the F&E Mexican Style Shredded Cheese<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Layer 6</span><br />
2 cans of F&E sliced black olives or 1 can of chopped Black Olives.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Layer 7</span><br />
Finely sliced green onion to your liking.OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-19691714672491193882012-04-18T21:24:00.002-07:002012-04-18T21:27:05.643-07:00Dinner Possible: 5 Minute Zucchini Parmesan<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dy_uh_O341Q/T4-SXj6_PRI/AAAAAAAA3G0/xEc-Y0g0tls/s1600-h/2012-04-18%25252019.20.00%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="2012-04-18 19.20.00" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uJd13TGqqEYmeeP8GVFr6gJOl6wWZaI8lba3ZbutiPakM02rKpVqW1FNbGnySvPH-K3WCrQjkCQXyzx4Q6RxyQ9ETrD_BBlaqdMPGDNgiQWQ0MArDs-H9q2mrV4IYLcTVlBNbTbJzidF/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2012-04-18 19.20.00" width="181" /></a>Ok, it’s not really five minutes, but prep time is about 5 minutes and bake for 30 minutes, freeing you up to do something else, like knock out a blog post about 5-Minute Zucchini Parmesan (with salad).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="item"> </span><br />
<div class="fn">
<br /></div>
<div class="hrecipe">
Ingredients</div>
<div class="hrecipe">
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">3 or 4</span> <span class="name">zucchinis</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 16 oz. jar</span> <span class="name">pasta sauce</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/2 cup </span><span class="name">shredded Parmesan cheese</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/2 cup </span><span class="name">shredded mozzarella cheese</span> </li>
</ul>
</div>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">Heat oven to 375 degrees. </li>
<li class="instruction">Grease or use non-stick spray on 9x13 baking dish. </li>
<li class="instruction">Slice the zucchini, it doesn't matter how. Place in baking dish, covering bottom thoroughly. </li>
<li class="instruction">Pour the pasta sauce over the zucchini and stir to coat. </li>
</ol>
<div class="instruction" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5Qnx84DejZk/T4-SZGA-pdI/AAAAAAAA3HE/PAZE4eV53GY/s1600-h/2012-04-18%25252019.32.27%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2012-04-18 19.32.27" border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7ky-x4tnKG38RlgzySmprgCzDLlVnAZSrq_LiuKxeOdIQsXiXRdZ5VYMZZ5PDLPa2utVhG6XaItdyzC_GNppgDVR63GgD5ZEz5IkftETMkBbxmiKZLzKZoMSX78vS9rTCtEScxNtAOOo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2012-04-18 19.32.27" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="instruction">
Sprinkle cheese over mixture. </div>
<div class="instruction" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGWHL_AY0L8oAP9WvE-sQIl2webHVOtPG-a71H7U1TqWKik70oWci-keipvsS9un21o3v5CGAKtdNpopEyVr0gijkttp00wX80AIZAnDC-Ypfs1F6869cnD72STrqF6YVqpyLUBMCSh-u/s1600-h/2012-04-18%25252020.23.34%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2012-04-18 20.23.34" border="0" height="227" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1BQGl911JDA/T4-SbI8wpSI/AAAAAAAA3HY/g-edeONH3H4/2012-04-18%25252020.23.34_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2012-04-18 20.23.34" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="instruction">
Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes or until zucchini is tender. </div>
<div class="instruction">
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction">
Serve with salad. </div>
<div class="instruction">
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction">
<em>Bon apetit!</em></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675918374775278239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-16390530191398796872012-03-27T07:49:00.001-07:002012-03-27T07:51:25.944-07:00March 28: Pink Slime Swap Meat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Bring out your meat! *Gongggg* Bring out your meat! *Gongggg*<br />
<br />
<br />
Nope. That's not a typo. It really is a swap...meat!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.freshandeasy.com/2012/03/pink-slime-swapmeat.html" target="_blank">This Wednesday, March 28</a>, fresh&easy is offering to swap out the ground beef you bought from another
retailer, fresh or frozen, to any F&E and exchange it for a pack of
their 80/20 ground beef.<br />
<br />
<br />
I got an email from F&E CEO Tim Mason today to assure me this.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You can rest assured that we have never, would never and will never use pink slime in our ground beef.</blockquote>
Of course, as a fan of the store, I want YOU to find out for yourself the good stuff F&E carries. So, if you have a pack of questionable beef in your fridge/freezer, bring it out and get the slime-free stuff! <br />
<br />
Also a note from the FAQs: "This offer is good while
supplies last and limit 1 package per person up to 2 lbs., but we will do our best to
offer you a similar replacement."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.freshandeasy.com/2012/03/pink-slime-swapmeat.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5adKbYFZweD3dEKdmr5kEwrsgMuVuGQX0CWJDxAQxZseJSWmVnLGDVD9B9fimupa0KPRO1D3_VbMFmxh-jVTHG87rWW4sOddTP2gJhheDHFOTh-DuzlrBgyc4xzXCFiuMqO9CxHOrpTg/s1600/swapmeat.png" /></a></div>OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-87486158657580517702012-01-27T16:29:00.000-08:002012-01-27T16:29:00.088-08:00Effin Eat WellLast night there was a great twitter chat about eating well. Here's the summary.<br /><br />
<script src="http://storify.com/nicolederuiter/fresh-and-easy-and-dr-wendy-bazilian-and-friends-t.js">
</script><br />
<script src="http://storify.com/nicolederuiter/fresh-and-easy-and-dr-wendy-bazilian-and-friends-t.js">
</script><noscript>[&lt;a href="http://storify.com/nicolederuiter/fresh-and-easy-and-dr-wendy-bazilian-and-friends-t" target="_blank"&gt;View the story "fresh&amp;easy, Dr. Wendy Bazilian &amp; friends TweetChat on healthy eating" on Storify&lt;/a&gt;]</noscript>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675918374775278239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-43055580957283811912011-12-15T23:24:00.000-08:002011-12-15T23:34:05.451-08:00Holiday Meals Made SimpleYes, indeed!<br />
<br />
Good folks at F&E contacted me to do a taste test of their "<a href="https://holidays.freshandeasy.com/" target="_blank">Holiday Meals Made Simple</a>", heat-and-eat holiday meals for 8 people in one box.<br />
<br />
How could anyone say no to THAT?<br />
<br />
Besides, I was just thinking about ordering a holiday meal this year (*gasp!*) because my friends from Thailand will be staying with us through Christmas. To maximize time spent with friends, I chose to make it easy on myself with someone else's cooking this year.<br />
<br />
I requested the Beef Rib Roast dinner which came with a pint of beef gravy, and one "potato" and two vegetable sides. My choices were potato gratin, petite carrots with honey butter, and cornbread and sausage stuffing.<br />
<br />
Then I called up my girlfriends for our little holiday gathering. Amanda, Lee, and Aurora had participated in the past Twitter wine tastings, and Lupe attended one of the F&E event with me. So, they are all veteran F&E tasters and loyal customers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/6507195165/" title="Fresh&easy holiday box by TheOakmonster, on Flickr"><img alt="Fresh&easy holiday box" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6507195165_a7192854d6.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>
<br />
<br />
When I picked up the box of goodies, I also picked up our favorite F&E bubbly Montcadi Cava Rose and an F&E pecan pie I haven't tried before. <br />
<br />
The best thing about this whole Meal Made Simple is that everything reheats at 375. First in was the roast as it needs an hour. Then the stuffing and the gratin for 25 minutes. I did the carrots in the microwave for 7 minutes.<br />
<br />
While everything was heating up, we sipped the Cava. We had Gnarly Head Zinfandel with the meal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://holidays.freshandeasy.com/store/images/roast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://holidays.freshandeasy.com/store/images/roast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The roast was pure perfection--perfectly medium rare, juicy, tender, and flavorful. The pan juice was perfect as a sauce we didn't really miss the gravy I left behind. (Whoops.) That was easily our favorite part of the meal. We have the seal of approval from Lupe, the best cook in our group, on this one.<br />
<br />
Coming in second was the carrots. Just sweet enough and not overly buttery and perfectly cooked. I couldn't have done better myself! <br />
<br />
A split decision on the potato gratin. It was super cheesy and delicious fresh out of the oven, but once cold, it felt heavy and too rich. We did a reheat test...aka sticking our second servings in the microwave. Lee liked it still, while it lost me. Amanda also found a few bites that were slightly undercooked. <br />
<br />
Another split decision, leaning toward dislike, was the cornbread and sausage stuffing. Amanda found the cornbread "spongy and not in a good way". Lee liked that there was sausage in it. I thought the gravy I left behind would've saved this a little bit as I found the stuffing a little dry. Perhaps I should've reheated it in the microwave, or add a few glugs of chicken stock before putting in the oven. Oh well, next time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://holidays.freshandeasy.com/store/images/attributes/cornbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://holidays.freshandeasy.com/store/images/attributes/cornbread.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://holidays.freshandeasy.com/store/images/attributes/carrotts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://holidays.freshandeasy.com/store/images/attributes/carrotts.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://holidays.freshandeasy.com/store/images/attributes/pot_gratin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://holidays.freshandeasy.com/store/images/attributes/pot_gratin.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #274e13;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Overall: Heavenly</b></i></span></div>
<br />
And yes, it really did feed 8 people. 5 hungry girls plus one token male were happily and well fed and we had plenty leftover to feed two more people easily.<br />
<br />
Sure, you can totally made a better holiday meal than this. But for being a heat-and-eat feast from a grocery store chain and you only spend an hour sticking things into the oven, the Meal Made Easy is a total dream.<br />
<br />
And yes, I just placed my <a href="https://holidays.freshandeasy.com/" target="_blank">order online</a> for a Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham feast for Christmas Eve. It couldn't have been easier!<br />
<br />
You have until December 18 to place your order to have it in time for Christmas. So, get on it!<br />
<br />
P.S. <b>Pecan pie</b> was <i style="color: #274e13;"><b>Earthbound. </b></i>Tasty but not craveable or mind blowing.OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-27303589076407591692011-12-04T18:34:00.000-08:002011-12-04T22:00:15.547-08:00F&E Sausage Rigatoni Skillet MealDenizens of the Temple!<br />
<br />
On my maiden voyage to the brand new La Cienega & 18th street Fresh & Easy Express I picked up a Sausage and Rigatoni Skillet Meal.<br />
<br />
Those who know me know the way to my heart is paved with pork products and Italian food. Plus this dish also featured my new obsession - roasted red peppers and the whole thing was in a cheesey marinara sauce.<br />
<br />
I'm just going to come right out and say it: MEH.<br />
<br />
The Rigatoni noodle is entirely too large for this dish. I felt, at times, like I was eating the penne of a giant. The sauce is very forgettable - a weird velveeta taste and texture to it. The sausage and roasted red peppers were too few.<br />
<br />
And the whole bag is 2 servings packing a whopping 510 calories each. So Not Worth It.<br />
<br />
Do yourself a favor, if the idea of this meal sounds good to you, pick up some Fresh & Easy whole wheat penne, their spicy arribiata sauce, some red peppers and hot Italian sausage and make it yourself. It will be much tastier and memorable.<br />
<br />
Better luck next time!!! - Amy<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdict: Earthbound</span>Amy Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902260552193452902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-64621154981063550172011-11-16T23:16:00.000-08:002011-11-16T23:35:25.367-08:00I'm BACK!!! Thank You Fresh & Easy Express<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQHEdyoRl80ztD2FhfHWGkS40j4_I2HVrl_frOwWU9h28VHm7hxbQt1QUqSrT6Sl4r3SwAuu-2vxp0MpTE5GkJdp4Zk5dnTSxysziBHf7EBoXa7X6L-oH9auijHRTrBqgxsWRJdcUwus/s1600/FandEexpress.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQHEdyoRl80ztD2FhfHWGkS40j4_I2HVrl_frOwWU9h28VHm7hxbQt1QUqSrT6Sl4r3SwAuu-2vxp0MpTE5GkJdp4Zk5dnTSxysziBHf7EBoXa7X6L-oH9auijHRTrBqgxsWRJdcUwus/s320/FandEexpress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675862256073466834" border="0" /></a><br />Denizens of the Temple!<br /><br />How's it hanging?! It's been awhile which I blame on the general inaccessibility of the nearest Fresh & Easy to my Fairfax District of Los Angeles abode. I mean, really, Hollywood Blvd? Underground parking lot? It is a nightmare.<br /><br />Plus there is a Whole Foods one block away, the famous Los Angeles Farmer's Market across the street and four Trader Joe's within 2 miles. (Plus one being built at the end of my street, due to open in March 2012)<br /><br />Still, I missed Fresh & Easy. Thought about heading to Hollywood Blvd many times, then remembered the nightmare parking (not to mention the traffic) and headed to Trader Joe's instead.<br /><br />I have forsaken the Temple, I realize this.<br /><br />So imagine how excited I was on Sunday night, when I was driving home from Oakley's birthday party and I saw the brand new Fresh & Easy Express at 1788 S. La Cienega Blvd.<br /><br />Tonight I drove over there.<br /><br />And spent $107 with the coupon for $5 off.<br /><br />You have to work really hard to spend over $100 at Fresh and Easy.<br /><br />Or you have to be suffering serious Fresh & Easy withdrawals.<br /><br />I will have reviews of the many new products I bought tonight over the coming week.<br /><br />What I can say now, is the store was pretty, with hardwood floors and an awesome coffee station. It is about 1/2 the size of a regular F&E store, but I didn't notice a ton of missing product. Certain favorites were not there, but whether that was because they don't stock them (Chicken Escalopes!), or they were out of them, who knows. I was there at 930pm and the F&E truck was outside, so... I don't know.<br /><br />I am BACK! WOO HOO!<br /><br />More soon!<br />AmyAmy Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902260552193452902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-36866013359787929922011-10-13T08:22:00.000-07:002011-10-20T15:48:06.251-07:00A little help from your "Friends"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://friends.freshandeasy.com/microsite/home.aspx"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 94px;" src="https://friends.freshandeasy.com/microsite/media/images/loyaltyprogram/hero/fpoheroloyaltylanding.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Forgot to bring your coupons? Forgot you even had coupons? Not going to be a problem at F&E any more, believers.<br /><br />Say hello to the <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://freshandeasy.com/friends">Friends of fresh&easy Reward Program</a></span>.<br /><br />Scan your card when you shop and earn points for every dollar you spend. Once you get to 500 points, you can convert them into cash and use the card like a gift card. Nothing to lose by adding one more card to your overstuffed wallet. ;-)<br /><br />$1 = 1 point earned. 100 points earned = $1 cash.<br /><br />Oh, but you CAN get bonus points too. Sign up and 250 points are pre-loaded!<br /><br />Pick one up at the store. Scan it. And start saving. Everything is done online. No paperwork anywhere. Sweet deal, right?<br /><br />ETA: Glitches in the zip code registration has been fixed. Enjoy the benefits!OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-71847660188248272412011-10-03T14:01:00.000-07:002011-10-03T14:30:08.840-07:00Twitter Tasting: Tales of Two BloggersThis is the first time that <a href="http://annetteholland.com/">Sister Annette</a> and I did our F&E twitter tasting separately. (Remember <a href="http://templeoffreshandeasy.blogspot.com/search/label/twitter%20tasting">these</a>?) Since we live nowhere close to each other, I thought it’d be more convenient to just do it at our own home. Annette didn’t have as much fun. And while I was in good company of friends who don’t tweet, it was kind of weird not hearing Annette’s Chuggability™ rating live.<br /><br />In hindsight, I guess we could’ve done at Google Plus hangout. Hrrm.... [Annette: Next time!]<br /><br />Anyways. Here are our comments and recaps.<br /><br /><b>Dreamstone Pink Moscato</b><br /><br /><div><i>Quick Hits: </i></div><div><div><ul><li>Annette: Very chuggable. Better than chuggable, even my non-wine liking significant other liked it. If I didn't have to try two others, or get up the next morning …</li><li>Oakley: The only bottle that got finished that evening. And quickly too!</li></ul><div><div><i>Chuggability™:</i> A bottle for you, a bottle for me... (A: Two for me, one for you. This is definitely a go-to for a champagne substitute, a light dessert wine, or a sparkling summer or holiday wine).</div><div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>A: I was drinking alone but wished I had some port cheese and fruit to go with it. I think it might have gone well with the citrus chicken fajitas we had the night before.</div><div><br /></div><div>O: My party is having dinner of flavorful broasted chicken and potatoes with sides of macaroni salad and barbecue baked beans. (Broasting is essentially deep frying in pressure cooker so the chicken is crispy and moist without being greasy.) The moscato went splendidly with our summery dinner. General comments from my party were: peachy, fruity, and gimme more of that.</div><div><br /><b>Ma Cherie White<br /></b><br /><i>Quick Hits: </i>Oakley<b>:</b><span class="Apple-style-span"> Is it me or that doesn’t taste like anything?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Chuggability™</i>: Will cook with it but won’t really enjoy sipping this.<br /></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>O: Perhaps the chicken threw our palates off, but we didn’t much care for this mixed white. My friend Heather said it’s too oaky for how she likes her white. Lee, being scientific about it, tasted the wine with all the component of dinner and concluded that it was good with the barbecue baked beans. For me, I didn’t get any fruit or floral. All I tasted was a slight tang and the oak.<br /><br />A: After reading everyone else's tweets about it I wasn't too inclined to try it. I think the tasting would have gone better if we had started with the Ma Cherie - you know, go from white, to pink, to red.</div><div><br /><b>Doon Buggy Red<br /></b><br /><i>Quick Hits: </i></div><div><ul><li>Annette: This would be great with a steak and was good with chocolate -- which I usually reserve for port. </li><li>Oakley: At least the label is entertaining. (See below. Thanks Annette for the pic.)</li></ul></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Chuggability™:</i></span> Oakley's went straight to the sink. Definitely not for chugging for Annette, more for sipping.</div><div><br /></div><div>A:<b> </b>I opened it at 7 as suggested by F&E to let it breathe. I think this helped a lot. <a href="http://twitter.com/suki">@suki</a> also suggested dark chocolate, of which I had a square or two left over from<a href="http://food.oakmonster.com/2011/09/chocolate-wine-and-boobies.html"> Ghirardelli Intense Dark Pairing tasting</a>. I'm not a big red drinker, the tannins give me a headache, but I was able to get one glass down and enjoy it. I enjoyed the smell as soon as I poured it, so that was a bonus. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>O: Oh, Doon Buggy. We wanted to like you. I wanted to like you. Given, we skipped the breathing part and totally forgot to use the aerator, we didn't care much for this wine at all. The first sip I had, I was taken aback by the buttery-ness. I made a face Brandon called it “Is that a spider in my wine?” face. Then I got the oak...or was that a smoke? Brandon--who already prefers juicier wines--flat out refused to take another sip. Lee then proceeded to do a dramatic reading of the label. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2mJRKcXVkLBAh5LlDzGw7QH3Vn6qxPoGxFcQgs82fr-SkKB-o5hmuFJLr9rqc-yYNUtnkIwNMT2uhyM9_6-J52GpzGjR5EuqeKfEAhq43T0LMV810eg" width="349px;" height="400px;" id="internal-source-marker_0.9700883002951741" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, we had enough wine in us by that point that everything seemed funnier than it is. But seriously, who writes this stuff? [A: Someone who's already had a few glasses and wanted to keep the Napa theme going?] Like I said, that's the only thing we enjoyed about the wine.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br />And of course, the colorful description of Doon Buggy from Oakley's Peanut Gallery: troll blood, zombie food, dune buggy's exhaust, and grapes crushed by a dune buggy. Sorry! We really didn't like the wine!</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, this went from good to worst for my dinner party. We even revisited some wine after dinner just to make sure. While <i>Ma Cherie </i>gained a bit of favor back, <i>Doon Buggy</i> was a lost cause. All in all, though, it was a great night.</div><div><br />Thanks F&E for the tasting party. Sorry we didn’t like all the wine this time around!<br /><br />[Annette: Pssst - pass the moscato!]</div>OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-12076650009268826442011-09-26T10:23:00.001-07:002011-09-26T10:42:57.080-07:00F&E Secret Stash: Plush Puffs<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclaimer: I absolutely did not get paid to talk about Plush Puffs. I just picked them up randomly from F&E and totally fell in love!<br /><br /></span></span>Alright, alright. This is really not a typical F&E brand product. But I think it's worth mentioning.<br /><br />As I shopped for <a href="http://food.oakmonster.com/2011/09/chocolate-wine-and-boobies.html">Ghrirardelli Intense Dark Pairing party</a> at F&E a few weeks ago, stocking up on dried apricots, almonds, crackers, and parmigianno, I came across these <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.plushpuffs.com/display">Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows</a></span> in the bakery aisle, right next to the cookies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksI6fLNhyDUz74ivyFmA7Un9rxENCNaUPs51Bif3TYN_ncgff9k91i2WXUtwpvg3PCEolL5tDBv09N0S_g9NHdGqMSxJD3zRZlnozgd136wndYf_x6p6yuHU8hFz9oeKhj5Y-tzubwxM/s1600/2009PlushPuffs01_LG_.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksI6fLNhyDUz74ivyFmA7Un9rxENCNaUPs51Bif3TYN_ncgff9k91i2WXUtwpvg3PCEolL5tDBv09N0S_g9NHdGqMSxJD3zRZlnozgd136wndYf_x6p6yuHU8hFz9oeKhj5Y-tzubwxM/s400/2009PlushPuffs01_LG_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656723327783973730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was going to get some marshmallows for the Intense Dark Toffee Interlude anyway. I thought, maybe I'd try these guys out. So I picked up the Vanilla Bean ones for the pairing.<br /><br />At the party, I realized the mistake I made by putting all the foods out family style at each table. By the time we got the last pairing, the marshmallows and the Toffee Interlude, many tables were *ahem* missing the marshmallows.<br /><br />They couldn't help themselves, explained my guests. The Puffs were so darn good!<br /><br />And once we did the tasting, you should've heard the moans coming out of our corner of the wine bar. It was just Puffs and chocolate--we didn't even make a proper S'mores out of them! Everybody requested for more Puffs. Alas, I only bought 2 boxes.<br /><br />A week later, I still had the Puffs on my mind. So I went back and picked up the Caramel Swirl ones. (Brandon loves caramel.) By itself, it was delicious but on the verge of being too sweet. So I tried it with the Ghirardelli Intense Dark Sea Salt Soiree with almonds. Magic, part 2!<br /><br />And there are still many flavors I haven't yet tried! So, PLEASE keep these Puffs stocked on your shelf, F&E. I still have to try more flavors! They're also locally made in Sherman Oaks and AWESOME. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Nirvana</span></span>OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-43298705150750025742011-08-22T07:36:00.001-07:002011-08-22T10:55:16.336-07:00Dinner Possible: 4 Ingredients or Less<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKxt_-lEKTl5Li9PfthUllUA4BZWADe-Pyu8ogqbtsyyMKaGlm3ekbv7FP9xyglINPSeHu-JFqVyG5kCEeJdin0UKaHL1vflBr2Zh_GWdD9QaxK63m40fjIMSw_5tUbHaP-kB4dvs4Vru/" /></div>
<br />
<div>
We're back to almost vegetarian in my household and Sunday nights are either gourmet or leftovers. We're out of leftovers. <br />
<br />
Tonight's dinner is Portobello mushrooms with a side of summer squash and baked potatoes. It took about 20 minutes - less if your grill doesn't run out of gas! <br />
<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span><br />
<div class="fn">
<span class="item"><b>Portobello Mushrooms with Summer Squash</b></span></div>
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="author">
Recipe by Annette Holland</div>
Prep time: <span class="preptime">10 minutes</span><br />
Cook time: <span class="cooktime">20 minutes</span><br />
Total time: <span class="duration">30 minutes</span><br />
Yield: <span class="yield">4 servings</span><br />
Ingredients<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">4</span>
<span class="name">portobello mushrooms</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Fresh & Easy Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Fresh & Easy Burgundy Wine Simmer Sauce</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 package</span>
<span class="name">summer squash</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">4</span>
<span class="name">Yukon Gold potatoes</span>
</li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />Grilled portobello mushrooms are delicious, but our grill was out of gas and it was too hot to broil. I made due with the griddle.<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Lightly oil with olive oil, then spoon either the balsamic vinaigrette or burgundy wine simmer sauce over the mushrooms until soft, turning at least once. If grilling, marinate the mushrooms for a few minutes.</li>
<li class="instruction">
Saute the summer squash to desired tenderness.</li>
<li class="instruction">
Serve with a baked potato.
</li>
</ol>
</div>
The Intrepid Princess still prefers steak to mushrooms, but The Teen and The Hunk both loved it. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE6RhuJTksiWscTREndAuh4YVtF4WBw5PjwIjma7NiA2nwpKHIc4pGHDs-ZjowGTiahrSYu_K5vN-cm2CIoIz7dkreZWBJ1zjxuVDMcnLqMx51SOjP-gLwKX674pExVylYP9yALI3SYOE/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Squash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675918374775278239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-65957267509266675942011-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:002011-07-29T08:28:09.391-07:00Bag LadyDing ding ding! A winner has been chosen for the <a href="http://templeoffreshandeasy.blogspot.com/2011/04/bag-it-part-2.html">F&E bag design contest</a>! Nice work, Las Vegas.<br /><br /><object height="257" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5ywaU3skX-U?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5ywaU3skX-U?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="257" width="400"></embed></object>OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-91979696147991654852011-07-02T22:00:00.000-07:002011-07-02T22:27:59.706-07:005 F&E Items I Always Have On Hand<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Jasmine Brown Rice</span><br /><br />Alright. I'm an embarrassment to my heritage. Which Thai person doesn't buy rice by the 5 lb. sack!? This one. There are only two of us and we don't eat rice every night like, say, my aunt's household. I bought a big bag of rice once and at some point I got bugs in them. Since F&E sells smaller bag of rice--brown Thai jasmine, nonetheless--it makes better sense for us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/3918879462/" title="Fresh & Easy by Oakmonster(TM), on Flickr"><img style="width: 449px; height: 299px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/3918879462_7a46c7d3ec.jpg" alt="Fresh & Easy" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Okay this photo the focus is on Long Grain White, but Jasmine Brown is right behind it! I called this "My Family Portrait". Hee.)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Big bag of Shredded Cheddar Cheese</span><br /><br />I come home and split half into another zip-top bag and freeze both. 4 things I always have in the freezer so I never run out of: shredded cheddar cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, Irish Butter (which F&E also sells), and home made limoncello. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Assorted Dried Pastas</span><br /><br />I raid the pasta aisle every 6 months or so to stock up on rotini, spaghetti, penne, and egg noodles. My last trip, I even picked up a bag of gluten-free pasta, just in case my gluten-free friend decides to drop in for dinner some night.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Montcadi Cava Rose</span><br /><br /><a href="http://templeoffreshandeasy.blogspot.com/2010/02/four-girls-three-wines.html">Love at first taste</a> with this one and the affair continues. There is always a bottle of this chug-able rose bubbly in the fridge. After a long day at work. Friends happen to pop in. Hot Sunday afternoon. Whatever. I'm ready!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/5430434234/" title="DSC_0099 by Oakmonster(TM), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5430434234_147446d763.jpg" alt="DSC_0099" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Chocolate/Strawberry/Key Lime Mousse</span><br /><br /><a href="http://templeoffreshandeasy.blogspot.com/2011/06/mousse-you-much.html">The Mousse Madness</a> has taken over the house. The husband insists our fridge can no long be without the mousses. We do now have 4 chocolate, 2 strawberry, and 2 key lime in the fridge.<br /><br />...make that 3 chocolate.<br /><br />What about you? What are your 5 F&E products you cannot go without?OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-80506972534749484532011-06-20T21:15:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:37:55.948-07:00Mousse You Much<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NfkNI2zWYtXoVDCGEYuPYKr5DCUyLVSkYNhiy2YTSGCchJ1Ne0Z3fMEqYgx7TVrlM3I3fqpmRUyDR4WMkRcZdNtBP3lMzz5462JbKDirRX2ZTVgdK5gwLIi76xkSVBesxjriDcyCSMQ/s1600/f%2526e+strawberry+mousse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NfkNI2zWYtXoVDCGEYuPYKr5DCUyLVSkYNhiy2YTSGCchJ1Ne0Z3fMEqYgx7TVrlM3I3fqpmRUyDR4WMkRcZdNtBP3lMzz5462JbKDirRX2ZTVgdK5gwLIi76xkSVBesxjriDcyCSMQ/s200/f%2526e+strawberry+mousse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620519482658760914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21ts7Xembzx2fvJes5dSJbn1r7HZ9aFVLE1V84TGkbW3zkCo8EO_FrVdB5iNX5zhWmvPOXbO56DhrBUu4XqanIIO6F6D5wsMM0x4REBfe-OQWTnMDP_AdXhd6Yz8f_qxCOpJeUJieIOo/s1600/f%2526e+Chocolate+Mousse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21ts7Xembzx2fvJes5dSJbn1r7HZ9aFVLE1V84TGkbW3zkCo8EO_FrVdB5iNX5zhWmvPOXbO56DhrBUu4XqanIIO6F6D5wsMM0x4REBfe-OQWTnMDP_AdXhd6Yz8f_qxCOpJeUJieIOo/s200/f%2526e+Chocolate+Mousse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620519287688092770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAwEJEj3XRPX6BwcMGtwBWu-tZnq2MRPr8GquaO6d3PEejdHS42CXAW8SBZqdI99b_kOBk6kR8TbqJGTr2dnlPbcSNn7vRmEY3ZYDTvoYHj0BjheFzUE0pwORP_wUkbX2iGOhlYR_n2U/s1600/f%2526e+Key+Lime+Mousse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAwEJEj3XRPX6BwcMGtwBWu-tZnq2MRPr8GquaO6d3PEejdHS42CXAW8SBZqdI99b_kOBk6kR8TbqJGTr2dnlPbcSNn7vRmEY3ZYDTvoYHj0BjheFzUE0pwORP_wUkbX2iGOhlYR_n2U/s200/f%2526e+Key+Lime+Mousse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620518821634299618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-gmdUWHNE1T_XlXkLXg9oKsvCTF37ymbwWWNiHsYPprLxOVeX4LNlbIlGzgQs0lbhcXvG7puPDk-__ztQw4vUAvkkrFfk7lOnG88SxG73oBZTk3htIFSMuh-XMGarXJMagYMlClq9xA/s1600/f%2526e+vanilla+mousse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-gmdUWHNE1T_XlXkLXg9oKsvCTF37ymbwWWNiHsYPprLxOVeX4LNlbIlGzgQs0lbhcXvG7puPDk-__ztQw4vUAvkkrFfk7lOnG88SxG73oBZTk3htIFSMuh-XMGarXJMagYMlClq9xA/s200/f%2526e+vanilla+mousse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620526604298747074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />(Thanks F&E for the photos!)</span> </span><br /><br />I was picking up a few tubs of Milk Chocolate Pudding for Brandon (he doesn't like dark) when I spotted them on the top shelf.<br /><br />Little bitty tubs of F&E dessert mousses: chocolate flavored, strawberry, key lime, and vanilla.<br /><br />So I grabbed chocolate for Brandon. The man LOVES chocolate mousse. Key lime and strawberry are for me to taste. Vanilla, well, I think I could guess what that would taste like.<br /><br />Key lime was on the sweeter side than tangy, but it was fluffy and yet decadent and delicious. I was disappointed when I finished that little tub. I can imagine buying like 20 tubs of these to fill a pie!<br /><br />Well, or I can just sprinkle some crumbled graham crackers on top instead. Make yourself a mini upside down key lime mousse pie!<br /><br />I feel the same about Strawberry Mousse too, making a reverse pie out of that. Strawberry one, however, was perfect in its sweetness. It tasted like someone just whipped up fresh strawberries into cream right then and there. Awesomeness!<br /><br />Now, the final judgement hangs on Brandon. Will Mr. Picky like this mousse? I had the first bite and I thought it might just be too dark for him. But what do you know? Brandon proclaimed this the best store-bought chocolate mousse he's ever had.<br /><br />While I would want the mousses in bigger containers, Brandon wanted them exactly the same size for portion control. The bigger the tub, the more we both are going to eat the mousse and that's not good for anyone.<br /><br />Much like why I'm not allowed to bring home the Banana <strike>Crack</strike> Cream Pie unless we have company or we're taking it somewhere else, I'm not supposed to tell folks at F&E that we want the mousse in bigger containers. ;-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Verdict: Chocolate, Key Lime, and Strawberry Mousses: <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Nirvana.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> </span></span>OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-12160473312468288802011-05-26T16:44:00.000-07:002011-05-26T17:34:25.527-07:00Memorial Day Weekend 5-Meal PlanMy BFF has invited myself and my hubby up to her family's cabin in Big Bear for the weekend. Since I'm currently unemployed, I was put in charge of the galley. Where else would I go if not F&E for the Memorial Day weekend awesomeness.<br /><br />So I bought all F&E brand of...<br /><ul><li>Mixed grill pack--the 4 lbs. total of 4 beef patties, 4 mild Italian sausages, 4 each chili-lime marinaded chicken thighs and wings--is on sale for $6.99. Best. Value. EVER!</li><li>Butter-basted sliced turkey breast</li><li>Cheddar cheese slices (12 oz)<br /></li><li>Vegetable and dip tray<br /></li><li>Arugula</li><li>Tomatoes</li><li>Onions<br /></li><li>2 bags of Microwave-able Spanish rice.</li><li>Chile Verde simmer sauce</li><li>1 bag each of fresh Snickerdoodles and Chocolate chip cookies.</li><li>Hamburger buns (8 buns)<br /></li><li>Red potato salad<br /></li><li>Strawberries<br /></li><li>Apricots</li><li>Eggs<br /></li></ul>My total bill was $56.02. If I had remembered to take my $10 off $50 purchase coupon, that would've been $46. But yeah, I'm silly that way. *sigh*<br /><br />I'm also bringing stuff I already have at home: half a carton of milk, a stick of butter, spices and condiments. So, let's round that total up to $60/$50 with coupon.<br /><br />This set of grocery will make 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners with desserts and snacks for 3 hungry people for $20/$16.67 with coupon per person, or feed 4 for $15/$12.50 with coupon.<br /><br />Five meals for $12.50-$20 per person? Epic win!<br /><br />How will that work? Here's my plan.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prep</span><br /><br />I separate the Mixed Grill Pack into separate zip top bags. I put the sausage and patties in the fridge, and the chicken in the freezer. All of my cold stuff will go in the cooler with the frozen chicken in the bottom with the ice to make sure it keeps cold during transit. Chicken will thaw out beautifully in the fridge the next day.<br /><br />We are leaving after lunch so by the time we get to the cabin, we'd want quick, easy, and satisfying dinner. And that's my starting point.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday dinner</span><br /><br />Cheeseburger with grilled onion and red potato salad--a double for Brandon. Cookies for dessert. Tomato slices on the side. (Brandon doesn't like fresh tomatoes.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday breakfast</span><br /><br />Breakfast scramble: eggs, Italian sausage, red onion. Fruit for dessert.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday lunch</span><br /><br />Turkey sandwich (using hamburger buns) with cheese and arugula. Tomato slices on the side. Veggie tray. Potato salad if there was any left. Cookies/fruit for dessert.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday snack</span><br /><br />Veggie tray. Cookies. Fruit. Your pick!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday dinner</span><br /><br />Chicken braised in chile verde sauce. (The existing flavor profile of the marinade should go well with the simmer sauce.) A side of Spanish rice and arugula salad with basic oil & balsamic dressing. Cookies/fruit for dessert. While the chicken is braising, I can do a little tomato confit with either cherry tomatoes in the veggie tray or whatever is left of the vine-ripen tomatoes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday breakfast</span><br /><br />Breakfast sandwiches (2 open-face ones and one with lid) with turkey, cheese, and fried/scrambled eggs with tomato confit. OR 2-egg omelet filled with turkey, cheese, and tomato confit...with toasted buns on the side. Fruit for dessert.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ride Home Nibbles</span><br /><br />We may have fruit, veggies, and cookies left to nibble on.<br /><br />I hope that gives you some good idea to pack for your trip!OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-3062325734514633442011-04-19T15:17:00.001-07:002011-04-20T12:18:02.136-07:00Bag It: Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.freshandeasy.com/DesignABag.aspx"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 471px; height: 278px;" src="http://www.freshandeasy.com/Content/images/DesignABag/form_top_pod_btns_2011.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />F&E brings back the <a href="http://www.freshandeasy.com/DesignABag.aspx">canvas bag design contest</a>! Winning design will go on all of their canvas bags and be available at every store. And YOU get free groceries for a year!<br /><br />No, you cannot use the Temple's fresco for this. ;-DOakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-27182549730613081652011-04-18T13:45:00.000-07:002011-04-18T13:45:42.550-07:00Dinner Possible - Lamb Loin ChopsLast night I was at a loss as to what to prepare for dinner. We had these tasty lamb loin chops from F&E that I was saving for Easter dinner, but two people I cook for don't like mint jelly. What's up with that???? Also my daughter was going to be at her Dad's for Easter, and since lamb is a family tradition I opted to make it early.<br />
<br />
I present herb-roasted lamb loin chops. Sides were F&E brand three cheese risotto and steamed broccoli.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/Tax9JyJWeBI/AAAAAAAAgc0/Hrw290VjTtI/lambchops.png" /><br />
<br />
I apologize, I only had my phone on hand when I took the picture.<br />
<br />
<b>Herb-Roasted Lamb loin Chops with three-cheese risotto and broccoli</b><br />
<br />
I did something you are supposed to do, but I was multi-tasking and needed to save time. I baked/roasted from frozen. The loins still came out tender enough to cut with a plastic knife.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
4-6 large garlic cloves, pressed (or garlic slices if you're like me)<br />
2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning<br />
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt<br />
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<br />
6 1-1/4-inch-thick lamb loin chops<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Preheat oven to 400°F.<br />
Mix spices and 2 tablespoon olive oil in baking dish. Add lamb; turn to coat. <br />
Set a timer for 25 minutes.<br />
Bake for 20-25 minutes as you cook the three-cheese risotto. Follow directions on box.<br />
Steam the broccoli the last 10 minutes of cooking.<br />
<br />
Transfer lamb to platter, cover, and let rest 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
Undoubtedly this tasted wonderful and would taste even better with fresh herbs, but hey, I got dinner on the table in 30 minutes.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675918374775278239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-45862686648841577382011-03-27T20:54:00.000-07:002011-03-27T21:00:55.238-07:00Dinner Possible: Big Ol' Cheesy Pasta FrittataI just posted a recipe for a very fulfilling and addictive <a href="http://food.oakmonster.com/2011/03/egging-me-on.html">pasta frittata</a> over on my food blog. Since I bought all of the ingredients at F&E, despite that not everything is F&E brand, I believe this is qualified as a Dinner Possible recipe. Don't you? :)<br /><br /><a href="http://food.oakmonster.com/2011/03/egging-me-on.html">Check it out.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/5566974840/" title="DSC_0034 by Oakmonster(TM), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5566974840_9d80e1623e.jpg" alt="DSC_0034" height="500" width="333" /></a>OakMonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13642913606085031710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-40156980484755679652011-03-15T14:05:00.000-07:002011-03-15T14:05:51.509-07:00Put the Lime in the Coconut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nZ-EksazIRUeuL1H3PzW71CqMsjPFwUPb1xYNvVdv6bmna0o4gtbxsL0UpL49BWrd3CGp2hitoT1suG112_vE4Sz-iA6Of4V5FTUSm6RYjAEpUkQKat9m5xIpXTv0UCFH7g0K0belalU/s1600/2011-03-14+14.08.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nZ-EksazIRUeuL1H3PzW71CqMsjPFwUPb1xYNvVdv6bmna0o4gtbxsL0UpL49BWrd3CGp2hitoT1suG112_vE4Sz-iA6Of4V5FTUSm6RYjAEpUkQKat9m5xIpXTv0UCFH7g0K0belalU/s320/2011-03-14+14.08.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yesterday's lunch was the Coconut & Lime Whitefish ($3.99) from the <a href="http://www.freshandeasy.com/Content/pdfs/newsroom/Eatwell%20Release%201-06-11.pdf">expanded eat well line</a>.<br />
<br />
This is the first <i>eatwell</i> meal that I haven't had to add any salt to. The rice noodles were perfect. I typically buy my lunches for the week, freeze them, and nuke them at work. Frozen then nuked noodles don't always come out right. The fish was so yummy, I was wishing for a bigger portion, but in the end I was satisfied.<br />
<br />
The only thing missing was a <a href="http://templeoffreshandeasy.blogspot.com/2009/10/dark-chocolate-heaven.html">dark chocolate pudding</a> for dessert.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #006600; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Verdict: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Heavenly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675918374775278239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7258914931492992147.post-9387477416658464272011-03-11T14:56:00.001-08:002011-03-13T22:50:23.684-07:00Let the wine flowLast night, Oakley and I had the pleasure of attending a wine tasting that sampled four of Fresh & Easy's 27 new <a href="http://www.freshandeasy.com/CA_Notes.pdf">California wines</a> at the very green <a href="http://www.miguelnelson.com/smogshoppe.html">SmogShoppe</a> in Culver City.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i41BXuVPeS0/TXpn5Gc8z3I/AAAAAAAAeiY/hQYLVH3by6M/s1600/DSCF1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i41BXuVPeS0/TXpn5Gc8z3I/AAAAAAAAeiY/hQYLVH3by6M/s400/DSCF1008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How much is that bottle?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The wines range in price from $3.99 to $19.99 -- and let me tell you, the Open Field Pinot Noir is worth it!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXpm_vGqhFI/AAAAAAAAeiI/jPrB_VIzuFs/s400/DSCF1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXpm_vGqhFI/AAAAAAAAeiI/jPrB_VIzuFs/s400/DSCF1007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Greenery at the Smog Shoppe - a LEED certified, converted smog shop.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Of course, we <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23fesmog">live tweeted</a> it along with other food bloggers, wine lovers, and F&E enthusiasts.<br />
<br />
The night began with hor d'oeuvres prepared by Chef Cynthia Perez.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXxl9GgJzCI/AAAAAAAAeqw/RMIHU8zhHnc/s400/2011-03-10%2018.46.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXxl9GgJzCI/AAAAAAAAeqw/RMIHU8zhHnc/s400/2011-03-10%2018.46.25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">And progressed onto making new friends. At first Oaks and I thought we were being avoided, but we are so glad to have met <a href="http://twitter.com/vianessa">Vianessa</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/theartmuse">Rachel</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMglpWSDoiA/TXpq45BRjyI/AAAAAAAAekA/WP-DIaB7usA/s1600/DSCF1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMglpWSDoiA/TXpq45BRjyI/AAAAAAAAekA/WP-DIaB7usA/s400/DSCF1013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@vianessa and @theartmuse, whom we shared a table with</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Before the actual tasting started, we watched a short intro video on the background of the winery.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="255" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XTa8G2cwfVo" title="YouTube video player" width="400"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Allen was very informative later in the night when he explained how the pinot noir acquired its exceptionally sweet taste. It's almost as sweet as a port, but without the aftertaste. By far my favorite of the evening and I am not a red drinker.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXprsWa5zsI/AAAAAAAAekU/Un01CecwrkU/s400/DSCF1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXprsWa5zsI/AAAAAAAAekU/Un01CecwrkU/s320/DSCF1014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Speaking of the actual tasting ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89bZY5qAbYc/TXxl11OjTyI/AAAAAAAAeqY/rQ5ojc2DjWs/s1600/2011-03-10+19.26.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89bZY5qAbYc/TXxl11OjTyI/AAAAAAAAeqY/rQ5ojc2DjWs/s320/2011-03-10+19.26.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first wine, the pinot gris was a bit acidic to me. Using our (practically) patented chug-ability scale it was given a 0. Not chuggable at all. NEXT!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5522119704_5713c4b60c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5522119704_5713c4b60c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">2nd wine: Cloud Valley Chardonnay. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Chug-ability</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">: Will sip with chicken or fish dinner.</span></span></span></div><br />
The chardonnay needed to breathe a bit. The chug-ability from freshly poured to about five minutes later changed from "This isn't sweet enough to be a chardonnay, but would be good with chicken or fish" to "this is chuggable".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5521529821_c4fa58dcd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5521529821_c4fa58dcd1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Fresh and Easy Wine Tasting: 3rd wine: Open Field Pinot Noir</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The pinot noir was next and I was pleasantly surprised. I am not a fan of reds at ALL, though Oakley is. We both agreed that this was a very tasty wine and worth chugging. Slowly. To enjoy the taste of course. And maybe have with that <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/5429841931/in/set-72157626009381826/">Hunk</a>.<br />
<br />
The final taste was a Cabernet. Vianessa and Oakley both agreed that it was their favorite and the best tasting of the evening. Needless to say, I traded my cab for her pinot noir.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5522120414_b5d3343e4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5522120414_b5d3343e4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">4th wine: Barrel Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. Chugability: Easy to drink, favorite wine of the evening.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We also had a favorite server of the evening<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5521534529_2dc6880a7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5521534529_2dc6880a7a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cody of Colorado. Great personality and awesome service!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>Richard - the wine expert - was kind enough to give us a quick lesson on whites</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vh0Pu_YO6ys/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vh0Pu_YO6ys?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vh0Pu_YO6ys?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>After all that, we were asked to guess the prices of the wines. Team Fabulous is obviously of the frugal sort. There is nothing wrong with the Big Kahuna and wines in that price range.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/5522122030/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="255896346 by Oakmonster(TM), on Flickr"><img alt="255896346" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5522122030_487c9032c1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh and Easy Wine Tasting: Obviously, we are cheap. <br />
Inside the box is our guesses for what the prices for the wines were. <br />
Whoops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a raffle in which Oakley won a gift certificate and a bottle of wine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXxlD5JjXFI/AAAAAAAAepQ/y6dNmkQFBJc/s400/2011-03-10%2020.54.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXxlD5JjXFI/AAAAAAAAepQ/y6dNmkQFBJc/s400/2011-03-10%2020.54.51.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After wining us, we were dined. We absolutely ADORE Chef Cyndi and what she whips up. (All recipes provided by Fresh & Easy)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/5522122924/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0273 by Oakmonster(TM), on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0273" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5522122924_0925d65061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichoke Hearts - <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/116kCrqRf6QKyj8UF_xSLxcu5w1Bl9I1WZb2MZxpQD5Y/edit?hl=en">Recipe</a></span><b style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/5521534067/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0288 by Oakmonster(TM), on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0288" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5521534067_335f854e12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster ravioli from the <a href="http://www.freshandeasy.com/Content/pdfs/QualityYouCanTrust/gourmet_menu_list.pdf">Gourmet line</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakmonster/5522123854/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0280 by Oakmonster(TM), on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0280" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5522123854_f716cba34e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Steak and Vegetable Skewers served by Chef Cyndi herself - <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ECEqdxW0mWNaLi5uXYUvY9ZMu5gZOClCCA0Hf1t9VK0/edit?hl=en">Recipe</a></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BsYHZWhWV18/TXxlTBh_6hI/AAAAAAAAepw/PyViyWyEioA/s1600/2011-03-10+20.03.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BsYHZWhWV18/TXxlTBh_6hI/AAAAAAAAepw/PyViyWyEioA/s400/2011-03-10+20.03.13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimp ceviche - <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h6INniYGaHH5WgoqDHXBKLvRZnA9k6xxVi6fRgEYsGw/edit?hl=en">Recipe</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5522123468_7c64d72e9c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5522123468_7c64d72e9c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vUATluDx0r0/TXxlWsx8YmI/AAAAAAAAep8/XZ8o8RqFTd4/s1600/2011-03-10+20.00.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vUATluDx0r0/TXxlWsx8YmI/AAAAAAAAep8/XZ8o8RqFTd4/s400/2011-03-10+20.00.24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Pear and Brie Crostinis - <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ea1OvyKT6AjDwclgeug-teR_r9NWKUIz2rzFtWG4HwU/edit?hl=en">Recipe</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXxlIf8yFfI/AAAAAAAAepY/55M_2vBM6Ys/s400/2011-03-10%2020.41.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_lBU_Eh_wpoc/TXxlIf8yFfI/AAAAAAAAepY/55M_2vBM6Ys/s400/2011-03-10%2020.41.15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5521535049_e6764667fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5521535049_e6764667fa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UJ_5Hyxpbnk/TX2X4aCDnYI/AAAAAAAAeug/OEky_nlJsUA/s1600/2011-03-13+21.19.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UJ_5Hyxpbnk/TX2X4aCDnYI/AAAAAAAAeug/OEky_nlJsUA/s400/2011-03-13+21.19.44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course we were sent home with a goody bag</div><br />
View all the photos<br />
<object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Foakmonster%2Fsets%2F72157626129276795%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Foakmonster%2Fsets%2F72157626129276795%2F&set_id=72157626129276795&jump_to="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Foakmonster%2Fsets%2F72157626129276795%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Foakmonster%2Fsets%2F72157626129276795%2F&set_id=72157626129276795&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F100633066574646064173%2Falbumid%2F5582881983363270417%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCL7-tdbfhYfklwE%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed><br />
<br />
<hr /><b>Related Posts:</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://freshneasybuzz.blogspot.com/2011/03/tescos-fresh-easy-neighborhood-market_10.html">Fresh & Easy Buzz</a> stalked us while we live tweeted the event</li>
<li><a href="http://blog.freshandeasy.com/2011/03/lets-toast-to-new-wines-from-golden.html">Fresh and Easy Blog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://vianessa.com/soundbites/2011/03/12/shrimp-ceviche/">Vianessa's Soundbites</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kaitlinwithhoney.com/2011/03/11/fresh-easys-food-wine-event/">Kaitlin with Honey</a></li>
</ul><br />
<div><br />
</div></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675918374775278239noreply@blogger.com12651 La Cienega Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA34.0331339 -118.37864434.0286884 -118.38593949999999 34.037579400000006 -118.3713485