Lemon Tree Grocer's Anniversary Fun!!

Happy 1st Anniversary to us...and most importantly; thanks to all of you who have contributed to this moment's existence! We have some pretty amazing contests, giveaways, and more starting August 13th at Lemon Tree Grocer and Zest!

Here go's: Starting August 13th, make sure your are checking Lemon Tree's Facebook & following us on Twitter to win the fabulous gifts we're going to give away..trust us; this is one anniversary you don't want to forget ;)

Would you like a sneak peak into our 1st Anniversary- how about the Kid's Drawing Contest where your children can win a GROCERY BAG filled with Lemon Tree treats!! Also, we're having a Scavenger Hunt throughout the store , and that is all we can say..(well besides the prizes are far from Lemons..haha)

So, make sure you have our Facebook & Twitter pages bookmarked starting August 13th...you won't regret it!

Lemon Tree Grocer's Next Contest!!

Have you ever considered how many grocery items may have the word "Lemon" in them? If you haven't then you should be ashamed of yourself...just kidding, but there's no better time to know than this upcoming week!

Ready for Lemon Tree Grocer's next contest everyone? Here goes: Starting this coming Monday (7/25) until Friday (7/29)- when you come into Lemon Tree Grocer you must find at least 4 items that have the word "Lemon" in them. (Clue: there are 11) When you do that, let Brittany or Rae know, and you will receive 10% off your entire grocery purchase...and....wait for it: a lemon ;)

There's 11 products with the word "Lemon" in them, and we only want you to find 4 of them to get 10% off your entire grocery purchase. So, give yourself a bit of extra time to have a glass of wine or a beer, bring a friend, and start hunting for the "Lemon" products! How many winners do you think we'll have? Only time will tell....See you next week!

Lemon Tree Grocer's Newest Charity: American Cancer Society!

So, Lemon Tree Grocer is welcoming the month of July in; which hopefully means a lot more sun annnnnnnnd a new charity we're giving our hard earned To-Go tips to: American Cancer Society!

As we bring in the American Cancer Society we would like to thank Evan's Life Foundation (which helps at-risk youth)! We raised $550 for them, and we hope to continuously raise more money for each charity as we venture forward on this amazing journey!

How do we pick our charities you ask? Well it's simple: Deanna came up with this fabulous idea, so she went first. Then we'll go through the entire Lemon Tree staff, Zest staff, etc. Who knows- maybe we'll even have a contest for our Lemon Tree fans to choose a charity in the long run!

Until then, just know every time you show appreciation at the To-Go counter this month American Cancer Society will benefit! We'll be sure to keep you posted on the charities to come at the Lemon Tree Grocer!

Lemon Tree Grocer has your Independence Day Weekend Needs!

It's here, and we're ready: 4th of July Weekend people! We have so many of your favorite items on sale so you can have the perfect party, BBQ, or outing!

Niman Ranch strip steaks & boneless pork chops to satisfy the carniverous taste buds, along with Boars Head hot dogs & ham...booyah!

What about for you non-meat eaters: how about some Atlantic Salmon Fillets for ya? Also, we have a major produce sale in the house right now: pineapple, tomatoes, potatoes, seedless watermelon, strawberries! If you're curious of the pricing for animal or non-animal eaters: click here!

With all the samples & new products we have right now at Lemon Tree Grocer & Zest: you're sure to find some stand-out items for your party weekend!

On behalf of Lemon Tree Grocer & Zest- we want to wish you a happy & safe 4th of July Weekend! Please, don't forget Zest will be closed on Monday, the 4th & we will shut Lemon Tree's doors promptly at 3pm!

Happy Father's Day from Lemon Tree Grocer!

Not sure about you, yet Father's Day is always a great holiday! Dads just want to grill, chill, and drink some brew (yeah sorry we couldn't keep up the rhyme) So, if you haven't set your grills in stone yet, then get over to Lemon Tree Grocer for our Father's Day Cookout!

Lemon Tree Grocer has an entire schedule filled with a bit of grilling education from Owner Tim Canning himself, a dunk tank to shut the trap of loud parents and children;), and best of all (think about those Monday night burgers that you all love so much) Niman Ranch will be not only supplying the grilled products...wait for it...Steve Heun the Niman Ranch Hog Farmer will be here to educate us as well!

This costs everyone a whopping nada, no reservations, and you get 10% off your spirits for the rest of the month!! (Who can argue with that) Aw yeah!

Last but not least, if you didn't have a moment (or you just plain forgot- we won't tell) to pick up a gift for pops; Lemon Tree Grocer has some great gift ideas you can sneak in and pick up while Dad is learning about open flame cooking!

Let's do this people; Sunday, Lemon Tree Grocer/Zest, starts at 10:15am, and don't forget: Happy Father's Day!!!!

Are you in the know at Lemon Tree Grocer?

Who is happy that summer is here? Don't you like when it's 90 degrees then 50? Let's put it this way: It wouldn't be the Midwest without it!

Lemon Tree Grocer has sooo much going on this summer; that you won't want to miss out! If you check the June Newsletter it will keep you up-to-date, and don't forget our Facebook and Twitter Pages will always let you know the latest and greatest about everything!

The Produce Sale we are having right now at Lemon Tree is pretty amazing we'd like to think, and we know we keep teasing you with our scrumptious & delicious freshly baked pastries!

The point is; if you want to be in the know- you must be a fan or follower of the Lemon Tree Grocer pages! It is the only way you will get in on our contests, giveways, and last minute surprises!

Thanks for all the fans & followers out there for supporting Lemon Tree Grocer! We'll say it a million times: we wouldn't be the establishment we are without every one of you! (Now take a look at some of these yummy pics)

Win Mother's Day Brunch at Zest...

Who believes their mother, sister, wife, aunt, girlfriend, grandma, (whatever she is to you as long as she's a mom) deserves some extra attention and pampering this Mother's Day?

We at Zest certainly do; which is why we're giving away BRUNCH FOR TWO! The contest is really simple, yet you only have until tomorrow to get your entry in. Write a post on our Lemon Tree Grocer Facebook wall of why you think your mother deserves to Win. It can be anything your little heart desires, and the winner will be chosen by our fans with the most "likes"

So, if you can't think of exactly what you should give to your mother this Mother's Day; at least give her a compliment on our wall. Then, you may even come out with the Grand Prize! If not, at least you took the time to write how amazing your mother is for all of Lemon Tree's fans to see!

We can't forget......Happy Mother's Day!

Fish at the Lemon Tree Grocer...or, Have You Ever Tried Escolar?

This next blog is taken from Chuck and Karen Keenley's gracious email they sent to us. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this; it truly means a lot not only to the people mentioned, yet the entire Lemon Tree staff.


Shoppers: next time you are in the store, go back to the meat/fish counter and ask for "escolar". Proving I am no know-it-all, the first time I heard the word I thought Mike and John, the 2 resident butchers, were mistaken...they must mean "escarole", a form of lettuce I do know something about having worked in a produce department about a 100 years ago.

No, they assured me, not "escarole" but "escolar", a variety of fish caught in the Pacific near Hawaii. Mike, who has been "right on" with his recommendations, told me to keep it simple (he graciously omitted the last word of that saying)- coat it with olive oil and grill it for 10 minutes. Hmm...I don't think I can mess that up!

Forward to 5:30 Saturday afternoon. I am sitting on my patio for the 1st time in who-knows-how-long, downing a couple of my favorite micro-brews, enjoying Karen's inspiration, collard greens with bacon, onion and a dash of vinegar, and savoring this wonderful fish that is moist and has a buttery flavor!

What to try next- it is a tossup between the marlin, the mahi mahi, and the escarole! We are not big meat eaters, but I can only imagine how good the steaks and chops are!

Shaun and Tim- thanks for bringing such great quality to Downers Grove!

Chuck and Karen Keenley

Win Easter Brunch for Two at Zest....

You know you want it..Easter Brunch at Zest where you can feast on French Toast, omelets that make your mouth water, mimosas which will make you smile, and more..

There's just one simple task we ask of you to be the winner of Easter Brunch for Two at Zest...Since Easter is all about the Easter Bunny, and we love to paint eggs all different sorts of crazy pastel colors: let's do a contest based on the those bright colored little suckers.

We want you to post on Lemon Tree Grocer's fan page wall: the best egg dish you have ever eaten! You can post a picture, recipe, or even a video of making your egg based dish. Whatever your heart desires!

The winner of Easter Brunch for Two at Zest will have the most "likes" by the picture, video, or recipe at the end of the contest! (We will prepare you for this, so you can get any last minute votes in) Make sure to tell your friends, frienemies, enemies, cousins, uncles; whomever they need to like your entry!

So, hurry up and get to it. What's the best, yummiest, most scrumptious way you've ever eaten eggs? It could just win you some free eggs at brunch!

Valentine's Day Special...

Who's ready for Valentine's Day this year? If you haven't a clue, and you have someone special in your life: you better get on it! If you answered yes to having the perfect Valentine's Day planned- do tell: heart-shaped chocolates (old news), cute Teddy Bears (maybe for your infant), or even a heart-shaped balloon? (I think I just gagged a bit)

Valentine's Day is all about what you make of it; so be creative. Now, what's more inventive than some heart-shaped meat? Not just any meat: Lamb Loin Chops!!! Not from just any grocer either: Lemon Tree baby. Oh, and how can I even forget that it's not just any meatress that will prepare you and your snookums for a day filled with juicy meat, and some even juicier...well you fill in the blanks there: MEAT MOLLY ya'll!

So, if you want to really WOW you're sweetie: get off your tush, and do something that takes a little thought, and of course- a lot of HEART;)

Here's Molly....Love is in the air (for some of us at least). I’ll try to keep my Valentine’s Day bitterness at bay. For those of you who are feeling the love this weekend- I have good news. I rustled up a sweet deal on some lamb loin chops for your sweetheart meal. Normally these lil lovelies go for around $14.99 lb. here at Lemon Tree. I’m chopping off a few bucks to help you out with your Valentine’s gift purchases. I’ll have them on sale at $11.99 lb. This gives you a few more dollars to spend on that diamond you’ve been eying for your snookie! (not the one on Jersey Shore of course)

Lamb loin chops are super easy to prepare. I made it for a date too with huge success! Hey, I’m the Meatress, I’m here to help so, here’s a link to a recipe I tried and loved:

http://bbq.about.com/od/lambrecipes/r/bl10310b.htm

So, here's where I get corny- The shapes of the chops lend themselves well to looking like a heart shape, if you place them with the fat sides facing the outside. Since Valentine's Day is all about being a romantic cheese ball; this should help in accomplishing this goal. Feel free to use these tactics, yet remember where you learned them- and please let me know how the night turned out (at least the part about the lamb chops: the rest you can keep to yourself because you shouldn't kiss & tell)

Greetings from the Cheese Monger....

So, it may be hard to talk about Cheese these days if you're a true Chicagoan and Bears fan. Yet, instead of boycotting it because we at no cost want to do the Cheese head's (dare I mention their name) any sort of favors than we already did; we should take this chance to demolish and devour all sorts of cheese. We need to show those Cheese head fans that we know there are more types of Cheese than Cheddar and American..(I know it's hard to believe, yet shockingly true)

Therefore, I'd like to introduce Stephanie Link from Lemon Tree; who is also known as: the Cheese Monger! Yep, that's right: she likes her name, and she's sticking to it. So, let Stephanie tell you about her cheese experience, and see if you can withhold yourself from falling in love with cheese all over again!

Here's Stephanie: I grew up in VERY southern Illinois, about 20 minutes from Paducah, KY. I graduated from high school there and briefly attended college at Murray State University. I then moved to St Louis, Mo. Then, in 2001 I moved to this area to be near family. I've worked in the food industry my entire life, I've been a roller skating carhop, a server, bartender, prep cook, hostess, manager pretty much everything.

About 5 years ago I decided to attend culinary school and after a bit of research I decided on the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. After school, I started working at Sam's wines and Spirits in the Gourmet Market. While working there I learned a LOT about cheese. I studied all of the different kinds of cheeses, where they come from, what pairs best with wine or beer or food. How to cook with it, How to make the perfect cheese plate. In the meantime I had taken a management job at a restaurant and wasn't too excited about working there.I found the Lemon Tree ad on Craigslist and the rest is history. Here at the Lemon Tree I'm trying to create a place where people can come to buy REALLY good cheese. We do lots of sampling, cheese and wine pairing, beer pairing, cheese plates.


Now for the reasons on why I love cheese so much: First, the reason I love cheese...It's fascinating. Like most people in the US, I grew up thinking cheese came in "singles" and made great sandwiches.When I started to learn about all the cheeses that are available, I was hooked. I'm a bit of a dork and wanted to learn all I could, I read books, did online research, I learned all I could about the cheese making process. I learned how cheese is made, what it's made of, how long it takes to make. Cheese is a living organism, there are so many steps in the process that have to go just right or it doesn't work.

Now, I want to share what I've learned, I want everybody to love cheese too, and there is something for everyone. Nearly every country in the world produces some sort of cheese. Cheese tastes good, it's nutrient dense, it helps build strong bones and teeth. You can eat it at any stage of a meal, from appetizer to dessert. There are a million reasons to eat cheese. What are some of the reasons you love cheese?

This Week's Meat Treat...

Meat Molly has a mouth watering special that you better take advantage of right now! After all, what can make you feel better than a succulent little piggy that falls off the bone after being cooked on fiery hot grill? (Yeah I didn't think you had an answer for that)

Ok, so I know its winter. Football season looks a little too yellow for my palate. The temperature hovers between -10 and +10, too cold for most grill enthusiasts. Boo hoo, boo hoo. So I started thinking… What can cheer me up?

All of a sudden, images popped into my brain. I saw juicy ribs roasting over an open fire, the flame hissing as heated fat hit the bright red coals… I saw pork. Baby back ribs. The Best! You don’t have to brave frigid temps to enjoy baby backs this time of year; and talk about a great way to get you thinking about summer.

What started all these porky dreams was a chance encounter with a slab of Niman Ranch ribs I had the other day. Joe Lessard, our fabulous chef here at Lemon Tree, asked me what I had for him to put on special that night. I had recently received some baby backs from a distributor, even though I was hesitant to buy them (it is winter after all). I told Joe about them and his eyes lit up. An hour and a half later I was shaking, literally shaking meat from the ribs!

This struck me as a bit odd. Usually when I cook ribs, it takes at least a few hours before I’m getting messy with some falling-off-the-bone goodness. After picking Joe’s brain for his secret, I found out there wasn’t any secret. These ribs are just that good. He braised them at low heat for an hour and a half and shazam! Perfection!

I’m running these Niman Ranch Baby Back Ribs on special (6.29/lb) for another week just so everyone can take advantage of the low price. Plus, these ribs are the perfect diversion from the winter blues. Trust me. Come summer, it’s going to cost you to take these babies home.

MEAT MOLLY...The New Face of Lemon Tree!

Who's stopped into Lemon Tree lately? If you have; maybe you've seen a new face lurking behind the deli counter? (Sorry if she scared you, yet she really does mean well) This fresh face would be Meat Manager Molly!

Ladies and Gentlemen; this is your neighborhood's savior when it comes to knowledge about ANYTHING dealing with meat. She won't just throw your pound of bologna at you, and give you the evil eye because you won't get out of her sight fast enough.. Molly wants to get to know you, answer any particular questions you have (does that woman ordering honey turkey have a crush on you...ok maybe not that question), and be the person you can come to when you need specific recipe or cooking tips.

Either way, let Molly show you the meaty way! She wants to know your name, (yes like Cheers) hold your hand, ok let's not get ahead of ourselves..Anyway, enough blabbering from me..Let's MEAT MOLLY ( get it MEAT MOLLY hahha..)

So it's a new year and a new job for me. Hi folks, Molly here, your new meat manager at Lemon Tree Grocer. Sometimes, you gotta hit the road to find home again, and for the last ten years, that's been my story. My journey took me as far away as Alaska and as close as Indiana, with a lot of points in between. During the last decade, I picked up quite a few stories, and a plethora of skills; one being meat-cutting. Now, I'm back in sweet home Chicago, and I'm looking to share what I've learned with you.

I started out cutting meat in Anchorage, Alaska and have worked as a butcher in Wyoming and Illinois as well. All this traveling exposed me to many different types of people, all of which enjoy varying cuts of meat. As a result, I've seen multiple ways of cutting and naming steaks, chops, and sausage.

The Lemon Tree offers a unique opportunity for me to blend other skills I attained as well. I have a degree in Journalism from Columbia College where I also studied photography. After talking to Lemon Tree Grocer owners Tim and Shaun (we all agreed), the Lemon Tree is where I need to be. Look to me in the future for any and all of your meaty needs. In the coming weeks and months ahead, remember to check back here for any updates or meat specials at the Lemon Tree. I also hope to share cooking methods and tips for buying the perfect cut. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you!

Winner..Winner...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the Lemon Tree! We want to stop and thank every amazing customer that has walked through Lemon Tree's door's this past year! We would not be here without every single one of you, and we are so excited for what's to come in 2011!

This being said, we would like to showcase the winner's of Lemon Tree's contests in 2010: Jim Beyer is the most recent with his lovely photo of his Xmas Tree and his daughter Jamie! We loved that all the ornaments were her height or below! We hope you enjoyed your Holiday Gift Basket Jim, and hopefully 'tis the season to share:)

The next was from our Ugly Sweater Contest: Kethy Hebert! Thanks for your bravery in coming into the Lemon Tree with that eyesore of a sweater! We absolutely loved it, and hope you loved your Holiday Gift Basket as well.

We can't forget our Free XMas Tree winner either: Jean-Overstreet Schaefer! There were so many participants in our Xmas Carol Contest, and the winning carol was: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! So where did the Xmas Tree go Jean: home or store?

Then we have Wendy Carter who won a $20 Lemon Tree Gift Card for being such a great Facebook fan! Thank you Wendy, and we hope you used your gift card to get whatever your heart desired!

Also, we have the Weekend Ribeye Dinner giveaways: Peter Haber knew that Memorial Day is the single largest beef consumption day of the year, and Michelle Lansky: you knew that Venezuela eats the 2nd largest amount of pasta a year! (First being Italy with 61.7 lbs of course) Hope you both enjoyed those Ribeyes!

We can't forget the winners who have previously been mentioned in other blogs either: Kelly Kelly Henrikson won a Thanksgiving Turkey! (Thanks so much for blogging about us Kelly. We hope you win more items, and then you can post another lovely blog). We also hope you enjoyed your favorite: Green Bean Caserole on the Thanksgiving Table this year.

Finally, we have our first winner ever of any Facebook Contest: Joy Ruzic Meyers! Thanks for entering your lovely children in the Halloween Costume Contest. Just for that you received Dinner For Two on Lemon Tree! (Thanks for your kind words on Facebook as well)

Well, Lemon Tree sure did give some great things away this year! Think about this: Everything given away was in the past 3 months!!! Can you imagine what is coming next year? Well, you better stay tuned to find out! (Hint: Lemon Tree will be having a contest for our biggest fans starting in January)

If you weren't a winner then, or even if you were: you always have the chance to WIN a great prize from Lemon Tree in the future!

Happy New Year!

It's the MOST Wonderful Time of the Year...

..at the Lemon Tree! Holiday season is here, and we are more ready than Santa and his little reindeer to fulfill your EVERY need! Our decorations are extremely well done and tasteful (you have to come in to see them). Also, there is holiday music playing throughout the store 24/7. (Who doesn't enjoy grocery shopping and dining while getting into the spirit of things)?

The Lemon Tree is the perfect place to shop for all of your holiday dinners/parties. To start you off we have an EXCELLENT selection of great wines and beer! Plus, our wine director Jill would love to help you find the perfect libation for your festivity! Our cheese monger Stephanie can lead you to all of our awesome cheeses. We know Mike can pick you out the perfect cut of meat from the succulent selection we have. We also have homemade sweets that will knock your snowmen socks off (don't lie you still wear them)! Plus, we have fabulous breads to go with our great holiday Intelligentsia coffee. Then, we have pre-made gift baskets such as: chocolate baskets, coffee baskets, beer baskets, pasta baskets, and wine baskets that would make the perfect present for just about anyone!

Great news: since our Turkey menu was such a hit, we are also doing a holiday meal prepared in house as well. Finally...wait for it...almost ready: we are selling 6-8 foot Christmas trees for $25 a piece!! (Can't you just smell that lovely pine scent?) All those reasons really clarify we are basically the perfect holiday food store and more!!

Don't forget our Progressive Dinner, Thursday December 9th!!! Appetizers and a holiday table setting demo at Dream Interiors +Entrees and party workshop at Ballydoyle Irish Pub + dessert and live entertainment at the last stop: The Lemon Tree! (Get your tickets now though because they are going fast)

P.S. We thought maybe a few fun pictures of our last event would entice you to come out to this next one!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Halloween Trifecta...

Halloween Costume Contest for Lemon Tree was a success!
The three pictures from top to bottom took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!

We have a Rockstar and Racecar Driver who took home the prize: Dinner for 2 for their mother JOY RUZIC MYERS!!

The baby caterpillar was definitely hard to beat, and was shy of just 1 vote..Thanks to Kelly Henrikson for sharing this adorable photo with all of us. Awe...

Lastly, we have the Queen of the Nile (who decided that was her name Halloween week in the household)! Thanks to Sarah Carpenter Schmidt for entering Emma her little Cleopatra into the contest, and showing off her lovely costume!

Thanks to all the participants (and their children) who showed off their Halloween costumes. It's always great to see what costumes are popular,inventive, and the great classics that will always be around.

Stay tuned for our 10 lb. Turkey giveaway for your next chance to be a Lemon Tree Winner....Gobble, Gobble!