While spring is not quite here yet, I have high hopes. We are looking forward to bringing in some locally produced cheeses for spring, some of which you may have tasted before and others probably not. As our cheese making friends get more milk and start produciton back up we will be bringing these in. Look for an email to announce the arrival of the first local cheeses soon!

Many of you have developed a fondness for the Fra'Mani Sopressata, and I guess so has the rest of the country, as such supply has been "limited" (read nonexistenet). However, we are very happy to announce after a long hiatus it is now back in stock here at the store. We are trying to secure more of this for the future but be aware that, as the saying goes...supplies are limited.

And, alas, I have some bad news for many of you. Salumi of Seatle has decided to cancel produciton of their Oregano Salame. I know that many of you are fans of this wonderful salumi and we know how much it will be missed.

Salmui assured us that this decision was not taken lightly, but out of necessity. Salumi has, however, introduced a new Salame to replace the Oregano in their line up, Agrumi. Spiced with cardomon and citrus this is one of my new favorites, and I think it will soon become one of yours too. Come in and see us for a taste.

We are now making (in limited quantities) fresh pasta!! This is something that we have always wanted to do since the inception of the store and we are now able to devote part of our Sunday mornings to this. Our pasta is made fresh every Sunday morning and is available until it sells out. We are currently making tagliatelle (basic narrow flat noodle) and have already begun experimenting with filled pastas such as ravioli. Once these are perfect we will begin selling these too, and continue to expand our offerings.

Don't forget that our pasta sauce is usually available in our refrigerated case to grab and take home as a perfect accompaniment.

The word on the street is that 2008 is going to be the year of Craft Beer (think microbrew, but better). Well, if no where else then at least here at the store. We are getting in some rare and very unique beers very soon from all over the world. If you are a fan of Belgian and Belgian style beers then you are in for a real treat. We have been working hard to get supply lines set up and are currently all set to bring in some really special items. As these become available we will be sending out email alerts to all of you.

There's a few more things we want to share...

Our range of Olive Oil is expanding. We have just brought in the Les Costes Estate Olive Oil from Spain. Made from 100% Arbequina olives this is a rare gem. Very buttery in flavour with a bit of a peppery finish. A true condiment oil and not to be used for cooking.

Did you know that we now carry a whole range of cheese related serving tools? From soft cheese knives to fondue sets to beautiful natural slate serving plates, we everything you need for your next cheese party.

And finally, for those of you who know us well, St. Patrick's Day is one of our cherished holidays. So, in honor of this special day, we have made a great supply of fabulous corned-beef and will be slicing it up all week to make the best corned-beef sandwich in Walla Walla. You've gotta give it a try!

Well, we started a blog. My first posting is up now with another one soon to follow. Why did we decide to create a blog you ask? 'Cause everyone else is doin' it? 'Cause we wanna be cool? No, because I like to run off at the mouth and need a place where people can tune in and tune out when needed.

Seriously though, we create the blog as an alternate way of communicating with our customers. No one needs more emails to open every day. The blog gives us a place to announce new items, highlight events and causes that are important to us and alows us to really talk about products. And the great thing is you never have to worry about that 15 min parking spot.

Pay our blog a little visit.... let us know what you think.

'Feast Walla Walla' is slated to become the showcase event for the hospitality industry of the Walla Walla Valley, promoting the uncommon quality of local food, wines, art and lodging. Feast Walla Walla is a cooperative community endeavor that strives to create an environment of business entrepreneurship to benefit the participants as well as the attendees during a traditionally quieter time of the tourism year. Local organizations including the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, Tourism Walla Walla, the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Walla Walla Valley Wine industry have been instrumental in establishing this event. Proceeds will benefit the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, an organization dedicated to the enhancement of Walla Walla's historic downtown.

The first annual 'Feast' will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 1pm to 4pm. Our historic, award- winning downtown will set the scene for a fabulous afternoon of gastronomic and sensory entertainment in a heated, canopied venue covering First Avenue, between Main Street and Alder. Ourselves, along with over 50 other vendors will be sampling their wares including 16 fine restaurants and food purveyors, 29 wineries, and 10 exceptional artists. Musical entertainment will provide additional ambience and a chance to take a moment-and a sip-from a busy and delightfully creative atmosphere. Adding to the attendee's experience will be availability to purchase the wines being poured throughout the afternoon. Net proceeds from the retail sales of bottled wines will benefit the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation and their mission.

We encourage you to purcahse your tickets soon and join us for what is sure to be a great event!

Thank you for your continued support - we hope to see you in the store again soon!

Salumiere Cesario
Damon & Colby Burke