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Staff Picks

Caitlyn

Stoney River Soap Bars

Stoney River's soap bars are handmade in small batches with ingredients like non-GMO olive oil and honey. They all have a natural, subtle scent and look pretty in a soap dish. Stoney River is also woman-owned and locally made in Oxford, Wisconsin. 

Donkey Chips Salted Tortilla Chips

These local tortilla chips stand up to any dip—salsa, guacamole, bean dip, hummus, you name it. A perfect chip. 

Mel

Upton's Naturals Seitan

I love seitan, so I love all of Upton’s Naturals Seitan products, but my favorite is their chorizo-style seitan. Upton’s seitan is low fat, low in carbs, dairy-free, vegan, and high in protein. I use it in wraps, in sandwiches, on salads, in chili, as a breakfast side, and in stir fry (but I could really just sit and eat an entire chunk of it out of the package). What is seitan, you ask? According to the Upton’s Naturals website, “Seitan is a traditional Japanese food made by rinsing the starch away from wheat and retaining the protein.” It is very hearty and has a real “meatiness” to it. So, if you like seitan for seitan’s sake or, if you are looking for a great alternative to meat, give Upton’s Naturals Seitan a try! 

Mourning Dove

Organic Sweet Potatoes

Three words: sweet potato smoothie. I like to chop up sweet potato, bake in a glass dish with a little water, and store in the fridge to have on hand to add to salads. But they're also perfect for making a creamy dessert drink. Blend two frozen bananas, a hearty handful of cooked sweet potato chunks, and a couple dashes of pumpkin pie spice. Add water and blend. Sweet, super creamy, and tastes like pumpkin pie. 

Maple Valley Organic Dark Robust Maple Syrup

This maple syrup is awesome because it's local, tastes better than sugar in everything, and you can use a mason jar to save on wasteful packaging. Try mixing with some tahini for a nut-free apple dip!

Patrick

Cedar Teeth Cheesus Crust Pizza

I love everything about this pizza (and all of their pizzas). And what's not to love? They're local; they are clearly light-hearted and fun, oh, and they taste amazing! Something about that rosemary sourdough crust—just... phenomenal! Seriously we keep a minimum of two of these in our freezer at all times. Perfect quick dinner or an awesome late night snack. SO GOOD!!

Amy

Rossario's Classic Spaghetti Sauce

Locally made from Rossi's Pizza owners, this is our family's go-to sauce. Its just got a nice kick and seems more flavorful than the more basic lines we carry. I just wanted to let you know about it. :)

Amanda 

Andrew & Everett Melting Cheese 

This melting cheese helps you create the creamiest homemade macaroni and cheese! Seriously creamy! You can also make a delicious queso dip by combining with a can of Ro*tel canned tomatoes. 

Pasqual's Original Southwest Tortilla chips

So dang good! With dip, without dip. So much flavor!!! 

Ember Foods Vegetable Samosa with Tamarind Chutney

These are a great snack, appetizer or light lunch. This little samosa is packed with flavor and is paired nicely with their beautiful tamarind chutney. They smell and taste divine! 

Michaiah

Organic Valley Unsalted Cultured Butter

Rich, creamy, organic, and supporting local economy and community?! Heck yeah. Nothing beats fresh, long-lasting energy you can add to the most basic and gourmet meals, all only produced within these abundant lands. 

Brendon

Nature's Bakery Six Grain Granola

I like to add this granola to yogurt, blueberries and chia seeds. In addition to the six (count 'em—six!) organic grains, the sunflower seeds and honey add great flavor and offer some crunch and chew. And it's made right down the street from Willy East!

Marnie

Driftless Organics Sunflower Oil

Driftless Sunflower Oil is locally grown and processed right here in Wisconsin! I like to drizzle it over winter squash and root vegetables before roasting—it adds a complementary nutty flavor. I also use Driftless Sunflower oil in baking—it adds a subtle, nutty flavor to pumpkin, squash, and banana muffins. 

Angela

Tortilleria Zepeda Yellow Corn Tortillas

Rich corn taste, thick and flexible tortillas. I love just slathering them in butter and eating them over the stove. Do yourself a favor and try these. 

Cress Spring Body Care Purify Face Cream

This local face cream is designed for combination, acne-prone, sensitive skin. I LOVE the smell—predominantly neem, almost savory. Better yet, when I use it regularly it helps prevent my mask-related acne. Rich, and luscious—a little goes a long way! 

Lusa Organics Grounding Lotion Bar

No plastic and locally made. Rub the bar between your hands like a bar of soap to gently melt it and then rub into your hands, arms, everywhere! Pop it back into its tin and drop it in your bag. Easy to transport, no risk of leaking lotion. Great scent, super moisturizing, innovative. 

Ernie's African Kick Sauce

Locally made, ridiculously delicious and versatile. Fantastic on eggs, tacos, mixed with mayo and dolloped on sandwiches, sex up your salsa; it's kind of endless. So good!!!

Hallie 

Mango Man Salsa

I LOVE THIS SALSA! I have yet to find something I don't like it with. I use it as marinade for chicken, shrimp, or pork. Especially great when making pulled pork! I use it for sauce over everything, even rice and beans. I have even used it over greens as a salad dressing! Spicy, tangy, slightly sweet and full             of flavor. 

Cesar's Queso Fresco

This cheese completes me! Perfectly salty and crumbly in texture. AMAZING on pretty much anything, but especially perfect on sweet corn or tacos. 

Kristi Jo

Madison Soap Company Bar Soaps

Madison Soap Company is a local, woman-owned, woman-run business. Using sustainably sourced ingredients such as Rain forest Alliance Certified Palm Oil, they sincerely care about what is put into each of their unique skin-loving bars of              soap. Clean yourself up while saving the rain forests!!

Abigail

Driftless Dreams Caramels

NEW, locally USDA-certified, organic-grown hemp from the beautiful hills of Ocooch Mountain in Wisconsin's Driftless region. Delicious, smooth, and creamy handmade caramel. What more could you ask for in a CBD product?! Each caramel is a lovely dose of 20mg full-spectrum CBD, and is currently the only Wisconsin-grown CBD option we offer on our shelves. Support local hemp farmers and support your own wellness with these delectable treats! Located at the registers, 20mg chocolates are also offered (but I'm tellin' ya—the caramels are where it's at!)

Joe

Willow Creek Braunschweiger

Delicious way to get some healthy organ meat in your diet. The secret is Willow Creek bacon, and no unwanted additives like some other brands.

Knapp Made Chainmail Scrubber

I used to use cheap metal scrubbers to clean my cast iron pans, but discovered that little metal shreds were contributing to clogged drains. Then I found these fancy ones made of heavy-duty chainmail, like a suit of armor. Mine works great and looks like it will last forever. In fact, it actually comes with a lifetime warranty. While manufacturing is outsourced, it is sold by the Wisconsin company that created it.

Kelsey

Crafted in the Woods Candles

All of these locally made soy candles are fantastic, but the Creme Brulee Cafe scent is by far my favorite. A warm, sweet, vanilla-ish scent that you will love. Creme Brulee scent at East and West only. 

Laura

Taste Republic Gluten-Free Tortellini

Are you now gluten-free and haven't had tortellini for longer than you remember?! Don't despair, Madison-based pasta company Taste Republic has your salvation! This tortellini is delicious and holds together well (gluten-free people will know what I'm talking about). Maybe it's because I've been gluten-free for a while, but I can't even tell the difference between this and regular tortellini! My favorite meal lately has been to toss this with our house-made parsley pesto, some ripe heirloom tomatoes, avocado, and some shredded Sartori cheese on — YUM! 

Underground Meats 'Nduja

A spicy pork spread that is perfect with a slice of cheese on crackers. Careful, or you'll eat it all in one sitting! (which I have never done... never.......)

Dan

Madame Chu Ginger Garlic Sauce

I cook. A lot. This sauce is so good that I have four jars in my fridge. I add it to sauces, use it for a really easy stir fry, and marinate meats in it. Every time Josey is in the store to sample, she gives me more ideas...and I buy another jar.

Renard's Creamy Salsa Spread

Creamy Salsa Spread? More like Dreamy Salsa Spread! This is an awesome spread for burgers, with a taco salad, or eaten with a spoon while no one is watching. Plus it won't break the bank!

Melanie

The Naked Baker Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies 

These cookies are amazing! They have a soft texture, real ingredients, and are sweet but not too sweet. Yum. The Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie is available September through Thanksgiving. 

Abby

Willy Street Co-op Individually Wrapped Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie 

I'm not even a vegan, but I find these to be the tastiest chocolate chip cookies we offer! This buttery (but not actually butter) cookie melts in your mouth. Also, the chocolate-chip-to-cookie ratio is on point. 

Angelica

Willy Street Co-op Red Curry Tofu Wrap

If you're vegan in a hurry, this is the Grab & Go sandwich for you. The Red Curry Tofu is tasty and flavorful and makes it easy to eat the vitamin-rich spinach. An easy way to feel good about lunch on the go!


Cate

Gail Ambrosius Caramels

Such a great way to treat myself or a friend. Sweet, salty AND covered in chocolate! They are super rich and buttery so just one is enough, but I'm in no way opposed to eating the whole box in a sitting. Honestly, I think they might even be medicinal. ;)

Tipi Produce Savoy Cabbage

This cabbage looks beautiful with tinges of purple on the outside leaves and spiraling ridges throughout the head. It is mild and sweet and super tender. A fantastic complement to your favorite chicken or vegetable soup recipe in the fall. Plus Tipi Produce is local hailing from Evansville, Wisconsin. 

Harmony Valley Farm Arugula

The arugula from Harmony Valley Farm is delicious! Super crisp and nice and spicy. Great as the only green in your salad or on your sandwich but also just a great addition to either for adding extra interest to the meal. Plus it is local from Viroqua, Wisconsin.


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