Sue’s Super Nutrition, Harrisonburg, PA

If it had been a snake it would have bitten us.  Rich and I were in Harrisonburg, PA to review Indian American Cafe and The Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant. On the way back to our hotel we chanced upon a terrific health food store. If you need to stock up on plant-based supplies while traveling I-81, this is just off the highway and is definitely worth the small detour.

Sue’s is a clean, well stocked, medium sized store. You can find some  fresh and frozen foods, and plenty of bulk bin items. This is the ONLY place I’ve been able to find dried fava beans other than on-line. You can believe I stocked up!

Sue carries lots packaged goods, like Bob’s Mills products, herbs and supplements, essential oils and your typical health food fare. Her daughter was working the register the day we were in. She was pleasant and helpful. If you’ve left something behind in your travels, Sue’s may be just the place to find a replacement.

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Abingdon Olive Oil Company, Abingdon, VA

by Danielle Bussone

After reading the book, Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil, which exposes the seedy underbelly of the olive oil industry, I sought out Veronica Foods in California to learn where I can buy their products. This company was specifically mentioned in the book as a reputable purveyor of excellent quality olive oil. To my complete surprise they have a retailer three blocks from my house in Abingdon, VA!

Since my first visit to Abingdon Olive Oil I have visited numerous retailers and have found the experience at all the others lagging far behind what you will experience here. You will be met at the door by the owner, K.C. St. Louis or her culinary expert, Penny Arrington, or by Ashley Johnson or Lori Price, two of Abingdon Olive Oil’s full-time knowledgeable sales persons. You will be received like a special guest invited into a lovely home.

In the front parlor you will be introduced to the newest oils from California, Spain and Portugal. These regional oils will change over the months as Veronica Foods brings in the freshest oils from around the world and as the picking season varies from region to region. These oils are currently $17.99 for a 375 ml bottle.  You will be educated on the region, the amount of polyphenols in each of the oils and the type of olives used. You are free to sample anything in the store. The specialty and gourmet oils are also found in this area, the decadent truffle oil ($33) , the richest and most flavorful sesame seed oil I’ve ever tasted ($23), and the sensuous walnut oil, ($23). (more…)

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Appalachian Whole Foods Market, Carlisle, PA

by Danielle Bussone

En-route to visit Issei Noodle restaurant in Carlisle, PA, we ran across Appalachian Whole Foods Market, right across the side street from Issei Noodles. The market opens onto a corner and you are immediately greeted by its owner, Sandy Zell.  The store is larger than it appears from the outside. It is quaint and rustic and a pleasure to peruse.

What is unique about Appalachian Whole Foods Market is that it is entirely vegetarian, though not necessarily vegan.  We noted quite a selection of bulk bin items, Sandy says there are over 200 bins of organic dried beans, nuts, grains, flours and spices. There wasn’t a lot in the way of fresh produce, at least at this time of the year. When spring produce is ready to be harvested these items will no doubt appear in greater numbers. I noticed fresh eggs, a large supply of organic onions, some greens and herbs.  There was also a wall of  refrigerated items. We did note fresh breads, plenty of supplements, body products, essential oils, incense, candles and organic grocery items, including gluten free products.  She also carries a selection of books on health, specialized diets and vegetarian cooking. (more…)

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Grand Mart International Food, Alexandria, VA

Grand Mart International Food is a mecca of exotic fruits and vegetables.  I didn’t see anything in the way of organics but they certainly had a wide variety of unusual produce, much of which I was entirely unfamiliar.  What I did recognize were the isles of ethnic foods and spices.  Most prevalent were the spice blends which comes in handy when you are experimenting with various cuisines and would like to sample the flavors of a region without investing in all the individual herbs and spices contained in particular regional blends. Available were also rices, beans, noodles and other fare native to many regional cuisines, including Asian, Indian and Hispanic to mention only a few.

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Jade’s Market (Jade’s Market has been sold and is now Angkor Bistro)

by Danielle Bussone

Jade’s Market has been one of Johnson City’s best kept secrets. But the secret is out!  Located conveniently near Johnson City Medical Center right off of State of Franklin Road, you won’t find better Thai food anywhere.  There is a lunch buffet for carnivores and a menu from which Tara can convert any of the recipes to vegan, all costing a modest $7.59.  Drunken Noodles is Rich’s favorite, I love the Pad Thai equally well.  Much of her herbs and vegetable produce come from Tara’s own garden, even the keffir lime leaves essential to Thai Cuisine.  The restaurant is named after one of her twin girls, Jade.  She also owns Lola’s Bistro and Wine Bar which is named after the other twin, Lola, located near The Olive Garden off  N. Roan Street.   (more…)

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Jade’s Market (now Angkor Bistro’s) Thai Drunken Noodles

 

One of the dishes Rich and I love most at Jade’s Market and Eatery is her flavorful Drunken Noodles.

 

 

Recipe For Thai Drunken Noodles

1 tsp canola oil

1 tsp of chopped garlic

1/2 cup white onions, large dice

1/2 cup sliced carrots

1/2 cup mixed bell peppers, large dice

1/2 cup baby corn, cut into 1 inch pieces

1/2 cup fresh broccoli

1 1/2 cups rice noodles (soaked)

1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp thin soy sauce

1 tsp dark sweet soy sauce

1 tbsp chili garlic (sambal oelek)

2 tbsp thai basil (8-10 leaves)

 

Vegetables can be added as much or as little as you like. For this example, Tara uses white onion, multicolored bell peppers (large dice), broccoli pieces, sliced carrots, baby corn cut into chunks, and Thai basil.

Add a little vegetable oil to a hot wok or skillet. Add vegetables and garlic and stir constantly until a little soft.  Stir in rice noodles.  Add a little water if needed to make sure they cook through.  Add remaining ingredients and continue to stir until vegetables are crisp tender and noodles are done, 1-2 minutes. Serve hot.  All of the sauces for this dish can be purchased at Jade’s Market or can be purchased at a Thai or Asian Market in your area.

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