Yay!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
We Love Free Food
Good morning gentle readers.
Look what just arrived in my mail box:
Thank you Fresh and Easy!!!!
Look what just arrived in my mail box:
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.
Just bring in the coupon available at http://www.freshandeasy.com/bagelsforbloggers to get your free bagels. (You can save a tree and scan it straight from your smart phone.) There’s no purchase necessary.
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.
#StillFightingfor more sleepthe good food fight,
The Fresh & Easy Team
Thank you Fresh and Easy!!!!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
My Cheating Heart: A Confession
Dear Fresh&Easy:
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.
F&E, our long distance relationship has become an obstacle.
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.
Having said that, I have been frequenting your Seal Beach location more because it's on my way home from me cheating on you.
Yes, F&E. I have been cheating on you. Big time.
I've been cheating on you with community-supported agriculture subscription I pick up 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.
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.
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.
It's at this Seal Beach F&E Express where I fall in love with you all over again.
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.
THAT is the F&E I used to know and love.
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.
Fresh and Easy Buzz reported 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.
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.)
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.
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.
Yours truly,
High Priestess OakMonster
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.
F&E, our long distance relationship has become an obstacle.
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.
Having said that, I have been frequenting your Seal Beach location more because it's on my way home from me cheating on you.
Yes, F&E. I have been cheating on you. Big time.
I've been cheating on you with community-supported agriculture subscription I pick up 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.
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.
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.
It's at this Seal Beach F&E Express where I fall in love with you all over again.
 |
| Photo: http://natsellssealbeach.com |
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.
THAT is the F&E I used to know and love.
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.
Fresh and Easy Buzz reported 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.
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.)
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.
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.
Yours truly,
High Priestess OakMonster
Friday, July 13, 2012
Design-A-Bag 2012 voting starts now
The finalists are in! It's time to support your favorite design and vote for the best looking design for future f&e reusable bags.
To vote, you'll need to log in to your Friends of fresh&easy account, scroll to the bottom for the Design-a-Bag voting banner.
Good luck to all the contestants! Whoever the winner will be, we know we'll love to have your bag!
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
To vote, you'll need to log in to your Friends of fresh&easy account, scroll to the bottom for the Design-a-Bag voting banner.
Good luck to all the contestants! Whoever the winner will be, we know we'll love to have your bag!
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
 |
| Image from f&e blog |
Friday, June 22, 2012
Kitchen to Go Contest
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!!
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 freshandeasy.com/kitchentogo
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)
and get entered to win a daily drawing for an F&E gift card. Be sure to use #kitchentogo and @freshandeasy in your tweet or Instagram post. You can enter as many times as you like.
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)
Tweet your fav #kitchentogo items/combos - use #kitchentogo & @freshandeasy and we just might pay for a meal! ;)
— fresh&easy (@FreshandEasy) June 21, 2012
and get entered to win a daily drawing for an F&E gift card. Be sure to use #kitchentogo and @freshandeasy in your tweet or Instagram post. You can enter as many times as you like.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Dinner Possible: 7-Layer Dip
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.
My 7-layer dip 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.
And boy, has that worked out!
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.
One-Stop-Shop F&E 7-Layer Dip
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.
Layer 1
1 jar of F&E Cuban Black Bean Dip.
Layer 2
2 tubs of F&E fresh Guacamole.
Layer 3 - The Secret Layer
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?
Layer 4
1 container of F&E fresh salsa (mild, medium, or spicy...your choice!)
Layer 5
As much as you like of the F&E Mexican Style Shredded Cheese
Layer 6
2 cans of F&E sliced black olives or 1 can of chopped Black Olives.
Layer 7
Finely sliced green onion to your liking.
My 7-layer dip 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.
And boy, has that worked out!
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.
One-Stop-Shop F&E 7-Layer Dip
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.
Layer 1
1 jar of F&E Cuban Black Bean Dip.
Layer 2
2 tubs of F&E fresh Guacamole.
Layer 3 - The Secret Layer
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?
Layer 4
1 container of F&E fresh salsa (mild, medium, or spicy...your choice!)
Layer 5
As much as you like of the F&E Mexican Style Shredded Cheese
Layer 6
2 cans of F&E sliced black olives or 1 can of chopped Black Olives.
Layer 7
Finely sliced green onion to your liking.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Dinner Possible: 5 Minute Zucchini Parmesan
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).
Ingredients
- 3 or 4 zucchinis
- 1 16 oz. jar pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Grease or use non-stick spray on 9x13 baking dish.
- Slice the zucchini, it doesn't matter how. Place in baking dish, covering bottom thoroughly.
- Pour the pasta sauce over the zucchini and stir to coat.
Sprinkle cheese over mixture.
Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes or until zucchini is tender.
Serve with salad.
Bon apetit!
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