by Patrick Schroeder, Category Manager
March means St. Patrick’s Day and all the food and drink that comes with it! Thankfully, Willy Street Co-op has got you covered with all the trappings to properly celebrate the culture and cuisine of the Emerald Isle. Are you cooking up something special for St. Pat’s? You will surely find all the corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and stout beer you might need at any of our three locations, but hey, why work on the weekend? If you need a taste of the holiday without the fuss and bother (and hours of waiting for your brisket to simmer!), you need to check out the Co-op Delis on March 16 and 17. The hot bar at all three stores will feature special offerings to scratch your Irish itch, regardless of your extraction. Stout-braised beef stew, made with Wisconsin beef and locally brewed beer? Yeah, we got that. How about colcannon, corned beef (from our friends at Cedar Roads Meats in Iron Ridge), and cabbage? Of course we have that! If you’re a fan of the Vegan Shepherd’s Pie, which we debuted last St. Pat’s, you’ll be happy to find it on the hot bar that weekend as well. Our Dublin Coddle (another Production Kitchen original), featuring our own Willy Street Co-op bratwurst braised with bacon, beer and winter veg, will also make an appearance. I would be in hot water like a corned beef if I failed to mention the bakery putting in extra hours to bring us Irish Soda Bread (delicious with a generous dab of mustard and a slice of brisket), and a new creation: Peppermint Pie. If you’re a fan of our Peanut Butter Pie, you need to try this. It’s so rich and luscious, yet light and airy, and the chocolate crust, and the cool creamy mint, seriously, good stuff.
My friends and I at the Production Kitchen look forward to holidays like this one, not only because it gives us the chance to stretch our culinary legs a bit and break from our routine, but also for the opportunity to make something special for you, our fellow Co-op Owners. We hope you enjoy our food all year ‘round, and we especially love helping to make your holiday special, whether it’s corned beef and cabbage, or turkey with all the trimmings. Be well, celebrate safely, and may the road rise to meet you.