Goddess Gossip

Delivery- Dynamite

2010-05-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

A peek behind the scenes at The Goddess and Grocer: Delivery Drivers.

Rain, sleet, snow or any condition imaginable, bike or car, our guys...our charming guys will get your order to you on time and with wit to spare. Meet our delivery team! (from left to right: Leo, Matt, Jason and Wink)

When it comes to comes to delivering, let's just say they really know how to handle food..

Handsome and friendly service right at our doorstep. :-)

The Queen Bee

2010-04-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

The buzz on the street is we're getting our own honey hive. What's sweeter than that?!

We've teamed up with Heritage Prairie Farm's chef supported apiary program to get our own hive flowin' with the sweet nectar of the gods, or bees in this case. So, what does that mean for you? Ah, why locally made honey by The Goddess and Grocer of course!

We're really excited to go through the process from start to finish. We'll be updating pictures and videos (throughout the summer) so you can learn and experience with us! Very sweet.

We've already learned that there is an entire bee industry out there where people strictly sell bees from around the world. Our Queen Bee (she's a Goddess in our eyes) was flown in from Hawaii! We're so glad she could grace us with her presence this summer.

Did you know? In ancient times, honey was considered the food of the gods and the symbol of wealth and happiness.

How do we get started?
Our first step in the process is to collect the nectar! When worker bees are about 20 days old, they leave the hive to collect nectar. They have a tongue that resembles a tube called a proboscis. Nectar is sucked by the bee through the proboscis, which then goes into their honey stomach. Mmm...honey in the tummy!

That's all for now, stay tuned for more buzz on the process.

Congratulations...it's a scone!

2010-03-17T11:34:00.001-07:00

Welcoming the newest edition to The Goddess and Grocer baked goods section: Super Savory and Sweet Scones!

At the suggestion of our "Little Debbie" pastry chef, Todd, got down to work on creating some new and exciting scone flavors. Story is, Todd loves savory bacon scones so what better than to do what you love....and what we love too!

Available for your pleasure:

Savory
Bacon, cheddar, scallion
Roasted tomato, olive, feta
Sweet
Raspberry white chocolate
Orange apricot

We have so many excuses to eat these...breakfast, lunch, 3:00pm celebration time, Fridays, the sun is out...we could go on..but we'd rather be eating scones.

Available at The Goddess and Grocer Bucktown and Gold Coast locations.

Goddess, go bragh!

2010-03-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

We're pledging our Irish allegiance for St Patrick's Day with St. Patty Melts, Dirty Leprechauns, Shamrock cookies, and Bailey's Irish Cream Cupcakes...Goddess go Bragh!

We love the holidays because it gives us an excuse to get creative in the kitchen. We're serving up some tasty shamrock cookies that not only (sham)rock your sweet tooth, but will help to soak up all the Guinness and Jameson. It's get better...ah, we mean greener. Green it up with some wine from our selection of organic wines from both Bucktown and Gold Coast locations. Might we suggest Jasci Montepulciano D'abruzzo, Italy ($15).

Working up an appetite yet? One last thing. What is St Patty's Day with out a St Patty's Melt?! We do it Goddess style, a veggie burger with sauerkraut, thousand island and swiss cheese on an onion kaiser roll. Order from Bucktown or Gold Coast

Looks like The Goddess and Grocer is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

We're making Whoopie...

2010-02-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

...Pies, that is! And no, not this Whoopi.

You're probably asking yourself, what is a whoopie pie?

A whoopie pie (alternatively called a gob, black-and-white, bob, or "BFO" for Big Fat Oreo) is a baked good made of two round mound-shaped pieces of chocolate cake, sometimes pumpkin cake, with a sweet, creamy frosting sandwiched between them. While considered a New England phenomenon and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition, they are increasingly sold throughout the United States. According to food historians, Amish women would bake these (known as hucklebucks at the time) and put them in farmers' lunchboxes. When farmers would find these treats in their lunch, they would shout "Whoopie!"

So what's the big whoop? We're now selling these housemade goodies at all of The Goddess and Grocer locations. Choose from chocolate or red velvet cake, half-dipped in chocolate. These cakes are so good, nothing we say is going to do them justice. Well, actually all we can say is "WHOOPIE!"

Panna Dolce Macarons

2010-02-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

What was previously sold exclusively online, Panna Dolce now calls The Goddess and Grocer home for their French Macarons. A mouth full will have you saying, "J'aime manger des macarons!"

Who is Panna Dolce?
Panna Dolce is an authentic French online bakery specializing in French Macarons, Overloaded Cookies and The Brownie to End All Brownies. Based in Chicago, they bake all of products to-order to ensure the highest quality, freshness and shelf-life. Their authentic recipe is modeled after the classic Laduree French Macaron and combines exciting premium flavors with traditional french pastry.

What makes a Macaron a Macaron? Read Panna Dolce's history of Macarons:
Almond macarons, originally an Italian delicacy, were first created in 1792. Later, they were brought to France by Carmelite Nuns who were seeking asylum during the French Revolution. To pay for housing, the Nuns baked and sold macarons. These Nuns later became known as the “Macaron Sisters.” The Nuns followed the theory that "almonds are good for girls who do not eat meat."

What makes these treats just a little extra awesome? GLUTEN-FREE and WHEAT-FREE! Rejoice all!

Some flavors for thought:
Almond Butter and Strawberry Jelly Macaron
Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Macaron
Chocolate Buttercream Macaron

Click here to find your local The Goddess and Grocer location or Panna Dolce for more details!

Sweet Girl Chocolate Mousse Tasting

2010-02-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

What: Chocolate Mousse Tasting
When: Saturday, February 6th from 1-3pm
Where: The Goddess and Grocer Bucktown

"Convenience without sacrifice, what could be better!"
With Valentine's Day around the corner, you're thinking about what you want to do for your special friend, lover, or him/her. Think about giving them something homemade...like Chocolate Mousse! Oh, but you don't know how? Ah, perfect. This Saturday we're having a Chocolate Mousse tasting hosted by one of the owners and creators of Sweet Girl Chocolate Mousse, Dana Benigno. Not only will be you be able to try out this dessert, but you can chat with the owner and learn how to make it yourself! The product prides itself on being easy to make from ingredients that are organic and fair trade.

To learn more about Sweet Girl check out their website: http://www.sweetgirldesserts.com/

Peace, Love, and Sweets,

Goddess

A Bitch for a Bitch

2010-02-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

This week's episode of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" the women are drinking a wine we sell here at Goddess and Grocer called "Bitch". It's a tasty 100% Grenache which is grown from 40- to 60-year-old vines from the Ebenezer sub-region of the Barossa. A " difficult-to-grow grape" hence the name. Join the ladies this Thursday with toast of "Bitch".

Also, this Valentine's Day we'll be selling gift baskets for your [wine lover] that includes "Bitch" among many other sweet treats.

Wow, how many times do you think we can say "Bitch"?

Check out BravoTV for more airing details: http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county

One Potato, Two Potato, Sweet Potato Month!

2010-02-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

There is a theme for every month and a month for every theme. Among all the happenings in February, Sweet Potatoes are on the agenda. At The Goddess and Grocer (Bucktown) we routinely serve up Sweet Potato French Fries with Sage Mayonnaise. It's the perfect paring to any one of our sandwiches we offer.

Give them a try and let us know what you think!

Sweet facts about these taters':

The sweet potato is the 6th principal world food crop, and approximately 90 percent of the worlds' crop is grown in Asia.
The sweetness continues to increase during storage and when they are cooked.
They are packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. This is why one colonial physician called them the "vegetable indispensable."

Baskets of Love

2010-02-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

A day of romance and fine foods. Whether you celebrate it or not, you can't deny the sweet treats and decadence that this holiday is all about. Here at The Goddess and Grocer we've made it easy for you to show love to your love. With baskets full of wine, chocolate, teas, baked goods, and sweet treats it will sure make her {his} heart skip of beat...or just pump faster from all the sugar.

Also check out when you check-out, Valentine's cookies located at the counter. More than just a cookie, it's art.

Ok, so you know what goods to get. Now you need a reservation at a real classy place. Perfect. Done. Feast Restaurant offers an amazing prix-fixe menu for Valentine's Day. Click here to check out the menu, but we're sure you'll love it. Reservations recommended.

Dipping into Super Bowl

2010-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

We've been gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday the past couple of weeks. Holding our breathes until we could find out what color to make the cupcakes and what dips to go with what chips. Finally, it's just around the corner.

Here's a preview of our scrumptious Super Bowl cupcakes: Chocolate and Vanilla cake with butter cream icing. Touch down, flavor!

A great arm work out starts with great dip! Try some of these for your Super (dipping) Bowl:

Spinach, artichoke and parmesan dip
Tuscan bean and garlic dip
Caramelized onion and sour cream dip
Guacamole
French onion dip
Hummus - plain, garlic or spicy

Order today by phone 773.292.7100 -or- fax us 773.292.7117

So, how about a little tune for the sake of dipping! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHBwDYyyGxs

The Ace of CUPCAKES!

2010-01-29T09:51:00.001-08:00

We do a lot of catering for all sorts of events here at Goddess and Grocer. Today one of our fabulous bakers has been working on some adorable cupcakes for a baby shower. Cupcakes are a great addition to any catered event ! Take for example, Lady Gaga . She had Goddess and Grocer cater backstage at her show...let's say she went gaga over our Red Velvet cupcakes!

We have lots of yummy flavors to choose from and we're always coming up with new ones to keep things exciting. How does S'more cupcake sound to you? Oh, you've never had? Let us be your first...and last. Speaking of flavors, be on the look out @goddessgrocer for a cupcake contest! More details to come soon...

GAGA!!!

What about elston?

2010-01-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

Many of you might not know this, but we have an Elston location in Bucktown. Our main kitchen is located at 2222 N. Elston. We do a lot of catering from here and you might say it's The Olfactory because there's constantly amazing aromas pumping out the pipes. The entire kitchen staff is not only a hard working bunch, but extremely creative when it comes to cooking and baking.

Chat with us on @goddessgrocer

Meet the store:

From cupcakes and cookies to sandwiches and pastas we make everything fresh daily. Some menu items change on a daily basis so you’ll always find something new and delicious to eat. Take a look at some of the things we’ve got in store for you today.

Sticky Rice balls! In a sweet peanut sauce this vegetarian dish is sure to please even the most carnivorous of eaters.

Pesto Pasta! Such a savory combo of kalamata olives, artichokes, tomatoes tossed with pesto sauce in a sea of penne pasta.