Country Grocer’s quarterly food and lifestyle magazine
Friends &Family Winter 2014 | Complimentary
Wild for Winter
Comfort foods close to home Feeding Island families
Hockey Night on the Island
www.countrygrocer.com
Winter yields new year’s promise While summer may get the star billing as the season of choice for many, winter has a lot to recommend it too, I think. Yes, there’s the wonder of the holiday PETER CAVIN, DIRECTOR, season – unCOUNTRY GROCER wrapping that first Mandarin orange, the smell of fresh-cut greenery and the promise of a sandwich that somehow has turkey tasting even better the second day – but it’s more than that. I love the festive energy in our stores as our team members decorate for the season, and with you, try to beat last year’s $10,000 raised in our fourth annual Help Fill A Dream campaign. But after the last mince tart has been savoured, there’s also the promise of the new year ahead. This resonated all the more clearly for us this past year as we marked our 30th anniversary. Memorable highlights included our Canada Day road hockey extravaganza, expanding our reach into the local communities that support us, and our “Selfie Celebration.” Snaps came from all across the Island, and demonstrated fantastic creativity – see some of our favourites on page 6. This January we reflect upon these successes and look forward to how we can serve our shoppers, communities and team members even better. As a family-run, Island-grown company, we will continue to expand our commitment to local farmers, producers and suppliers, and to providing you with healthy choices and information for your family’s meals. Come February, with the promise of spring on our doorstep, we invite you to stop in and wear your heart on your sleeve for our annual promotion with the Heart and Stroke Foundation – see more on page 24. Yes, there’s plenty coming up in our Country Grocer communities – here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and great times ahead for 2015!
IN THIS ISSUE
Pretty as a Pear Savouring winter’s favourite fruit
10
Feeding families at Island food banks
4 14
Roast Chicken with Ginger Beet Cream
16
Moroccan Lamb and Lentil Stew
6
20
22
CLOSE COMFORTS
HAPPY PETS, HEALTHY PETS
PICTURE THIS!
Sales
Editor Jennifer Blyth
jblyth@telus.net
Group Publisher
Patty Doering pdoering@vicnews.com
Penny Sakamoto psakamoto@blackpress.ca
Design
Associate Group Publisher
Circulation Director
Oliver Sommer osommer@blackpress.ca
> RECIPES: Baked Eggs
Lily Chan
Bruce Hogarth
www.blackpress.ca
818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1E4 Phone 250-381-3484 Fax 250-386-2624
Friends & Family magazine is published quarterly by Country Grocer and Black Press. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Friends & Family. The contents of Friends & Family magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.
Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 3
The family pear-growing team at Days Century Growers. Photos courtesy Days Century Growers
Pretty as a Pear Did you know? The Green D’Anjou, harvested in the Okanagan at the end of September, and available in stores through winter, is a fantastic pear for its versatility and long life. The pear does not change colour during ripening, staying a lush, bright green. Ripeness can be checked by gently pressing on the skin around the neck, near the stem. If the flesh moves a small amount, you have a ripe pear in your hands.
B
right green, cheery red or wonderful golden yellow...pears are one of winter’s finest fruits, but to eat them at their best, Kevin Day, from Day’s Century Growers, offers a few pointers. With a passion for D’Anjou pears in particular, “the common mistake made by the consumer is not allowing the pear to ripen to its best eating quality,” says Kevin, whose family has been farming their Kelowna-area land for 120 years. Today, three generations of the Day family actively work the 136-acre farm that produces pears, vegetables and beef cattle for local and national markets. With a deep understanding of the soil and micro-climate, as well as practices that support sustainable food production, the Days are well-versed in the foods they grow and produce. “If the pear is eaten too soon, most consumers are somewhat disappointed. So, here it is. Pears are harvested at a mature, but not ripe state. They, especially D’Anjous, then require a certain length of time cooled to approximately 31°F, (yes, slightly below freezing), to trigger their natural ripening,” Kevin explains. That means that a D’Anjou picked mature hard on Sept. 20 then put on the counter in
4 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
a heated house will most likely not ripen to a satisfactory state. “However, a pear that was picked on Sept. 20, taken from cold storage at the end of October and then placed on the counter will turn a pale yellow-green in a few days and be every bit as juicy and sweet as a peach, needing a napkin to eat,” he says. As the winter progresses, less time at 70°F is required. Good quality, strong D’Anjou pears can be stored and enjoyed for as much as eight to 10 months, basically until summer pears like Bartletts are harvested. “Once people learn this they will have pears of varying states of ripeness on their counters so that one is always ready to be enjoyed,” Kevin says. “Patience is key. Pears must always be handled with the utmost in care from harvest, through storage, packing, shipping and in store displays. While the pear may not bruise at harvest as readily as an apple, the tender skin is scuffed with the slightest rough handling and when brought to room temperature can become unsightly. While this does not necessarily take away from the flavour, a high level of care must be taken to keep a beautiful extra fancy pear just that, right up until it is bitten into.”
455 Kingston Street Affordable • Quiet Neighbourhood • Security The Days’ pear orchard in spring bloom.
Karen Day’s Pear Bread Makes two 5” X 8” loaves
3 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp cinnamon 3/4 cup melted butter 2 eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar 3 cups BOSC or BARTLETT pears, peeled and chopped 1 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped 2 tsp vanilla
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1. Sift together dry ingredients. 2. Whisk together butter, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla and sugar. 3. Gently stir wet ingredients into sifted dry ingredients. 4. Gently fold pears and walnuts into batter and pour into greased and sugared baking pans. 5. Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for about 60 to 75 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. 6. Serve warm or room temperature; freezes well for several weeks.
Call today for a personal tour (250) 384-3336
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Christie-Phoenix (Victoria) Ltd. 101-4430 W Saanich Rd, Victoria T 250-386-1454 F 250-386-0604 www.christiephoenix.com countrygrocer.com » 5
yourself a
winner Thank you for helping Country Grocer celebrate its milestone 30th anniversary this fall! Here at Country Grocer we like to say you’ll feel like family, so we wanted to put you in the picture for our anniversary celebrations too. For the last few months, we’ve asked you to picture yourself a winner, and send us your best selfie taken in the store. We’ve collected some of our favourites here from stores around the Island – enjoy!
Heather & friend from Bowen Roa d
Alexis from Esquimalt
obble Hill Peggy from C ase River Kris from Ch
ring alt Sp S m fro Sam
Jamia from Royal Oak
6 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
Richard from Lake Cowichan
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WHAT’S IN STORE
Terrarium In a throwback to the ‘70s, terrariums are back in a big way. The self-contained gardens look gorgeous in their bowl-shaped glass container, and while these ready-togo beauties are an indulgence, Country Grocer’s floral department also has all you need to do it yourself.
Creekmore’s Country Roaster Coffee Canard’s duck products
A succulent duck dinner is as close as Country Grocer’s freezer with Canard’s duck products, including duck leg confit, honey and garlic duck drumettes and country-style duck pot pie. Now the next time you crave duck for dinner, you can indulge at home.
Country Grocer, Qualicum’s Creekmore Coffee and Royal LePage have teamed up for a pre-holiday fundraiser: Creekmore’s Country Roaster Coffee. Until Dec. 13, $3 from the purchase of each 400g bag of the medium dark roast organic coffee, rich and full-bodied with hints of berries and chocolate, will be donated to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, directly supporting women’s transition houses on the Island. Every cup counts!
Liberté Kéfir
The folks at Liberté have made it easier to work those good-for-you probiotics into your diet with their new Kéfir probiotic fermented milk. In yummy mango, strawberry or plain, try it on your cereal, in a smoothie or on its own.
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8 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
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Chèvre Neiges
BIG
Looking for something new to tempt guests this holiday season? Check out Chèvre Neiges, or “Snow Goat” cheese. Available in garlic and herb, coconut, and fig and orange, any way you slice it, the result will be delicious!
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Savour delicious Nana’s Samosas from your local Country Grocer Choose from Chicken Samosa / Beef Samosa / Vegetable Samosa / Tandoori Samosa / Butter Chicken / Vegetable Pakora… you will definitely be back for more!
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Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 9
COMMUNITY
Feeding Families Hard work, innovative ideas keep food banks humming BY JENNIFER BLYTH
W
hen a person struggles daily to keep a roof over their family’s heads and food on the table, taking the steps they need to find a way out of poverty can be next to impossible. Sometimes a helping hand – someone to alleviate at least some of the struggle – can make all the difference. And while traditional food hampers remain a big part of the picture at Island food banks, innovative ideas are ensuring those same community organizations continue to service the growing numbers of families in need. In Nanaimo, in addition to donations in-store and at the till, Country Grocer participates in Loaves and Fishes’ innovative Food 4U Food Recovery Program. “This program collects perishable food being thrown out by local grocers. Once food is collected it’s sorted to Food Banks Canada guide– Peter Sinclair, executive lines and then distributed to director, Loaves & Fishes people. The five per cent of food that does not meet these guidelines is given to local farmers to feed livestock,” explains executive director Peter Sinclair. “Since launching this program in 2012, more than $1.4 million worth of good food has be saved from being thrown out. The two Country Grocer Stores in Nanaimo have been integral to the success of this program.” A similar program is currently under way as a pilot project with Victoria’s Mustard Seed (see related story next page). While the Mustard Seed may be known most commonly as a food bank, the street church has assisted people living in poverty since 1975. “I like to take a holistic view of what we do,” says Allan Lingwood, Mustard Seed’s Director of Development. Among its programs, the Mustard Seed operates an addictions recovery program at the 36-acre Hope Farm
Since launching this program in 2012, more than $1.4 million worth of good food has be saved from being thrown out.”
Healing Centre in the Cowichan Valley, which has had 110 people work through its six-month program since 2006. A Christian-based restorative farming community for those seeking freedom from addiction or other lifedamaging patterns, Hope Farm residents are offered the opportunity to work through recovery through community engagement and caring for the land and the animals. At the same time, they give back by ensuring fresh produce, eggs and meat are available to those on low income through the food bank and other food-providing agencies in downtown Victoria. The results can be life-changing. “Some of the most amazing stories are of families getting back together after going through addictions recovery,” Allan says. Other services through the years have included advocacy, outreach and pastoral care; a drop-in centre with a coffee shop, clothing bank, haircuts, nursing, chapel and a welcoming community; weekend meals and outreach program; and a family centre with life skills programs. While individuals and families may come in initially for emergency food relief, “we can put them in touch with other services we provide,” Allan explains. In all, the organization serves 7,000 clients in any given month. If people started asking others in their circle whether they used the food bank, “they would be very surprised at what they would discover,” he says, pointing out that since January, the Mustard Seed has served 10,912 unique individuals, including 3,595 unique children (age 18 and younger). The food bank has distributed 34,444 hampers to individuals, couples and families. Families are overwhelmingly the largest group of people who are turning to the Mustard Seed for help. The working poor are increasing in need as pay cheques simply can’t stretch far enough to provide for food, shelter and other essentials. Other food bank users include seniors whose pensions are not adequate and people with disabilities whose income cannot fully cover their living, medical and food expenses, explains Food Banks BC, which supports more than 90 member food banks throughout the province. Studies have shown that 16,000 families are potentially “food insecure” in the Capital Region alone, whether due to high cost of living, unemployment or other factors, Allan points out. With so much money going to expenses
Continued on page 12
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The Mustard Seed’s Rudy Wallace and Brent Palmer ready produce reclaimed from Country Grocer for distribution to local families. Don Denton photo
BY JENNIFER BLYTH
RECLAIMING PERISHABLES FOR THOSE IN NEED
When it comes to fruits and veggies, for many shoppers looks do matter. So while that slightly misshapen cucumber is every bit as nutritious and delicious as the perfectly straight one, more often than not, shoppers will choose the perfect cuke. Unfortunately that idiosyncrasy of human nature sends perfectly good food to waste each and every day. Enter a brand new pilot project between Victoria’s Mustard Seed food bank and Country Grocer. The food reclamation project, which launched this fall, directs food that’s perfectly good, but perhaps unsellable at the grocery store level, to food bank hampers. While the
project is still in the early stages, Allan Lingwood, Mustard Seed’s Director of Development is excited about the possibilities. “There’s no reason why, if it’s a success, we can’t roll it out into every grocer in the city,” he says, noting that collectively, local grocery stores have been very supportive of area food banks. “Access to healthy food is enormous for us,” Allan says, noting how much a healthy diet can support someone trying to break the cycle of poverty. “This gives us a steady stream of very healthy, perishable foods and really helps create food security in our community.”
Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 11
Food banks in your community Country Grocer and Island shoppers support a number of food banks in local communities. If you’d like to do more, contact them for more details:
• CMS Food Bank (serving Cobble Hill, Mill Bay and Shawnigan Lake) – 250-743-5242 • Duncan Food Bank www.cvbs.ca or 250-746-1566 • Lake Cowichan Food Bank 250-749-6239 • Loaves and Fishes, Nanaimo www.nanaimoloavesandfishes.org or 250-754-8347 • Mustard Seed, Victoria www.mustardseed.ca or 250-953-1575 • Salt Spring Food Bank www.saltspringcommunityservices.ca or 250-537-9971
Food Bank Shopping List * These items are constantly needed Bread Cereal (instant/cooking) Sugar (white/brown) Flour * Peanut butter, jam/marmalade * Milk (powder/liquid) * Margarine * Cheese * Eggs * Vegetables – fresh, seasonal and canned * Fruit – fresh, seasonal canned, diet * Juice * Dried peas and beans * Meats canned/fresh/frozen * Canned fish Chunky soup Canned spaghetti * Macaroni * Rice Spaghetti Kraft Dinner Coffee (ground/instant), tea and hot chocolate Shortening Cooking oil cake/cookie mixes Pudding/Jello Pabulum Milk formulas (dry/liquid) * Canned/jarred baby foods * Diapers (disposable) Soap – hand, dish and laundry Shampoo Toothpaste and brushes Feminine supplies Toilet paper, paper towels, tissue 
Continued from page 10 like rent, often there’s little left for food, which can then directly affect health, wellness and other areas. “When we can alleviate this (food issue) for them, they can focus on what’s important, which is getting themselves out of the struggle they are in.” One of the greatest challenges food banks have is in managing through ‘the lean months’ from January to September, when donations are significantly lower. The Mustard Seed, for example, is fully funded by the donations of individuals, families, businesses, groups, churches and not-for-profit agencies. In addition to numerous community-led fundraisers and “food-raisers” throughout the year, cash donations are also extremely useful as discounts with local grocery stores allow the food bank to purchase twice as much food as the retail value would indicate. Maximizing the benefit for clients, administration costs are kept extremely low, “especially when you consider the amount of food we receive and distribute,” Allan says. “We (are very proactive) about ways to be better stewards of donor dollars...We keep a low overhead and a big impact on the community.” New to Country Grocer stores is the recently re-launched BC Sharing program. One of the most effective tools to help food banks fight hunger, the Food Banks BC Sharing Coupons are purchased by shoppers at the grocery store check-out. Every $2 donation is ‘banked’ by that local store and their member food bank partner can then draw from the fund to shop for muchneeded nutritious food. Why is this program so important? Most food bank donations are nonperishable such as canned or dried foods. While important staples, they don’t provide the full nutritional balance. Thanks to those donations at the grocery check-out, food banks in BC receive close to $1 million dollars in fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and protein every year. In Nanaimo, Peter notes that donations – of food, money and time are crucial to their continued ability to serve those in need. “Community support is critical to us. With one in 13 people using the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank in Nanaimo, we are entirely dependent on the community to operate,” he says, noting that the local food bank feeds more than 1,000 people every week, in addition to providing food to more than 30 other non-profits and schools in Nanaimo. “The community is what provides the food and funds for us to meet the need.” Donations of food and money aren’t the only way to support your local food bank, however. In Nanaimo, for example, Loaves and Fishes also relies on the efforts of more than 500 volunteers every month – and more help is welcome!
Making room for more Fundraising campaign aims to build new Loaves & Fishes warehouse In Nanaimo, Loaves and Fishes has launched a fundraising campaign for a new warehouse to help them better accommodate the more than $110,000 worth of food received every month. Currently operating from a 500-square-foot warehouse, the existing facility is grossly inadequate for the volume of food the organization receives and distributes, so the goal is $550,000 toward a new warehouse. Find more details at www.feednanaimo.com
12 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
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ON SALE NOW! Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 13
Gregg Eligh photos
RECIPES from Chef Michael
Baked Eggs Servings: 1 Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes This is a breakfast that can be eaten for lunch or dinner too. It’s a healthy way to start your day and an alternative to the usual. The eggs cook perfectly in the tomato sauce and the chorizo adds the perfect taste/texture contrast to the veggies. Ingredients: ½ Galloping Goose chorizo sausage, sliced ½ cup onion, diced small ½ cup zucchini, cut in half lengthways and sliced 2 tsp garlic, minced 1 cup tomato sauce 2 eggs ½ cup shredded cheese (aged cheddar is best) Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup
cooked lentils or a piece of bread for toast
Method: 1. Heat a small oven-safe non-stick or all clad fry pan on medium heat. Add a little oil and then the sausage. Sauté until lightly browned all over. 2. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about one teaspoon or so, and then add the onions and zucchini. Sauté, stirring occasionally until lightly browned. 3. Add the garlic and sauté, stirring frequently for about one minute. 4. Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and make a well in the sauce for the first egg. Try to contain the egg in one spot. Repeat for the second egg and then place back on the burner. Reduce heat to medium low. 5. Turn on your oven and set to broil with the rack on the second setting from the top. 6. Simmer the dish on the stove top until the egg starts setting and you see it turning white around the edges. 7. Now, top with the cheese and place under the broiler of your oven. Bake until the cheese has melted and the eggs have finished cooking. 8. Top with salt and pepper and serve with some cooked lentils or a piece of toast and enjoy it as a great breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Roast Chicken with Ginger Beet Cream
Moroccan Lamb and Lentil Stew
Servings: 4 to 6 Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 60 to 90 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8 Preparation Time: 40 minutes Cooking Time: 1 ½ to 2 hours
Even if you do not love beets, you may very well love this sauce. Caramelized onion and ginger pair with red beets to create a very tasty accent. It goes very nicely with roast chicken and serves as a lovely foundation of flavour. This sauce can also be made into a wonderful soup by simply quadrupling the batch.
My favourite stew ever! Just make sure you get your stew meat cut from the shoulder or neck if using lamb, or chuck if using beef.
Ingredients: 1 medium beet 1 Tbsp butter ½ yellow onion, sliced 2 Tbsp ginger, sliced 1 whole chicken Sea salt, fresh ground pepper and paprika 1 Tbsp butter 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed Cumin Method: 1. Cut the top and bottom off the beet. Cover with water and simmer until cooked and soft. Drain the water and let the beet cool. Once cool, remove the skin and slice. 2. While the beet is cooking, preheat a small fry pan on medium heat. Add the butter, onion and ginger to the pan and sauté until the onions and ginger are nicely browned. 3. Remove from the heat and add the cream. 4. Add the beets along with the onion/ginger mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until very smooth. Adjust the consistency with a little extra cream or water if necessary. Add back to the pot from the beets or the pan from the onions and set aside until ready to serve. 5. Brush a little oil onto your chicken and sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper and paprika. Roast your chicken whole or cut the chicken in half from neck to tail all the way through. I prefer roasting two half chickens as opposed to roasting the bird whole since cooking time seems to be reduced a little. 6. While all that is happening, preheat a large fry pan on medium heat. Add the butter and the squash. Sauté until the squash is softened and nicely browned. Season with salt, pepper and ground cumin. 7. Now you are ready to serve this up family style or you can also plate it up as I have in the picture for a nice presentation.
14 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
Ingredients: Spice rub: 1 tsp each ground cumin, coriander, turmeric and sea salt ½ tsp pepper ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ––– 1 Tbsp coconut or grape seed oil ½ onion, diced 1 small carrot, sliced 1 small celery stick, sliced 2 Tbsp ginger, chopped 500g boneless lamb or beef stewing meat 1L beef broth (see Rich Beef Broth recipe) ½ cup organic raisins 2 Yukon gold potatoes, diced ½ cup green lentils 2 cinnamon sticks ¼ cup chopped rosemary Method: 1. Start by placing your meat in a mixing bowl and make the spice rub in a separate bowl. Set both aside for the moment. 2. Heat a large pot on medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add one tablespoon of oil and then the onion, carrot and celery and sauté, stirring regularly. 3. Once the onions start browning, add the ginger and sauté for another minute. 4. Remove the veggies from the pot and set them aside. 5. Add the spice rub to your meat, stirring well so that the spices are evenly distributed. 6. Re-heat the pot and add two tablespoons of oil and then the meat. Sauté, stirring occasionally until the meat is lightly browned on all sides. Be careful not to burn. 7. Once the meat is browned, add about onequarter of the broth and release all of the stuck-on goodness from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. 8. Add the rest of the broth, the sautéed veggies, raisins, potatoes, lentils, cinnamon sticks and rosemary and bring to a gentle simmer. 9. Simmer, gently for 60 to 90 minutes or until the meat is tender, remove the cinnamon sticks and then serve your stew. This recipe works in a slow cooker as well and is delicious served over a parsnip puree!
CHEF MICHAEL WILLIAMS
All about coffee
C
offee is a wonderful thing! There’s nothing like grinding fresh beans and making a hot cup to sip on. What you may or may not know is that you do not need a barista or an expensive espresso machine to make an amazing cup. With a little knowledge and a few inexpensive tools, you’ll never need that drive-thru again.
The bean:
It all starts with the bean. For me it’s very important to buy shade-grown, direct fair trade, organic whole beans. They make the best-tasting coffee and more importantly are produced using sustainable farming practices. Those three terms, shade-grown, direct fair trade and organic are quite often synonymous with each other and one designation usually covers the others. Luckily we live in a very coffee-centric area on the Island and there are many small batch coffees roasters. The organic brands available at Country Grocer and that I use regularly include, in no particular order: Kicking Horse, Salt Spring Island, Gulf Islands Roasting Company,Tribal Java,Level Ground,Creekmore Organic or Best Gourmet Organic. All of these beans are roasted in B.C. and some of them, on the Island. I find the quality and freshness of all of these brands to be quite good and I am happy buying any of them (whichever is on sale!). Buy beans when your current stash is very low to promote freshness. Consuming beans within two to three of weeks of roasting is ideal. So that’sI’m the bean info…now for the specifics. My sogeneral happy I decided to make Shannon Oaks myPeru. Salt Spring Island Coffee favourite coffee beans are from Everyone and Level home. Ground Coffeehere bothhas produce a Peruvian option and become family.coffee naturally sweet with citrus notes. both create a flavourful I never seem to get bored of it. Sometimes however I’m in the mood for something a little chocolatier…especially if I am mak-
I’m so happy I decided to make Shannon Oaks my home. Everyone here has become family.
www.shannonoaks.com www.shannonoaks.com BaptistHousing Housing || Enhanced Seniors Baptist Seniors Living Living||Since Since1964 1964
ing a latte. Kicking Horse Cliff Hanger Espresso is rich and decadent and perfect for this and I am sipping on a cup as I write this. So here’s where you come in. Do some experimentation, read the labels describing the flavour notes and try. If you like, then try another brand next time with similar flavour notes until you find a favourite. If you didn’t like, try something completely different and soon you will find your favourite while educating your palate.
Brewing:
Now that you have the bean, it is time to brew. At home, I do not have an amazing and expensive espresso maker. Instead I have two “machines” that cost me around $30 each. The French press has been brewing amazing coffee for more than 80 years and for me about the last five. It brews a nice rich and delicious cup and the best part is you do not need filters! Using a medium coarse grind, you pour “just off the boil” water over the coffee in the press and let brew for about five minutes, then press and enjoy. The only downer is the sludge you end up with in the bottom of the cup. I was all about the French press for many years until I met the relatively new invention, the Aeropress. Like a giant syringe, the Aeropress has been injecting incredible coffee into my cup for the last year or so. The advantages are a short brew time as well as the fact that you can make espresso shots with this little guy. Now that I can make Americanos and Lattes at home, I have very little use for coffee shops. Using a very fine grind, you pour “just off the boil” water into the Aeropress, brew for 10 to 30 seconds while stirring and then press through the super fine filter, slowly, right into your cup. Then you top off with water (Americano) or hot milk (latte) and enjoy. I cannot get enough of the Aeropress and it has become my go-to machine. So there you have it folks…my ABCs of coffee. Enjoy!
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Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 15
The Victoria Cougars (player left) are consistently one of the top teams in the VIJHL.
HOCKEY NIGHT on the Island
Country Grocer hits the ice with the next generation of hockey greats. BY JENNIFER BLYTH
L
ike most good Canadians, hockey is in the blood of many of the folks at Country Grocer. From hosting Canadian women’s hockey icon Hayley Wickenheiser, San Jose Shark Matt irwin and former Canuck Matt Pettinger for a Canada Day road hockey extravaganza to supplying energy drinks to keep the Saanich Braves fuelled in their quest for the cup, Country Grocer is a big part of the hockey community here on the Island. “We try not to play favourites, but we might have a few friendly rivalries brewing between stores here on the Island,” Marketing Manager Tammy Averill says with a laugh. From supporting minor hockey teams
(any many other local organizations) through their community fundraising initiatives to lending a hand to several of the Island’s Junior A and B teams, it’s fair to say hockey is big at the Islandgrown company. When the Victoria Cougars Junior B hockey club made the move to Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Arena 14 years ago, one of the first things they did was forge a relationship with Country Grocer, says Gary Boyer, Cougars President/ Governor. “Country Grocer was very good and very receptive and very much interested in trying to partner with us,” Gary reflects. In addition to advertising in the rink, as the anchor tenant of Esquimalt Plaza since 1984, Country Grocer is a leader in the close-knit community, and the Cougars welcome the opportunity to partner
16 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
on events and fundraisers in the area. “We often work with them if there’s events in the community and events in the plaza,” he says. Working together, “the community all wins.” That kind of support has been instrumental in helping the Cougars build a reputation of success. The franchise has topped the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League regular season for the last four years, and earned the playoff title for the last three seasons, sending them to the Cyclone Taylor Cup, where they’ve earned a bronze and two silvers. Similar results stretch back more than a decade. The Cougars’ cross-town rivals, the Saanich Braves, have also welcomed the support of Country Grocer for the 2014-15 season, and when the two teams meet at Pearkes Recreation
Country Grocer welcomed Hayley Wickenheiser to the island last Canada Day. Centre, you can bet on a full-house of raucous fans. “Country Grocer has become a major sponsor for the Saanich Junior Braves – they have been fantastic in helping these young athletes work towards achieving their goals in hockey and supporting the Junior Braves organization as a whole,” says Norm Kelly, Junior Braves co-owner and President of Hockey Operations. Building on the last few seasons of growth under head coach and Brad Cook, the Braves have their sights set a VIJHL championship of their own. “We thank Country Grocer for all their support and look forward to the 2014 -2015 season!”
Up Island, the Kerry Park Islanders also benefit from the fan base at Country Grocer, as do the BC Junior Hockey League’s Nanaimo Clippers Junior A squad. The Clippers are enjoying a similarly successful season – on top of the BCHL leader board at press time – and with growing community support, they’re filling up the Frank Crane Arena for those home games, says Al Brust, from the Clippers marketing department. “The games are definitely fun to be at; it’s more than a game now, it’s an event.” Community involvement is key to that. Not only do players get involved in local schools, hospitals and neighbourhood
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Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 17
PROFILE
BUYING POWER Country Grocer’s buyers source the finest ingredients, produce, meats and specialty products for your grocery cart.
BY JENNIFER BLYTH From farms growing the fruits and vegetables filling the produce section to the shelves and coolers stocked with all manner of delicious dinner possibilities, just how does the food make it from one place to the next? In many cases, the process starts with the Country Grocer buyers. Based at the Island Independent Buying Group, the warehouse facility in Chemainus founded by the Country Grocer partners to allow them greater buying power and flexibility for their operations, the buyers are responsible for sourcing the products shoppers want. From Kirsten Webster, who discovers delicious items for the deli, to Dave Hubscher, Country Grocer’s Meat Operations Manager, bakery guru Bill Peppy to Produce Manager extraordinaire Rob
Dave Hubscher, Meat Operations Manager
Johnson, the buyers talk to the producers, visit the farms and create the products. Dave, for example, brings 34 years in the meat business to Country Grocer’s meat and seafood department. A Country Grocer team member for 20 years now, he’s seen many changes over the years, but among the most significant has been the move to support Vancouver Island farmers. “Supporting local agriculture has been a big focus for Country Grocer for a while now. With the internet, many consumers want to know where their food is coming from and like supporting local farmers,” Dave says. “It’s taken a long time to get a steady supply of local, grass-fed, grassfinished beef (but) I’ve had emails from customers who haven’t eaten beef in 10 years and are now buying 20 pounds at a time. It’s just amazing and I’m so happy that we’re able to meet these customers’ needs.” The move speaks to the Country Grocer buyers’ ability to be responsive to shoppers. “Our customers tell us that they want grass-finished beef without growth hormones or antibiotics and that’s what we offer them,” Dave notes. The other benefit to sourcing local is that the buyers can be in touch directly with the growers and producers. At the Comox Valley’s Tannadice Pork, for example, Allen and Heather McWilliams take great pride in producing high quality, succulent meats, Dave says. “I’ve been to their farm and I can say that these are truly happy pigs and raised the way pigs should be raised. We also carry Island bison from Black Creek in our freezer section, Hertel Meats from Port Alberni and Farmhouse Poultry from Cowichan Bay.” While the meat industry is always changing, and trying to meet everyone’s needs can be challenging, “I’m a big
18 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
Bill Peppy guides Country Grocer’s bakery department
Jennifer Blyth photos
believer in quality – if I wouldn’t eat a product, why should I expect Mr. or Mrs. Consumer to?” Dave asks. That commitment to quality reaches into other departments too. Rob Johnson regularly visits the farmers growing the fruits and vegetables for Country Grocer’s produce section. From the Island Hothouse pepper growers to the orchards of the Okanagan, this handson approach ensures the company’s commitment to sustainable, locally sourced products reaches as far into the produce department as possible. And with an amazing 44 years in the industry, Rob knows his produce. Starting as a produce clerk in 1971, over the years his roles have ranged from retail and wholesale, to consulting and marketing. A long-standing relationship with the Country Grocer team led Rob to come on
board as the Produce Director of Sales 13 years ago and today, in addition to his“day job”, Rob is also president of the B.C. Produce Marketing Association. “I have dedicated my whole life the produce industry and together we have created a wonderful team of produce staff in all of our stores,” he says. With innovations coming quickly in the industry, success requires “teamwork, timely communication and a clear vision of the future. We work in the most exciting industry in the world and doing this with all of my team just makes it so much more fun!” Part of the grocery industry for 23 years – 17 in the deli area – Kirsten has been at Island Independent Buying Group for close to 10 years. “I love the role I am in,” she says. One of the treats of specializing in the deli department is the opportunity to indulge a passion for cheese. “I love the fresh and unique variety of cheeses that come from around the world,” she says. “I believe our delis at Country Grocer have the best selection of cheeses to offer on the Island.” Bill Peppy recently also recently marked 10 years with Country Grocer and has appreciated the company’s commitment to the quality that comes from scratch baking. “I enjoy being creative and developing recipes that we can go to market with,” says Bill, who recently created a “Best of the Best program, identifying some of the favourite “scratch” items crafted daily in the Country Grocer bakeries. “My role is not just to see something at a show and then buy it to re-sell. I work with our bakery team to go from a bag of flour to a finished product that hits the consumer shelf with a ‘bang!’” As in all areas of the grocery industry, what captures
Produce Director Rob Johnson
Photo courtesy Country Grocer
people’s interest in the bakery department is ever-evolving, but that’s part of the challenge...and what keeps the job fun. “Keeping up with the trends, and working with our extremely talented bakery team is still the best part of the job,” Bill says. “Customers enjoy our variety, not to mention our quality. Being in the baking trade for just over 25 years, you see the trends come and go, as well as ‘short cuts’ that some take... that’s not who we are. We offer the Best of the Best every day!”
The Catholic Independent Schools, Diocese of Victoria Wishing you a blessed and joyous Christmas:
“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
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Taking comfort
close to home Local food products aren’t limited to veggies, dairy and meats. In fact, producers are cooking up all manner of tasty ideas for your table.
B More than 100 years and three generations of Europeantrained sausage making has made Helmut’s one of the Okanagan’s finest exports – it’s not all about fruit and wine, after all!”
ritish Columbia and Vancouver Island are well-known for their local produce, milk and dairy treats and assortment of quality meat producers. What shoppers may not know, however, is there are plenty of secondary producers right here at home crafting all sorts of delicious products from those same exceptional ingredients. And let’s face it, during winter on the West Coast, it’s all about comfort food. Few things satisfy on a blustery January day like a hearty dish of fresh pasta and one of Country Grocer’s favourites is Vancouver’s Old Country Edibles. The familyowned business crafts its own fresh pastas and complementary products, growing from a small supplier primarily serving the restaurant industry. Greater involvement in the local community and a more diverse product line – including flat pastas, stuffed pastas, and heat-and-serve pasta entrees – has contributed to the company’s growth into the retail market, including your Country Grocer stores. Throughout, Old Country Pasta has remained true to its founding principles: “We make everything from scratch and in small batches, using only quality ingredients which in turn produces quality products.”
20 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
What a delicious idea! One of the most enjoyable ways to warm up in winter is with good company, and if you’re looking for a few entertaining ideas this season, look no further than Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen and Gerard’s savoury strudels in puff pastry. More than 100 years and three generations of European-trained sausage making has made Helmut’s one of the Okanagan’s finest exports – it’s not all about fruit and wine, after all! From their Vernon kitchen, Helmut and Monica West continue the art of charcuterie perfected by Helmut’s forefathers, and find new ways to improve on tradition by creating equally tasty products that appeal to today’s health-conscious shoppers.
Choosing quality, local ingredients, the company sources Canadian suppliers that support Helmut’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and compassionate animal care. Choose from savoury sausages like chorizo and landjaeger, delicious served with savoury Island cheeses, Portofino bread or Raincoast crackers. Add to the party menu with a savoury strudel from Gerard’s Specialty Foods, prepared right here on the Island, in beautiful Lake Cowichan. Another family business that calls upon pasty chef Gerard Burg’s decades of experience reaching back to his childhood home of the Netherlands, Gerard’s sources local ingredients, including Cowichan Valley beef and chicken, and Island-caught salmon. Crafted with no additives or preservatives, these light, flavourful strudels are ready to be baked hot at home – sure to be a culinary centrepiece of your next table. Need more ideas for foods sure to provide a little cold-weather comfort? Check out our What’s in Store and Indulgences columns on page 8 and 9, or take a stroll through your deli and cooler sections – filled with delicious, local ideas waiting to be discovered!
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Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 21
Healthy pet, happy pet Simple steps to help your four-legged friend enjoy winter While many families enjoy sharing special times and treats with family and friends at the holidays, it’s important to remember that not all members of the family should be “treated” the same way. Unfortunately, some of these seasonal items popular at Christmas and Valentine’s can be hazardous for pets, but the BC SPCA offers a few simple steps to ensure pets stay happy and healthy!
People food is for people
• Avoid giving bones to dogs or cats, particularly turkey bones. Poultry bones easily splinter and can cause serious injury, while bone fragments can cause intestinal blockages or lacerations. • Chocolate and other sweets should not be given to animals. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that can be deadly to cats and dogs, though not harmful to humans. It’s best to keep pets on their regular diet. Look for special animal treats instead of giving animals cookies or sweets meant for people. • Throughout the year, avoid indulging animals too much with treats from the table as rich food can cause dietary upset.
Decoration dangers
• Many popular holiday plants are poisonous to animals, including mistletoe, holly, ornamental pepper and Christmas rose. Keep these plants out of reach of pets. Despite the popular myth, poinsettias are not poisonous to pets or people. However, some pets with a sensitivity to the latex contained in the plant may experience diarrhea or vomit if they consume parts of a poinsettia. • A Christmas tree and pets can be a recipe for trouble. Ensure the tree is well-secured and try to place decorations above paw height. Use string to hang decorations instead of hooks, which are easily dislodged, and if possible, use non-breakable ornaments. Avoid tinsel or angel hair, which both cats and dogs will ingest, only to experience intestinal problems. • Chemicals added to the water reservoir of your Christmas tree stand to keep your tree living longer are toxic to animals, so keep the reservoir covered. • Cords for lights should be inaccessible to pets – especially from puppies, curious kittens and rodents.
PART OF THE FAMILY Spike, the seven-year-old shih tzu member of the Shankar family, is always ready with a cheerful “smile”... except when it comes time to trim the fur around his paws, that is. Cuddly and affectionate, Spike prefers the comforts of home to a car ride, and is very partial to a piece of fresh melon from Country Grocer’s produce department!
SHOW US YOUR PET
Share a photo and a few words about what makes your pet special by emailing Friends & Family editor Jennifer Blyth at jblyth@telus.net
22 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
Open house for rescue pets Join Broken Promises Rescue for a holiday open house and sale Dec. 14. Treat yourself and your fourlegged friend, or pick up lastminute gifts for the holidays. Held at View Royal Community Hall (across from Fire Hall on Old Island Highway), 45 View Royal Ave, visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Among the items on hand will be collars and leashes, dog coats and beds, Avon, various “gently used” items, “Hand and Paw” jewellery and more.
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Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 23
COMMUNITY
Be a Dream-maker this holiday
S
how your holiday spirit this Christmas season with Country Grocer’s annual Dream campaign for Vancouver Island’s Help Fill A Dream Foundation. Through Dec. 13, Islanders can purchase $2 paper shirts at the till, in addition to “Dream Cupcakes” available in the bakery, special holiday bouquets in the floral department and Island-grown Christmas trees. Staff, stores and customers alike will be striving to beat last year’s total of $10,207.70 – all supporting the invaulable
work of the Island-based non-profit. “With demand for our programming increasing year to year, it’s a constant struggle to make all the requests for Dreams that we receive a reality. Last year we supported a record number of 90 children on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.” The children whose families are working with the Help Fill a Dream Foundation come from many different backgrounds and situations, ranging from Victoria’s Galen, 18, battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, who received family assistance and trip to Disneyland, to 18-month-olf Ayvrie, with severe chronic lung disease and steroiddependent, who received help with cost of an oximeter. From Nanaimo, the family of Maximus, born at just 30 weeks gestation, received family assistance and Jeneece Place accommodation while Eve-Lynne, 3, who was born with a large omphalocoele, received an iPad to help with communication. From the Cowichan area, assistance ranged from a wheelchair lift and WIKE bike trailer and accessories for five-year-old Jay, with Miller-Dieker Syndrome, to family assistance and trip to Europe to play hockey with his team for Kelley, 15, with Cystic Fibrosis. “Each year we look forward to our annual Christmas campaign with our friends at Country Grocer,” says Help Fill A Dream executive director Craig Smith, noting that supporters find it rewarding to see the results of their generosity and the huge impact it has
on local families. “Every dollar makes a difference.” Learn more about the Help Fill A Dream Foundation at helpfilladream.com
SHOW YOUR LOVE
T
he spirit of giving continues past the holiday season at Country Grocer. Visit the stores in February and support the work of the Heart and Stroke Foundation by purchasing a $2 paper heart at the till. The Heart and Stroke Foundation works to prevent disease by encouraging heart-healthy practices among children and youth, empowering Canadians to live healthy lives through education and research, improve cardiac and stroke response and treatment, promote recovery and enhance support for survivors, families and caregivers. For more information about the Heart and Stroke Foundation and what you can do to improve your health and wellness, visit www.heartandstroke.com
24 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
FREE ESTIMATESPut Yo
We Heart Local (and so do you!)
T
he votes are in and the results tallied, and three of Country Grocer’s tastiest products have been recognized in the second annual, provincewide We Heart Local Awards. Hosted by the BC Agriculture Council and We Heart Local, the 2014 awards received nominations for 337 businesses, growers and producers across 15 categories. More than 37,000 votes were cast this year, more than tripling the number received last year. Among the winners were Country Grocer tomato supplier Windset Farms, named Favourite Local Greenhouse or Veggie Grower, and blackberry supplier Coastal Black Estate Winery, named Favourite Local Winery. And Favourite Local Cheesemaker? Country Grocer deli favourite, Natural Pastures Cheese Co., from the Comox Valley! The We Heart Local Awards is a
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TIDBITS Be sure to stop by the Cobble Hill Country Grocer during your Christmas travels to take in the wonder of the gingerbread village. After weeks of planning, baking and decorating, this year’s gingerbread village was unveiled Dec. 1 and will provide weeks of delight for holiday fans of all ages. This year’s theme of an old-fashioned village will include a school, deli, skating rink, cobbletone walkways and of course a bakery! Just before Christmas the village will be dismantled and delivered to various organizations in the Cowichan Valley for an extra-special Christmas treat.
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Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 25
A Getaway for Serious Relaxation
IN YOUR COMMUNITY BC SHARING On-going in all Country Grocer communities – Support local food banks by looking for the BC Sharing donation pads at the till. Simply add $2 to your grocery bill and 100% goes to your local food bank!
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COWICHAN VALLEY Dec. 12 to 14, 19 to 23 – Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Take a ride on the Christmas Express, visit with Santa Claus, enjoy live music, crafts, refreshments and more. FMI: www. bcforestdiscoverycentre.com Dec. 20 – Little Town Christmas, 3 to 7 p.m. in Waterwheel Park, Chemainus.
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Dec. 23 – Cowichan Lake Recreation presents the annual Winter Wonderland, 6 to 8 p.m. at Cowichan Lake Sports Arena. Enjoy family festivities at the transformed arena, including a toboggan run, fire on ice, skating, shinny hockey, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa himself! Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Dance, 9 p.m. at Youbou Hall. Tickets – available at Cowichan Lake Sports Arena or the Youbou Hall – include hats, noisemakers, balloons and a midnight snack. Ages 19+; licensed bar. Jan. 26 – Reel Alternatives: Magic in the Moonlight, 7 p.m. Tickets $12; student rows $5; all proceeds to Cowichan Valley Hospice Services. FMI: www. cowichantheatre.ca or 250-748-7529 Through March – The Cowichan Capitals take on their BCHL Junior A hockey rivals at the “Big Stick,” the
26 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
Island Savings Centre. FMI: www.cowichancapitals.com
NANAIMO December through March, select dates – Nanaimo Clippers host their BCHL rivals at Frank Crane Arena. FMI: nanaimoclippers.com Dec. 6 – Allison Crowe’s Nanaimo Tidings, delivering the joys and thrills of favourite carols and allseason selections, and a cavalcade of Nanaimo’s finest young talent. FMI: www.porttheatre.com Friday, Saturday and Sunday to Dec. 21 – Santa’s Workshop at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, featuring Santa visits, holiday movies, cookies and hot coco, kids’ crafts, letter writing to Santa and more. Jan. 30 & 31, Feb. 1, 2 & 6 – South Island Musical Society presents The Pirates of Penzance. FMI:www. cowichantheatre.ca
SALT SPRING To Dec. 22 – Wintercraft Christmas exhibition and sale of work by artists and artisans of the Southern Gulf Islands, Mahon Hall, Ganges Dec. 6 & 7 – Salt Spring Singers present Christmas with Schubert and Scrooge, a performance of classical and contemporary choral music at ArtSpring. FMI: artspring.ca
Dec. 14 – Christmas Bird Count throughout Salt Spring Island. Info + registration: Tim Marchant at tim@timmarchant.com Dec. 21 – Messiah Singalong, annual Bach on the Rock presentation of Handel’s Messiah with community sing-along, Fulford Hall, 2591 FulfordGanges Rd. FMI: www. bachontherock.org Jan. 6 – J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, plus 10th anniversary celebration of Bach on the Rock at ArtSpring. FMI: www. bachontherock.org Feb. 28 – Bob Bossin’s Songs & Stories Of Davy The Punk, 7:30 p.m. at ArtSpring. FMI: artspring.ca
GREATER VICTORIA Dec. 7 – Esquimalt Celebration of Lights,
what’s in the
including parade, Esquimalt Plaza/Municipal Hall lightup, entertainment and refreshments. Watch for the Country Grocer float! FMI: celebrationoflights.ca To Jan. 16 – Lace up your skates for On Ice at the Fairmont Empress, featuring a 60’ x 90’ covered ice skating rink open weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m., and weekends from noon to 9 p.m. Admission: $10 or $5 for children aged 10 and younger. While there, be sure to stop inside to take in the Festival of Trees fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital. FMI: www. fairmont.com Jan. 10 – Esquimalt Parks & Recreation Open House, 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. FMI: www.esquimalt.ca Feb. 6 to 15 – Victoria Film Festival, showcasing more than 150 new films. FMI: VictoriaFilmFestival. com Feb. 21 – Take in Seedy Saturday and all the promise of a new growing season, at the Victoria Conference Centre. FMI: www. jamesbaymarket. com
BAG What must-have items will be in your grocery bag this winter?
Nicole and Greg Forsberg Nicole and Greg Forsberg’s winter shopping list strikes a perfect balance between delicious comfort food and entertaining ideas for those lastminute holiday get-togethers. As parents to two busy teens – not to mention a dog and two brand new kittens – they understand the importance of having wholesome, tasty options ready for whatever excitement the season brings. 1. Triple cream brie 2. Breton crackers 3. McLaren’s gherkins and olives 4. Mandarin oranges 5. Christmas greenery 6. Country Grocer Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
7. Lilydale whole chickens 8. Country Grocer cinnamon scones 9. Country Grocer Ambrosia salad 10. Oceanspray cranberries
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Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 27
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*20% seniors discount does not apply to these items.
MON-FRI 9AM - 6PM SAT 9:30AM - 5:30PM CLOSED SUNDAY & STATS
1561 Hillside Ave.
Victoria
28 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
250-370-2984
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MEET THE TEAM
Country Kudos
Jennifer Blyth photo
Dave Taylor, at work at Nanaimo’s Chase River Country Grocer.
Customers help put the fun into work In Brief
Dave Taylor, Bulk Foods and Freezer Manager at Nanaimo’s Chase River store, joined the Name: Dave Taylor Country Grocer family 3 1/2 Store: Chase River, years ago. Nanaimo Raised in Nanaimo and with Position: Bulk Foods 21 years in the grocery industry, and Freezer the idea of working with the manager Island-grown family business Years with Country appealed to Dave, he notes. Grocer: 3.5 years So did the idea of working in brand new digs. “It was a new store and I had heard really good things about the company,” says Dave, who appreciates the relationships built with his co-workers and his many regular customers, some who stop by every day. One customer even made sure to get Dave’s email address before leaving for a long trip so they could stay in touch with travel updates while they were away. “It’s a great atmosphere. I really like it here; you feel like it’s family,” Dave says, adding with a smile, “you’re here to work, but you can have a little bit of fun.” When not at work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, Sharon, and being active playing hockey and soccer with his three boys, age 9, 11 and 18.
Sometimes, despite the best-made plans, things get missed. So it was for one shopper at Country Grocer’s Esquimalt location who visited one evening in October on the hunt for a cake – a big cake! – for an employee’s retirement the next day. The job of ordering the cake had inadvertently been missed on the party Glenn McLean planning to-do list. Bakery counter staff member Glenn McLean stepped in to the rescue. “He went out of his way to help me problem-solve my dilemma. He helped me look at what was already available and he immediately determined (they)would not suit my needs,” says Jennifer Hawes, owner and VP of Human Resources and Community Relations for ColdStar Solutions Inc. “He jumped into problem-solving in a way that I have not seen in a long time and started to make phone calls to the cake decorators/bakers. Within 10 minutes he told me that the store could handle my last-minute cake request and went on to ask me what type of cake I wanted, filling flavour etc. as if it was no big deal at all. “To say that I was impressed with his customer service is an understatement,” Jennifer says. “In fact, the whole experience was hugely positive, including having someone call me to verify that the name on the cake was spelled right. “As a fellow business owner, an Esquimalt resident and a regular shopper at Country Grocer, I commend you and your staff! Job well done. Please thank the gentleman who served me and everyone who went out of their way to get that cake into my hands with such short notice. And to make it even better – the cake was delicious!” Kudos!
Give a Kudo Do you know a Country Grocer employee deserving recognition for an exceptional achievement? If you have been “wowed” or received outstanding customer service, take a few minutes to complete an Employee Recognition form and share your story. Submit your Country Kudos in-store or online at countrygrocer.com
Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com » 29
STYLISH, SPACE-SAVING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME.
7 Community Locations COBBLE HILL 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. 250-743-5639 8am to 9pm 7 days per week
What could be better than a little more stylish, wellorganized space? Murphy Wall-Beds has been in business for over 22 years.The space-saving Murphy Wall-Bed and companion custom cabinetry are crafted right here on the Saanich Peninsula. “We focus on quality,” says owner Tom Bazin. “We make a quality product from beginning to end.” Using patented, engineered Murphy bed hardware, quality materials and local construction expertise, ensures the excellence customers have come to know and expect from the Better Business Bureau-accredited business. Bazin credits shop foreman James York as an essential component to the local company’s success. With the company since its founding more than two decades ago, “he’s probably the most experienced Murphy bed expert in North America,” he says.
LAKE COWICHAN 83 Lake Cowichan Rd. 250-749-6335 7am to 9pm 7 days per week
SALTSPRING ISLAND 374 Lower Ganges Rd. 250-537-4144 7am to 10pm 7 days per week
CHASE RIVER (NANAIMO) 82 Twelfth St. 250-753-7545 7am to 10pm 7 days per week
ROYAL OAK (VICTORIA) 4420 West Saanich Rd. 250-708-3919 8am to 10pm 7 days per week
BOWEN ROAD (NANAIMO) 1800 Dufferin Cresc. 250-591-5525 7am to 10pm 7 days per week
ESQUIMALT (VICTORIA) 1153 Esquimalt Rd. 250-382-5515 8am to 10pm 7 days per week
Whether you’re trying to stretch the space you have or are looking to maximize space when down-sizing, Murphy beds are perfect for creating a dual-purpose room, guest room and craft or fitness room, for example. Others appreciate their flexibility in a bachelor or assisted living suite. In addition, “there are all kinds of different space-saving solutions that go hand-in-hand with the Murphy beds,” Bazin says, noting their designers and craftsmen can custom-craft virtually any cabinetry to complement your bed. And with the Murphy beds accommodating the same variety of mattresses as a conventional bed, optimal comfort is ensured.
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Unsure just how a Murphy Wall-Bed will fit into your home? Take advantage of our free design service to help you envision how a bed will work in your home, including a special computerized drawing and design program that allows you to get a three-dimensional view of your room, before you commit.
LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO INCREASE YOUR USEABLE SPACE. CALL US TODAY! 250-744-2195 OR 1-800-670-5505 3075 DOUGLAS STREET | VICTORIA WWW.MURPHYBEDS-VICTORIA.COM Vancouver Island’s Only Authorized Murphy Bed Dealers
30 » Friends&Family » WINTER 2014 /2015 | countrygrocer.com
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arm Winter Wishes
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