and we’re open!

The East Aurora Co-op Market opened today with a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. (Too bad I didn’t make it–my doctor appointment ran late and I rushed in at 11:20. Boo. But Andrew made it, so at least one of us was there to represent!)

Andrew and I have been members of the co-op since we moved here in 2011, and it’s been a looooooong project that many people have worked very hard on for the last five years or so. For more information about the co-op, including it’s history and how to become a member (we always need more members!), go to their website at http://eastaurorafood.coop/.

The co-op is located on Main Street here in the village; this is the view from Main Street:

Side view (once you pull into the parking lot):

View of the store as if you were entering from the Main Street entrance; store in front of you and the prepared foods section is to the right of this photo:

The co-op carries the same things as a regular grocery store, such as salad dressings, condiments, baking supplies, fresh and frozen foods, as well as bulk bins for grains and even spices. While you won’t find Campbell’s soups, you’ll find Amy’s and other high-quality brands throughout the store. Annie’s dressings and crackers and macaroni and cheese, Newman’s Own cookies, Udi’s gluten-free bread and Barbara’s cereals are just a few of the common brands you’ll find at the co-op. Looking for your best value? Try Field Day, which is like the ‘store brand’ for co-ops. Great quality at great prices!

The produce section will feature as much local food as possible. With the co-op just having opened, it may take a little while to maximize local sources, but that is the goal. With summer finally here, it shouldn’t be long for the shelves to be full of local produce!

I love the interior design of the co-op, done by local artist Alix Martin. The walls are bright green and orange for energy, with soft blue skies and clouds to balance it all out. The wood floors are perfect for the ‘natural’ feel, and exposed beams and electrical give the store a modern vibe.

I’m excited! If you’re local, give the prepared foods department a try and sit out on the patio on a nice day. Pick up some of your favorites to bring home for later. Consider becoming a member today!

a taste of cappucino

Andrew and I went on a walking date this afternoon in the snow.

Our first stop was Taste, where we got cappuccinos and an oatmeal-raisin cookie to share:

Then we left and walked a few awnings down to Salut, a local wine store for which I had a coupon. After some recommendations, we ended up with a bottle of each: red and white.

We made one more stop–into Urban Design, a local reclaimed-wood furniture goods store–before heading home.

What a fun date! I love that we can walk to all these places, even when it’s cold. And I love that my husband can walk again.

BBQ in our city

Or village, rather. (Well, I don’t even know if it’s even in East Aurora, but it’s close.)

Andrew found the neatest little hole-in-the-wall barbecue place a couple weeks ago and has already gone twice. This past Thursday, he took me for lunch. (Technically, I ‘took’ him since I did the driving, but that’s neither here nor there.)

Anyway, R & R BBQ isn’t much to look at on the outside (which I think was due mostly because of all the snow), but it’s cute and clean on the inside. It reminded me of City Barbecue, a chain restaurant in Ohio, with its multiple self-serve sauces and menu.

Interestingly enough, I think they started out as a food truck and now have both the truck and a free-standing location. I’ll get more on the story soon; I’m going to write about them for the Advertiser in the next couple weeks. Score! Another lunch just a week away!

The price was right–$6 for a lunch combo–the food was excellent, and the atmosphere perfect–not too quiet and not too loud. Drinks are from a fridge and no frills, just cans of soda and bottles of water.

We both got the pulled pork sandwiches–served with coleslaw on top, just the way I like it–and seasoned fries.

OMG. Awesome. Please stay in business! Seriously. R and R, you are my new favorite place. Not that the sandwich or the fries were singly amazing or anything (they were good, even great perhaps), but rather it was the whole package: the locally-owned business, convenient location, reasonable prices, good food and comfortable atmosphere. It made having lunch with Andrew an enjoyable experience, rather than a mad-dash to get our food and finish before he had to leave again to get back to work.

Oh, and did I mention the made-on-premises desserts?

I might have inhaled my red velvet cupcake. (I’m such a sucker for red velvet.) And don’t think I’ve resigned my allegiance to Firefly; this morsel had nothing on them. Think more ‘out-of-the-box’ mix, almost too airy and light, but a delectable end to an otherwise savory meal. (Don’t tell Andrew, but I can’t wait to try their rocky road brownie!)

Ahh, at long last, a replacement for City Barbecue here in our own neck of the woods.