Archive for the ‘Product Information’ Category

Introducing: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

by Aaron Jones, Assistant Grocery Buyer
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream Pints Salty Caramel Pistachio and HoneyAt Jeni’s “We create ice creams we fall madly in love with, that we want to bathe in, that make us see million-year-old stars. We devour it out of Mason jars, coffee mugs—whatever we can get our hands on. Handmade American ice cream = Bliss with a big B. Every single thing we put in our ice cream is legit. Generic chemist-built ice cream bases and powdered astronaut-friendly gelato mixes? No, ma’am. We build every recipe from the ground up with luscious, Snowville milk and cream from cows that eat grass. With that exquisite base, we explore pure flavor in whatever direction moves us at any moment, every day, all year.”

Bristol Farms is proud to offer Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams!  Hand-crafted using amazing and unique flavor combinations.  Our stores will be offering: salty caramel, dark chocolate, pistachio and honey, brown butter almond toffee, brambleberry crisp, and whiskey and pecans.  Each pint features a cute and personal hand-written label.  You can really tell how much love is put into crafting these ice creams.  I can’t get enough of the salty caramel and pistachio and honey flavors!  These pints pack a lot of punch and even though you will want everyone to know how good Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams are, you may not be able to give up even one spoonful to someone else.  Stop by your local Bristol Farms, pick up a pint of Jeni’s and let us know if you agree with us in saying: “One pint is just NOT enough!”

Bristol’s Own All Natural Sourdough Breads

by Brenda Minter, Marketing Assistant, Grocery
Monday, May 14th, 2012

Bristol Farms All Natural Multi-Grain Sourdough BreadEverything Matters!

All Natural

No Preservatives

No Additives

Like fine wine, the ingredients that come together to create Bristol’s Own All Natural Sourdough Breads are aged each to their specific perfection…because everything matters when our bakers are creating these delicious old world artisan breads.

Authentic sourdough baked using only the age old methods handed down century after century by master bakers. The sourdough process begins with wild yeast spores and ends thirty hours later with fresh savory baked breads. The flavor delicately rolls over your palate and is extremely pleasing; this is the way nature intended sourdough to be. Our cheeses are well aged to bring out the best flavors…mother nature can never be rushed. The highest protein flours are used to bring out the best flavor bread is capable of. Close you’re eyes and walk through beautiful rolling fields of gold as you’re enjoying our breads!

Enjoy Bristol’s Own’s All Natural Sourdough Breads sliced by themselves right out of the package. Or create your own wonderfully enjoyable deli sandwich, spread some jam, butter, or cream cheese on them after a toasting. Your home will smell like a wholesome fresh bakery and your taste buds will explode with happiness. Wonderful for the senses. Or even bring new life to your soups, hors d’oeuvres with any of these savory treasures.  However you “savor” these unique sourdough breads, remember, there is timeless perfection  in every delectable bite! To the bakers at Bristol Farms everything does matter, and that makes our sourdough breads simply the best!

Stop by your local Bristol Farms and try our All Natural Sourdough Breads today!  Available in four varieties: Classic, Multi-Grain, Four Cheese, and Tomato Basil.  Each have a unique flavor and taste and all are extraordinary!

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With Our New Hot Salsa Roja!

by Michelle Salatino, Food Service Merchandising Assistant
Friday, May 4th, 2012

Bristol's Own Hot Salsa RojaIf you love Bristol’s Own salsa roja, but crave a little more heat, you are in for a treat!

Introducing: Bristol’s Own Hot Salsa Roja!

We make our delicious fresh salsa with ripened tomatoes, white onions, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and serrano and habanero peppers for a bit of heat. This fresh salsa is full of flavor, and has a nice heat to it that is not overbearing.

Of course this salsa pairs well with tortilla chips and your favorite beer, but you can certainly be more creative with our salsa.  Try adding it to a quesadilla made with pepper jack and grilled chicken, or top grilled meat or fish to give it that Mexican flair that we all know and love.  The possibilities are endless.

We are introducing this new salsa for the low price of $3.99 through May 8th. This salsa will also be demoed daily in our service deli departments.  Come on in and give it a try!

The First Signs of Summer: Locally Grown Snow Angel White Peaches

by John Savidan, Director of Produce Merchandising
Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

locally grown snow angel white peachesYou truly know summer is here at Bristol Farms when locally grown California peaches finally arrive. Every year we patiently wait for the first of the season locally grown soft fruit season to begin and each year we are never disappointed at what arrives. Our first of the season Snow Angel white peaches from Family Tree Farms are grown on the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley where the warm spring conditions are ideal for this early peach.  With a beautiful, rosy blush and a delicate, sweet flavor, these peaches are just waiting to welcome you to summer!  If they’re a little firm when you buy them, just leave them on the counter or in a fruit bowl for a day or two – you’ll be rewarded with a soft, juicy, and flavorful peach. At Bristol Farms these wonderful gems are just the beginning, and as the season progresses we look to have some of the best tasting and flavorful fruit that Mother Nature has to offer.  These delicious peaches are available right now at your local Bristol Farms, give them a try and come back to let us know how you liked them!

What’s A Good Cinco De Mayo Celebration Without Tequila?

by Geoff Nicoll, Director of Wine & Spirits
Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

tequila ocho blanco cinco de mayoTequila, a derivative of the agave plant, is one of the most unique and misunderstood spirits. Not a form of cactus but more directly related to the amaryllis or lily, the agave plant takes 8-10 years to achieve maturity in order to arrive at the necessary sugar levels (as opposed to the cane and grain spirits which can be harvested multiple times annually.)

Upon maturity, the agave are hand-harvested by experienced field tenders called Jimadores, and the 80-100 lb Pina (or heart) is hauled to the factory where it is split and steamed to concentrate the sugars. Following this ‘cooking’ process, the sections are milled and pressed, breaking the solids and releasing the sap for fermentation. Once this slow fermentation is complete, the juice is sent to the alembic pot stills to collect the vapors that form what we know as Tequila.

The spirit is classified in three basic segments: Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo. Blanco, also known as Plata or Silver, is unaged in wooden casks and runs clear from the still, where it generally sits in stainless steel or other neutral vessels until ready for bottling. Reposado, or “rested”, mellows in oak casks for a minimum of 2 months and up to one year, picking up gentle nuances from the barrels.  Anejo or ‘Aged’, spends a minimum of one year in oak with some special casks aging up to 6 years. This adds a density or complexity experienced tasters equate to that of Cognac.

The finest or Autentico Tequila is made exclusively from tequilana weber azul or ‘blue agave’ from the State of Jalisco and a few other prescribed states, and must be bottled at the factory. Others, known as Mixto, are a blend of 51% Agave with up to 49% cane sugar and can be bottled almost anywhere under agreement. Other regions and countries have experimented with their own version, but regulation mandates that they be labeled Agave Spirit.

Come in to Bristol Farms and sort through the dozens of ultra premium Tequilas and have a Buen dia el Cinco de Mayo.

Copper River Salmon Season Is Upon Us

by Craig Tsuchiyama, Seafood & Sushi Buyer/Merchandiser
Thursday, April 26th, 2012

wild copper river salmon logo alaskaThe KING is coming!

The Copper River derives its name from the rich copper deposits found along the riverbank. First used by the Alaska Native population, and later by settlers of the Russian Empire and the United States, this massive body of water has 13 major tributaries, is a mile wide and runs at 7 miles per hour. Dropping an average of 12 feet per mile and draining 24,000 square miles, it is the 10th largest river in the United States.  It is up this intense river system that the salmon must travel 300 miles to reach their spawning grounds, which requires extra stores of omega-3 fatty acids that make Copper River salmon some of the most prized salmon in the world.

Copper River King - Also known as Chinook or Tyess by Alaska natives, is the largest of the Copper River salmon family weighing up to 50 pounds. Prized for its exceptionally high oil content, succulent texture and rich flavor, this luxury fish literally melts in your mouth.

Copper River Sockeye - Also called Red salmon are known for turning a brilliant red when returning to spawn.  Robust and rich in flavor, this deep-red salmon has the firmest texture of all the wild Alaska Salmon.  Sockeye is the most abundant of all Copper River salmon and a preferred choice for many salmon lovers.

Copper River Coho - Also called Silver salmon, the mild, delicate flavor and firm texture distinguish this affordable, late-season Copper River salmon – a beautiful harbinger of fall.

The King is due to arrive at your local Bristol Farms in mid May.  Contact your local Bristol Farms for information on availability.

For more details, go to http://copperriversalmon.org/

Discover Three New Austrian Cheeses

by Michelle Salatino, Food Service Merchandising Assistant
Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Austrian CheeseHere, at Bristol Farms, we are always looking for new and exciting products.  We search high and low, from one end of the globe to the other to bring you the finest products available.  We are proud to introduce our newest discovery of three brand new cheeses from Austria!

Krauterschatz – This beauty is crafted from raw grass- and grass hay fed cows milk.  This is a semi-hard cheese, coated and rubbed with 8 alpine herbs; lemon balm, oregano, savory, thyme, marjoram, parsley, chive and lovage.  These herbs help create this masterpiece, as the flavor seeps into the cheese as it ages.  The rind on this cheese is edible as well, unlike many other herb coated cheeses. This cheese is cared for by the master cheese maker for three months as it ages. The result is a mild and flavorful cheese that is creamy and wonderful.

Moosbacher – First, you will notice the eye catching burlap cover on this unique cheese. The uniqueness does not stop there, this cheese has been double ripened; first fermentation ripening with propionic cultures to form the large eyes (holes) in the cheese.  Then, surface ripening with red cultures to bring out the distinctive flavor.  The flavor resembles that of a baby Swiss; mild and slightly sweet. This cheese is great for cheese platters and snacks, but should not be overlooked for baked dishes.

Farmhouse Klassisch – This is a classic, traditional version of an Austrian Sheep’s milk cheese.  The texture is creamy and silky with a tangy finish.  Unlike most sheep’s milk cheeses, this one is not salty at all.

All three of these cheeses are great additions to cheese plates and are currently featured in our Passport to Savings program until May 29th. The Krautershatz will be on passive demo from 4/18-4/24 in all of our stores – so come one in and try something new for a great price

NEW to our Dairy Department: Clover Organic Dairy Products

by Roger Arechiga, Assistant Buyer of Grocery & Dairy Deli
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Clover Organic Farms Dairy Milk and Half & HalfStop by our Dairy Department today and say “hi” to Clo the cow.  The beloved mascot Ms. “Clo the Cow” is the face of Clover organic dairy products, a new arrival to our dairy case.  Everyone at Clover, from Clo the mascot to the folks milking the cows, work hard to make sure they deliver the freshest product with the highest quality right to your local Bristol Farms.  The mission of Clover  is to deliver great dairy products to our consumers.

Clover Organic Dairy products are made using milk & cream that’s sourced locally from a very small selected group of 100% organic family farms in Sonoma and Marin counties, in the North Coast of California.  The local California family farms, or “Clover Producers,” are committed to the sustainability of their land, welfare of their cows, and produce the highest quality milk pool in the country.  The milk and cream that’s produced by the “Clover Producers” is sent to the plant the same day the cows are milked and it is fresh pasteurized to ensure quality while preserving its fresh farm taste and nutritional value.

Not only are Clover Dairy items produced using the highest quality standards in the industry, but the product also reflects that in the taste.  Besides having a great fresh taste, Clover milk also prides itself on being rBST and antibiotic-free, gluten free, Kosher, low sodium, and of course, an excellent source of calcium.  Amongst all of its great attributes, in 2000, Clover Dairy became the first U.S. dairy processor to be awarded the American Humane Certified label for humanely produced dairy products by the American Humane Association.

We invite you to Clo ahead and enjoy Clover Organic Farms Milk and Cream products in a good conscience and good health!

Clover Organic Dairy Banner

Wisconsin Madness

by Michelle Salatino, Food Service Merchandising Assistant
Friday, March 30th, 2012

Smokehaus Amish Blue CheeseCarr Valley Garlic Smoked Cheddar CheeseAt Bristol Farms we are celebrating the beginning of Spring with a wonderful assortment of cheese from Wisconsin.

Wisconsin cheese has a heritage of more than 160 years of craftsmanship.  Today this state produces more than 600 varieties of cheese, some are artisanal, some are internationally inspired, and all are delicious. Cheese from Wisconsin wins more awards than any other state.

Smokehaus Amish Blue Cheese – Hand crafted in an Amish community, this blue cheese is smoked with applewood giving it a light smoky and slightly sweet flavor to it.  It is perfect on hamburgers, and makes a nice addition to any cheese plate.

Carr Valley Smoked Garlic Cheddar – Carr Valley takes their cheese seriously. Their cheddars are handcrafted in their La Valle plant in small vats.  Their cheesemakers have more than100 years of experience.  With 100 years of experience, cheddar, garlic and applewood, how could you go wrong?

Carr Valley Vanilla Cardona – This is quite a unique cheese.  It is a sweet vanilla goat’s milk cheese with hints of caramel, coconut and nutmeg.

Widmer Aged Brick Cheese – This is a Wisconsin original first made in 1877.  Brick cheese resembles limburger, the famous smelly cheese from Germany.  This cheese got its name brick cheese from being pressed with actual bricks. I like to serve this with pumpernickel bread with a smear of whole grain mustard, thinly sliced red onion, and a slice of Brick cheese.

Widmer Brick Spread – For those of you who think the Brick cheese is a little too strong, we have the answer.  Brick spread is made from a blend of Aged Brick and Cheddar. This can be served on crackers, or spread it on your hamburger buns for a new twist.

All of these wonderful Wisconsin delights and more are available in our cheese departments.

Several of them will be on demo from 3/28-4/3 from 11am to 6 pm.  Stop by your local Bristol Farms and try a taste of Wisconsin!

Treats for Easter!

by Carl Smith, Grocery Buyer
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Easter Treats from Bristol FarmsThe days are longer, the sun is brighter, and the candies are pastel. It’s springtime for many parts of the world once again, and in celebration of its triumphant return we enter into the a world filled with marshmallow Peeps, jelly beans, and other well packaged bits of sweetness sure to bring about a sugar-induced coma.

Easter has risen high in the candy hierarchy over the years. It is now the second top-selling candy holiday, just barely behind the epic to sugar that is Halloween. Of the estimated 8 billion pounds of candy consumed in the United States each year, Easter makes up a very large portion of the pie.

It all started with Hot Crossed Buns, when in 1361 a monk named Father Thomas Rockcliffe began the tradition of giving Hot Crossed Buns to the poor of St.Albans on Good Friday . Another treat that became a well known part of early Easter tradition was the baked pretzel. This baked food also became a symbol of Easter Goodness in the early 1800’s.  During the same period, chocolate was all the rage. It was the choice of the middle and upper classes in Europe for a treat. Chocolatiers started forming chocolate in shape of eggs (symbolizing fertility and re-birth) to celebrate the Easter season.

Fast forward to the 20th century: In the 1930’s, the ever popular jelly bean was added to the Easter lineup. Jelly beans, believed to be descendants of a Mid-eastern confection known as Turkish Delight, were already a very popular candy in America by this time and were featured in glass jars on store counters all over the country. In 1954, the Just Born Candy Company introduced the first Peep Chick. This most well known gooey, marshmallow, sugary staple for this holiday; Americans buy 700 million annually.

We could go on and on. Instead, come on in to Bristol Farms and see what we have. From the traditional Easter egg, to the delectable cupcakes. We have chocolate Easter bunnies, spring lollipops, robin malted Eggs and more. Everything you will need to treat a love one or yourself!