Meadville

Hello All!

So I realized you probably want to read more than just a bunch of recipes, and being new to blogging, I wasn't sure how specific is good. Ergo the reason most posts don't have names in them. I brainstormed with my summer cooking buddies (Nathan, Paige, and Nancy), and they told me it was fine to use their names and the names of places we go and do. Nancy was especially helpful in kicking me metaphorically in the butt to get me writing about something other than food. (What can I say, I have a one track mind.)

So I'm going to start writing about Meadville, PA (the town Allegheny College is situated in).

First in the blog posts, "Where to shop for food."  (I know, I know, its pretty much the same subject as before, but give me some time to adjust!)

    Food stores in Meadville that I have been to fall into two categories: ones I can walk to, ones I can't walk to.   Not having a car means its the ones I can walk to are frequented much more, and therefore will be the ones I write about. At the same time, there is only one place I cannot walk to that I want to write about so I may throw it in anyway. 

Let's start with the biggest option you have and work our way down from there. 

TOPS
http://www.topsmarkets.com/
Hours: 6am- Midnight
Background: Tops is a regionally owned market that began in upstate New York decades ago. It was named Tops in the 1960's, since in popular lingo Tops meant the best. (Or at least that's the story their corporate website says) It was acquired by several larger corporations, but in 2007, it separated from the larger infrastructure and again become a locally organized business found in Northern Pennsylvania and New York. 
Pros: The store hosts a lot of good sales, which makes saving money easy
           It has a produce section specifically labelled as local, and work with over 200 local growers in the New York/Pennsylvania area 
           One stop shopping to acquire everything you need
Cons: It is a larger chain including 172 stores

Valesky's
http://www.valeskys.com/
Hours: 7am-9pm
Background: Boasting that is Meadville's only locally owned and operate supermarket, Valesky's has been serving the community for over 30 years. It was started by the two Valesky brothers, who purchased the old L&M market in 1979. Its only two blocks further down Water street than Tops. 
Pros: Being locally owned means that shopping here is a way to directly support the community
         They get produce and products from local farms, like Troyer's farm, and companies, like Dad's. 
          
Cons: some people in town don't care for Valesky's or shop there due to politics and the stance of the market on certain issues. You can check out their web page and understand exactly what I mean. 

Market House
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Market-House/32330377073
Hours: They change depending on what day of the week it is.
Monday, Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday-Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 8am- 4pm
Sunday 10am-2pm
Background:A historic place to shop, the Meadville Market House is the oldest building (constructed in 1870) to be used continuously as a market in the entire state of Pennsylvania! (though technically Pennsylvania is a commonwealth not a state). It contains the market, Save Room For Dessert bakery, and the Market House Grill, which has cheap, fantastic, diner food. 
Pros: Almost entirely local, organic, or specialty goods. (examples: farm fresh milk and eggs, buffalo meat, Happy Mug coffees, local honey) 
         Have their own aquaponics system in the back.
         You can buy spices and tea by any desired amount. 
         Sell craft and handmade products by local vendors and  free trade based items. 
         The Save Room For Dessert bakery makes great baked donuts, cinnamon buns, and breakfast bars. 
         The farmers market is hosted every Saturday right outside on its sidewalk.
Cons: Its products can be a little more expensive then their supermarket counterpart because they are local, organic, or specialty. It can be very easy to spend a lot of money there, but you will never feel buyers remorse or regret.

Harvest Market
Hours: 9am-5pm
Lovingly nicknamed the scratch and dent store by my friend's, Harvest Market is the perfect place to go to save a penny and get some good organic or healthy products. The shelves are stocked with packages that were either dented, marked for a seasonal promotion (like beach themed salt & pepper shakers), or were advertised for an event that is ended (like Passover 2012). Its a good kept secret, located 660 Terrace Street, in a strip mall in the International House of Prayer,and across the street from the Baldwin Reynolds House. 
Pros: You can save a lot of money here getting items you might not have been able to afford elsewhere. (For instance, 5lb bag of corn flour for $1, or cans of Amy's brand chili or soups for 75 cents) 
         Its like a treasure hunt looking through the items on the shelves since they depend on what is sent there. It makes shopping there a fun adventure each time you go.  
         Harvest market is a very short walk from campus! 
Cons: Not open on the weekends. 
           Check the expiration dates. Most of the products are still good, but occasionally some will have been sitting on the shelves for a little too long. (The same can be said of any grocery store too)
          Not many refrigerated items like milk or eggs, though they have a lot of cool sodas and drinks.