There is an endless outpouring of love for Alfalfa’s Market, on the corner of Broadway and Arapahoe, in Boulder, Colorado…. And they certainly know how to give it back!
Here’s why… Alfalfa’s exists to serve, educate and inspire the community through tireless support of local, organic and innovative foods, tried and true wellness products and gastronomic culinary creations. And, Alfalfa’s always uses the highest quality ingredients throughout its departments and in its prepared foods. With so many mislabeled foods finding their way to our dinner tables, and deceptive advertising misleading the public about what we are putting in our bodies, one can rest assured that Alfalfa’s Market is on your side to reverse these trends.
The market has a long-standing history in our Boulder community. Founded in 1979 by Mark Retzloff and Hass Hassan, Alfalfa’s Market grew to be one of the nation’s leading natural foods retailers throughout the 80’s and 90’s. In 1996, Alfalfa’s Markets merged with Wild Oats Markets, which was in turn sold to Whole Foods. The Federal Trade Commission required Whole Foods to divest the Boulder store as part of this acquisition and Mark Retzloff, an original Alfalfa’s founder, along with Barney Feinblum, Jimmy Searcy and Hugo van Seenus jumped at the chance to resurrect the Alfalfa’s name and culture. With its re-opening last year, Alfalfa’s has come full circle as a Boulder-owned and operated natural foods market.
True to its roots, Alfalfa’s is the epitome of a local natural food market, steeped in values focused on quality food, great service and a warm sense of community… the fireplace in the dining room is the coziest spot in town.
Alfalfa’s rigorous criteria used to select items to be sold in the store and used in its prepared foods is an example of how serious Alfalfa’s is about maintaining its mission and core beliefs. There are standards for all ingredients, products, wine, beer and spirits. No bending of rules… it goes like this:
- Alfalfa’s supports Organic
- Alfalfa’s serves with Passion
- Alfalfa’s behaves Ethically
- Alfalfa’s supports Community and Environment
- Alfalfa’s grows Profitably (to provide jobs, increase satisfaction and give back to the community)
- Alfalfa’s embraces Change (yet keeping true to its roots)
Every visit to Alfalfa’s is a magical food journey. I always find something new and exciting, perhaps a local kombucha, a garlic-free sweet potato hummus, or the best scallops on earth. Today, a kind employee from the produce department escorted me to the bulk area where I could grind my own fresh and organic peanut butter, yummy!
Thank you Alfalfa’s… you make my day.
For a visit to the website, click here: www.Alfalfas.com
Layne’s Simply Seared Sea Scallops (from Alfalfa’s Market) Serves 4
- 1-Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1-pound Sea Scallops
Make sure the scallops are dry and bring to room temperature right before cooking. Season scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add scallops, and depending on size, cook for about 2 1/2 -3 minutes per side, until cooked through. Don’t overcook!
Serve with steamed Swiss chard, black quinoa and mango chutney.
Per serving: 130 calories, 4.4 g fat, 19 g protein, high in magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and vitamin B12.
