How to Pair Specialty Cheese

Tacoma Boys’ selection of specialty cheese is not to be missed. If you generally stick to just one or two types of cheeses, we recommend branching out to try even more! Cheese can be produced in a variety of textures and flavors. Specialty cheese is often flavored with add-ins like herbs, spices, vegetables, and even wine. There are so many different kinds of cheeses to try that are best with other foods or for certain occasions. Charcuterie boards are often recommended as a great way to enjoy different cheeses with a group. For a guide on how to build the perfect charcuterie board, check out our blog all about it here.

Specialty Cheese

It’s easy to pair specialty cheese with just about any type of food you’d like for a satisfying snack or meal. Specialty and artisan cheeses are often produced in small batches or with seasonal ingredients. That’s what makes them so fun to enjoy and pair with other cheeses and foods. Pairing cheese with complementary and contrasting flavors and textures is a way to fully appreciate different cheeses: Whether it be wine, cured meats, fresh fruit, pickled vegetables, or assorted spreads. That’s why charcuterie boards are so popular and easy to put together!

Different Types of Cheeses

From the softest goat cheese to the most robust smoked cheddar, specialty cheese can vary widely. Soft, spreadable cheese like fresh goat cheese or port wine cheese are smooth and easy for snacking. This also includes creamy brie cheese, which is subtle in flavor. Semi-hard cheese includes classic cheddar cheese or gouda, which is versatile in cooking and tastes sharp. Hard cheeses, like romano, parmesan, or asiago, are even stronger and best in small amounts or as a finisher to dishes.

Dairy Free “Cheese”

In addition to cheese made with milk from cows, goats, sheep, and more, Tacoma Boys offers an assortment of dairy free cheese. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or otherwise dairy-free, there are several options to explore. You can find dairy free “cheese” for any recipe or occasion at Tacoma Boys, including:

• Moocho Fiesta Blend
• Daiya Cheddar & Mozza Style Blend
• Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles 
• Miyoko Creamery Farmhouse Cheddar 
• Plant Perks Sriracha Cheddar Plant-Based Cheese Spread

Cheese Pairing

Cheese pairing is fun to enjoy when you keep just a few tenants in mind. Pairing cheese is about highlighting the best bold flavors of your cheese with other foods to contrast or compliment. When it comes to cheese pairing, notice the strengths and flavors of your cheese and work from there. That means delicate, soft cheese with subtle pairings like fresh fruit. Or, sharp aged gouda with boldly seasoned meat or spicy crackers. Learn more about how and what to pair with cheese with the Beginner’s Guide to Cheese Pairing. Then, get started with of few of these cheese pairings using Tacoma Boys’ specialty cheeses:

• Ile de France Brie Bites alongside sliced apples and Blue Diamond Artisan Nut Thins.
• Carr Valley Goat Bread Cheese browned in the oven and served with crusty sourdough bread and sweet fruit spread.
• Snowdonia Cheese Company Cheddar with Roasted Garlic & Herb served charcuterie-style with Elevation Black Pepper Salami and pickled vegetables. 
• Mifroma Emmentaler Hard Swiss Cheese melted between two slices of bread for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.
• Maple Leaf Pepper Jack Cheese shredded on a flatbread and topped with bell peppers and onions, then broiled.
• Singletons & Co. Port Wine Cheddar or Kaukauna Sharp Cheddar Cheese Ball simply with your favorite crackers.

Pacific Northwest Local Cheese

While regions like Wisconsin are known specifically for their cheese-making, the Pacific Northwest is rich with local cheese. Farmsteads and cheese makers throughout Washington and Oregon produce an assortment of different cheeses: Think sharp cheddar, spicy jack, and bold blue cheese. To elevate your next meal with a little something cheesy, stop by Tacoma Boys for local cheese such as these:

• Rogue Creamery: Mountain Blue Cheese (Grants Pass, Oregon)
• Ferndale Farmstead: Scamorza Cheese (Bellingham, Washington)
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Flagship Cheddar (Seattle, Washington)
• Tillamook: Spicy Habanero Jack (Tillamook, Oregon)
• Face Rock Creamery: Peppercorn Harvest Cheddar (Bandon, Oregon)
• Cougar Gold: Sharp White Cheddar (Pullman, Washington)

While eating local usually refers to fruits and vegetables, it’s important to support farmers and local cheese producers throughout our communities. It’s a great way to sustain your local economy and enjoy delicious fresh food. And here in Washington, there are a growing abundance of local farmers to support. To learn more about the more than 50 cheesemakers of the Pacific Northwest, check out the Washington State Cheesemakers Association. 

Specialty Cheese at Tacoma Boys

No matter what type of cheese is your favorite, Tacoma Boys has plenty to choose from. From dairy-free, to local, to internationally-produced cheese, there is an option for everyone to love. And who doesn’t love cheese?!

Next time you’re planning a charcuterie or building a mega-grilled cheese sandwich, come on by Tacoma Boys. You’ll find a variety of specialty cheeses and all the tasty foods for your cheese pairings! And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, never hesitate to ask. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Even if you love enjoying the wonderful wines of Washington, you may not be familiar with pairing local wine with food. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are lucky enough to have access to a variety of amazing wineries in prime grape-growing regions. Many people across the state are wine enthusiasts and appreciate shopping locally for their favorite wines. Whether you prefer red, white, rosé, or love to try it all, Tacoma Boys offers a variety of local favorites for every palette and sipping occasion— In addition to varieties from regions all over the world!

Pairing Local Wine

You can go about pairing local wine in many different ways. One straightforward way is simply pairing locally produced wine with locally grown food and cuisines. Many wine aficionados pair food and wine based on traditional pairings, like dark red wines with dark foods (think steak, dark chocolate, berries, rich tomato sauce). Science even dictates these traditional pairings: The pair should either complement or contrast each other. The acidity, sweetness, fat, and even the weight of both the wine and food come into play when pairing wine comes down to a science.

That being said, when pairing local wine, what really matters is that you and your guests enjoy the pairing! It’s easy to find a solid pairing since there are so many different local wines to choose from. In fact, Washington state produces the second most wine in the country, after California. There will almost certainly always be a new local wine to try.

How to Pair Wine and Food

If you’re not sure how to pair wine and food, don’t fret! You can certainly eat whatever you want while drinking whatever you want. And generally speaking, any wine will taste great with any food. There are some common guidelines for flavor pairings, though: White wine goes with seafood and lighter fare, like salad and nutty cheese. Red wine pairs well with red meat and spicy, robust, and smoky flavors.

Wine and cheese is one of the most classic pairings of wine and food because the fat in cheese balances so well with the acidic tannins in wine. Learning how to pair wine and food can start there with wine and cheese: The duo is always customizable and doesn’t require cooking skills or a long time spent in the kitchen. To experiment even more with wine pairing with food, build a charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and more. For example, try a red blend with Boar’s Head Sharp Wisconsin Cheddar, California Premium Jalapeño Jack Sliced Cheese, Columbus Calabrese Salame, and Stacy’s Parmesan Garlic and Herb Pita Chips.

Pacific Northwest Wines 

Across the region, Pacific Northwest wines are known for the grape-growing valleys in which they are produced. Many people recognize the Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, Willamette Valley, and others as prime wine producing regions for certain varieties. For example, Willamette Valley tends to be known for its pinot noir while the Columbia Valley may be known for cabernet sauvignon grapes. Tacoma Boys offers a variety of Pacific Northwest wines from these valleys and more: The following red, white, and rosé wines from the Pacific Northwest are just a small portion of our selection!

Red Wines

Waters Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)

• With deep tannins, this blend is a cross between cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc.
• Pair it with Mezzetta Calabrian Chili Spicy Marinara over spaghetti pasta, sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Latta Latta Red 2016 Columbia Valley (Washington)

• This red blend is mostly grenache with some syrah and tastes reminiscent of ripe berries.
• Pair it with roasted seasonal vegetables and fingerling potatoes seasoned with Tacoma Boys Lemon Pepper Seasoning.

Cougar Crest 2012 Estate Grown Merlot (Walla Walla Valley, Washington)

• A simple merlot with balanced acid.
• Pair it with Cougar Gold Smokey Cheddar.

Rosé Wines

14 Hands Brut Rosé Columbia Valley (Washington)

• Widely recognizable in the region, 14 Hands has a variety of white, rosé, and red wines. This sparkling rosé is dry but still sweet with a fruity finish.
• Pair it with Laurel Roasted Oregon Hazelnuts with Sea Salt.

Kerloo Cellars 2020 Lonesome Springs Ranch Rosé (Yakima Valley, Washington)

• A sweeter blend that’s perfect for sunny days in the spring.
• Pair it with Ford Farm Truffler English Cheddar.

Two Mountain 2019 Rosé (Yakima Valley, Washington)

• A dry, tart rosé with hints of florals and fruit.
• Pair it with Simply Grilled Salmon.

White Wines 

Blue Mountain Vineyard 2016 Grenache Blanc (Walla Walla Valley, Washington)

• Light-bodied and balanced acidity, this grenache blanc hints at citrus and tropical fruit.
• Pair it with Tacoma Boys Mexican Street Corn Breaded Shrimp.

Maysara Autees 2019 Pinot Blanc (Willamette Valley, Oregon)

• Pinot blanc tastes of ripe white grapes with balanced minerals and acidity. 
• Pair it with Tiberino Italian One-Pot Risotto “Venezia” Asparagus and Leek. 

Finn Hill Par Excellence 2018 Semillon Chardonnay (Columbia Valley, Washington)

• A solid chardonnay blend with semillon hints at tangy, floral finishes.
• Pair it with Grilled Zucchini and Corn Salad with Goat Cheese. 

Check Out Tacoma Boys Vast Wine Selection 

Stop in to Tacoma Boys for a wide variety of local, domestic, and imported wines and specialty foods to pair it with. Browse the selection and challenge yourself to try something new! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list.

One delicious way to enjoy the change of the season comes by way of bright and light spring cocktails. Fresh fruit, blooming florals, and earthy herbs are the backbone of good craft cocktails! That’s why spring is a great time to use those fresh seasonal ingredients for beverages. What sounds more relaxing than a sunny spring afternoon with a tasty and refreshing cocktail in hand!? These drinks reflect a change in season and spring produce. It’s easy to get creative with the foods and flavors available in the Pacific Northwest, like jam, elderberries, and local honey! These cocktails are super quick to mix up and a welcome addition to any brunch or al fresco dining experience. 

Quick & Easy Spring Cocktails

There are so many occasions to enjoy spring cocktails. Equipped with basic recipes and quality ingredients, you can be prepared to mix up fun and refreshing cocktails on a whim! Try these spring cocktails for a Sunday brunch, an afternoon of leisure on the back deck, or a dinner party with close friends or family. 

If you’re not one to mix up your own cocktail, Tacoma Boys offers a wide selection of pre-mixed cocktails and other libations. Along with beer and wine, you can also find hard cider, seltzers, kombucha, and more: 

• Rancho la Gloria Margarita Wine Cocktail in strawberry and traditional lime
• Hoxie Dry Wine Spritzer in peach blossom rose and grapefruit elderflower
• Stonewall Kitchen Sriracha Bloody Mary Mixer
• Jose Cuervo Strawberry Margarita Mix
• Stirrings Simple Mojito Mix

Tacoma Boy’s Favorite Spring Cocktail Recipes

These spring cocktail recipes take into account the new season with extra outdoor time and seasonal Washington ingredients. Using a mix of common barside staples and fresh fruit and herbs, you can perfect a number of spring cocktails. And thanks to Tacoma Boys selection of speciality food products, deluxe ingredients like rose water and pure fruit juices are easy to acquire.

Rosemary Gin and Jam Fizz

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 2 oz gin
• Fresh lemon juice – about 1 oz
• 1 tbsp Nature’s Hollow Strawberry Jam \
• Sparkling water to top

Add the gin and rosemary to a cocktail shaker and muddle well (check out some tips for good muddling here!). Add the lemon juice, strawberry jam, and ice. Shake well, for about one minute, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with another spring of rosemary and a strawberry, if desired.

Make it a mocktail: Nix the gin and muddle the rosemary with the lemon juice instead. Shake with the strawberry jam and a dash of water and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with extra sparkling water.

Lemon Ginger White Tea

• 1 oz white rum
• 2 oz Bigelow White Tea, brewed and chilled
• ½ oz Volcano Lemon Ginger Burst Juice
• ½ oz Spring Valley Honey

Combine and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a serving glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel. 

Make it a mocktail: Simply forgo the white rum and enjoy!

Blended Basil Berry Margarita 

• ½ cup frozen Remlinger Farms Handpicked Berry Medley
• 5 basil leaves
• 2 oz tequila
• ½ oz triple sec
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 tsp Wholesome Organic Raw Blue Agave

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a serving glass and garnish with fresh or frozen berries and basil leaves on top.

Make it a mocktail: Instead of tequila and triple sec, add a splash of orange juice to the blender.

Grapefruit Rose Cocktail

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 ½ oz R.W. Knudsen Organic Grapefruit Juice
• ½ oz Cortas Rose Water
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes bitters 

Combine and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit wheel.

Make it a mocktail: Instead of vodka, bump up the rose water to 1 ounce and the grapefruit juice to 2 ounces. Combine in a cocktail shaker and strain. Top with sparkling water.

Washington’s Elderberry Apple Whiskey

• 2 oz whiskey
• 2 oz pure apple juice 
• 1 oz sour apple liqueur (schnapps)
• ½ oz Sylling’s Elderberry Syrup

Combine and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a serving glass. If desired, garnish with an apple slice or wheel.

Make it a mocktail: Swap out the whiskey for a dash of extra apple juice. Instead of sour apple liqueur, use ½ oz sour apple flavored syrup.

Cocktails Made With Seasonal Produce

Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, it’s not complicated to use local and seasonal produce to make your food and drink. You can craft delicious cocktails made with seasonal produce that will taste as fresh as the ingredients you use! It’s a good way to stay centered with nature and make use of readily available resources. And at Tacoma Boys, you’re sure to find the freshest local, seasonal produce.

For an overview on what’s coming into season in the Pacific Northwest and the benefits of eating seasonally, check out this guide by Simplicity Nutrition. Along with plenty of greens, several varieties of fruit and herbs are in season in the spring. For other food products, look to shop locally. Tacoma Boys offers a wide selection of locally made honeys, syrups, beverages, and more.

Swing on by!

Stop by to get the supplies you need to start celebrating spring with delicious cocktails! If you’re looking for a specialty product, just ask and one of our guides will be happy to help. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

The Pacific Northwest is ripe with produce all year round, but there’s something special to be said about spring produce. Think of all the bright fruits, earthy herbs, and hearty vegetables. Plus, the anticipation of more sweet fruits coming in the summertime. It’s easy and delicious to make simple healthy meals and snacks using fresh spring produce. And it’s a good idea to think about shopping locally and seasonally year round!

The Best Spring Produce

Spring produce in the Pacific Northwest includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and legumes (like peas). Apricots, rhubarb, asparagus, and mixed greens are well on their way. Green peas, radishes, and watercress are also growing and ready for a spring produce harvest. The variety makes it that much easier to get creative when you cook all year long. 

This spring produce can be used in so many different ways and perfectly seasoned with tasty herbs. Chives, oregano, and thyme grow strong in the spring. Mint, rosemary, and sage are solid herbs that keep on growing all year round. Look forward to nectarines, berries, squash, and tomatoes coming next in the summertime!

Pacific Northwest Produce Tastes Delicious

This is a time of year when many home gardeners will start to spend more time growing and harvesting more Pacific Northwest produce. Spring gardening is a hobby that pays off in a tasty way. If you’re interested in growing your own spring produce, try starting with herbs! It’s a small and simple way to reap the benefits of gardening in the Pacific Northwest: Take a peek at Tacoma Boys guide to herb gardening here. 

How to Cook With Pacific Northwest Produce

Now that you’ve got your Pacific Northwest produce in hand, you may be wondering what to do with it all. When cooking at any time of year, think about how to use what’s in season: Take advantage of the freshness of the Pacific Northwest produce. Here are a few ways to cook with Pacific Northwest spring produce:

• Make a salad using mixed greens, sliced radishes, watercress, and tomatoes. Top it off with your favorite Terrapin Ridge Farms Salad Dressing and Fresh Gourmet Garden Herb Croutons for a refreshing appetizer. 
• Sauté vegetables in a stir fry with legumes and Westbrae Natural Organic Mellow Miso in a flavorful sauce. Stop by the Tacoma Boys deli counter for an already prepared cheese stuffed chicken breast and you’re on your way to a satisfying dinner in almost no time!
• Get grilling with those vegetables and herbs. The weather is warming and it’s the perfect time to have an outdoor barbecue dinner! Throw some asparagus on a hot grill next to one of Tacoma Boys Angus Tri-Tip Steaks. Then leave a sprig of rosemary on the grill for a minute to bring out some smoky flavors and make it into an herb butter for the steak.
• Cook a soup with fresh herbs to season and legumes and vegetables at the base. Though we love soup to warm in the winter, it’s delicious and nutritious any time of the year!

However you decide to enjoy your favorite Pacific Northwest produce, Tacoma Boys has everything you need to get cooking. Try your favorite go-to meals with a swap for spring produce this week! And even if you’re not one to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you’ll surely appreciate the freshness of it all. 

Shop Local for Spring Produce

You may have heard that it’s important to shop local. But why? First, it stimulates and supports your local economy! This means your neighbors and your friends’ businesses. When you shop local, you support local farms and help them keep the crops coming for next season. There’s something new and tasty to look forward to every few months!

It’s also sustainable to shop local and eat what’s in season near you: Products don’t have to travel long distances over time to get to you. And when local seasonal produce doesn’t have to sit around for a long time, it’s fresh and bright in color when you get it.

When you shop local and enjoy food products that are in season and nearby, you’ll consume a variety of nutrients. The Pacific Northwest is ripe with so many different kinds of fruits and vegetables! Produce is constantly being harvested from farms across the state and nearby regions. What are you looking forward to cooking next? Get creative!

Shop Seasonal at Tacoma Boys

Although enjoying local spring produce is a good idea, Tacoma Boys is able to provide fresh produce from all seasons. Whatever fresh fruit or vegetable you have in mind, just come on by and ask if you don’t see it. We’re happy to help! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

As we reach the peak of sick season, it’s important to be fueling your body with immune boosting foods – especially this year! Consuming a well-rounded diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other immune boosting foods is a great way to help your body fight off the flu or any other infections. The Tacoma Boys list of favorite immune boosting foods is the perfect place to start when incorporating more of these foods into your daily diet.

Immune Boosting Foods & Why They’re Important

Before we tap into immune boosting foods, let’s cover our immune system, what it is, and how it works for us. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, our immune system is “a network of intricate stages and pathways in the body, that protects us against these harmful microbes as well as certain diseases. It recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and takes immediate action.” 

There are many different factors that play a role in a healthy immune system; sleep, stress, age, chronic illness, diet, and more. Although diet is only one component of a healthy immune system, it is an important one. A diet lacking certain micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals can lead to chronic inflammation and a weak immune system. This is why immune boosting foods are important – they have naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help prepare your body to fight off any free radicals or unforeseen illness such as a common cold.

Fresh Local Produce

It should be no surprise that fresh local produce is on the list of immune boosting foods. All fresh and local produce have a wide variety of health benefits, and you can find a large selection of produce at your local Tacoma Boys.

Fruits

Citrus

Citrus is a common go-to food when people get sick due to its high Vitamin C content. According to Healthline, Vitamin C is known to increase white blood cells which are crucial for fighting infections. Some of the most common citrus fruits are:

• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Lime

Berries

Berries are among some of the highest antioxidant-rich foods. From blueberries to strawberries, raspberries, and even blackberries, incorporating these into your diet is a great way to give your immune system a boost. 

Vegetables

There’s no denying that a diet rich in vegetables is beneficial all-around. Adding an abundance of various greens and other vegetables will aid in your vitamin and mineral intake. Try adding spinach to soup, spaghetti sauce, or a huge handful of mixed greens to a smoothie. There are many ways to incorporate these phytonutrient rich vegetables into your daily lifestyle. 

• Kale – high in fiber and a great source of Vitamin C, A, K, B6, and more
• Spinach – great source of iron, Vitamin C, K, A, magnesium, and more
• Mixed Greens – high in Vitamin A, C, beta-carotene, fiber, and more
• Red Bell Peppers – source of Vitamin C, A, and beta-carotene – according to Healthline, red bell peppers contain 3x more Vitamin C than a Florida Orange
• Broccoli – another high source of Vitamin C, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals

Aromatics

Aromatics are vegetables that add a depth of flavor to any dish. This can be spices, onions, garlic, and more. A lot of aromatics are packed full of nutrients which is why adding them to dishes is a great way to boost your food with additional vitamins and minerals.

Garlic

• Garlic is one of the most commonly used aromatics in the kitchen. But did you know that it packs a punch when it comes to nutrients? Garlic contains trace amounts of various vitamins and minerals and is loaded with Vitamin C, B6, manganese, fiber, and selenium. Adding extra garlic to soups when feeling unwell may have the ability to help your body heal faster.

Onions

• Similar to garlic, onions are found in many dishes and recipes. Onions are high in Vitamin C and flavonoids which are known to be similar to antioxidants. These help your body naturally fight off any unwanted sickness. 

Ginger & Turmeric

• Ginger and turmeric are both aromatics that have been used in alternative medicine healing for years. Both are known to help decrease inflammation and aid in immune health. Ginger and turmeric can be found in its whole root form, or you can buy it dried and ground in the spice section. Pair these aromatics with tea, smoothies, soups, and more. 

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and more have been shown to aid in a healthy immune system. When foods are fermented they gain a load of healthy bacteria commonly known and probiotics. Fermented foods are great for gut health, and a healthy gut positively affects your immune system by boosting the ability to fight off infections and viruses.

Be Kind to Your Immune System

As we are in unprecedented times, it’s even more important to be kind to our immune systems and give them a little extra boost! When you pop into your local Tacoma Boys, take a look around at the fresh fruits, vegetables, fermented foods, aromatics, local honey, bone broth, and more. There are endless ways to add a variety of these foods into your already existing diet. If you have any questions while shopping or are looking for a specific immune-boosting item, don’t hesitate to ask one of Tacoma Boys’ workers – we’re here to help! 

If you’re local to the PNW, you know and probably love what we do best–coffee! According to a study by Wallethub, Seattle is the “best coffee city in America” in terms of friendliness toward coffee lovers. Translation? Our neck of the woods is a great place to be if you’re craving a quality cup of coffee. Great coffee is part of our culture! And not just the drinking of it, but the roasting as well. We have a plethora of coffee roasters right here in Tacoma and the surrounding area who are truly passionate about every aspect of coffee–the taste, the smell, the bean–all those nerdy things that go into making your morning great.

At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we love to work with local small businesses. And that’s true for coffee as well as the quality produce and specialty items you expect when you walk in our doors. So on our shelves, you’ll find a great selection of coffee from local roasters. You’ll likely recognize some, but perhaps a few will be new to you. Every bag represents a company run by people who are passionate–not just about coffee but about caring for the world we live in and making a difference in the lives of its people. We hope you’ll enjoy this deeper look into the hearts and stories of a few of our favorite local coffee roasters. Take a look! 

Local Coffee Roasters: A Closer Look

Olympia Coffee

The Heart: 

“We exist to improve the quality of life for coffee farmers, for our staff and for our customers.”

The Story

Olympia Coffee company as it is today started in the hearts and minds of two young coffee lovers–Sam Schroeder and Oliver Stormshak. Armed with a passion for innovation and fair trade, they set out to use every available technology to make great coffee. They understood that coffee has the potential to be better than it ever has. This is not just because of better technology, but because of improved communication with and involvement of the coffee growers across the world.

As a result of their commitment to improving the lives of coffee farmers by direct trade, their coffee wins awards. Olympia Coffee has received nationwide accolades for their phenomenal products over and over again. But they don’t let it go to their heads. On their website, they insist their real love “is for creating and sharing extraordinary coffee with [their] community in the Pacific Northwest and with [their] friends throughout the world.”

The Place

Olympia Coffee roastery is located in downtown Olympia where it started in 2005. At this location, you can enjoy your cup of coffee while watching the magic happen. Their roasting process is visible through large  windows throughout the shop. Or enjoy an equally satisfying cup at any of their other locations–South Olympia, West Olympia, Proctor Tacoma, Columbia City, and West Seattle. You can also order for pick-up from any of these locations. Or pick up a bag of Olympia Coffee from the coffee section in one of our locations and brew at home any time! 

Cutter’s Point Coffee Co.

The Heart

“Cutters Point’s goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of our guests.”

The Story

The name “Cutter’s Point” gives a nod to Gig Harbor’s nautical past. It harkens back to the moment explorers Peter Puget and Joseph Whidbey landed their cutters on Point Fosdick in 1792. Now, Cutter’s Point Coffee strives to be a soft place to land for anyone looking for community, friendly faces, and a great cup of coffee.

Their locations are thoughtfully and beautifully designed for conversation, gathering, and staying a while. Founded in 1955 at their flagship location in Gig Harbor, they’ve now expanded into multiple locations throughout the puget sound. Shortly after their beginning, they started their own roastery in Gig Harbor and made their coffee available to all. Stop by Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce and grab a bag of their Discovery Espresso, Fisherman’s Blend, Cutter’s Point Original, or Dark Harbor. 

The Place

Cutter’s Point has multiple locations in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Lacey, one one each in Lakewood, Kent, and all the way in Savannah, GA! Each Location is marked by their trademark cozy feel, so stop in and stay a while. 

Poverty Bay Coffee Co. 

The Heart 

“We love coffee, the rainforest, and our customers!”

The Story

Poverty Bay Coffee Co. is a small-batch micro roaster in Seattle, WA. Over 20 years ago, Dan Olmstead founded the company on principles of sustainability and responsibility–before they became buzzwords–and they’re committed to those ideals now more than ever. In a time when rain forests are be

ing cleared to grow coffee faster to keep up with demand, they use beans grown slowly in the shade of the rain forest. “In the rainforest, not instead of the rain forest,” according to their website.

Poverty Bay also practices sustainability in their roastery and cafes–composting as much material as possible and recycling the rest. The even better news? Coffee beans grown in the shade of the rain forest make richer, more balanced coffee! So when you buy a bag of Poverty Bay Coffee from Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce, you’re supporting the rain forest, the environment, a small business. AND you’re enjoying a superior cup of coffee from a local roaster. (Not to brag, but they made a batch just for us…give their “Tacoma Boy Blend” a try!)

The Place

Poverty Bay’s family owned and operated cafe is located in Federal Way. Stop by and enjoy fresh pastries, soups, sandwiches, and of course, freshly brewed coffee.

The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie (TVICR)

The Heart

“Our goal is simple… to provide you with legendary coffees of exquisite taste that you can feel good about buying.”

The Story

If you’ve ever been to Vashon Island, you’ve likely seen the historic The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie. Founded by Jim Stewart, lover of specialty coffee and pioneer in fair trade, TVICR is steeped in a long tradition of supporting indigenious people. The company works in partnership with The Vashon Island Coffee Foundation–an organization founded by Jim–to provide support to the coffee farmers in Santiago de Atitlan with whom they trade directly.

The current owner puts it beautifully in this statement from their website: “There is nothing palatable about coffee that arrives in my cup through the destruction of natural habitat, wildlife, or the eradication of Indigenous cultures, traditions or people.” We love this local coffee roaster’s enduring commitment to their values. And we’re thrilled to offer their HeirloomⓉ Coffee for your at-home brewing pleasure. 

The Place

You can feel the history of the place upon entry. The building itself was made with old growth island fir and is filled with coffee antiques. In addition to this, TVICR roasts their trademark Heirloom Coffee by using the Roasterie’s original vintage roaster in a tradition passed on from Jim to his Master Roaster Peter. He now continues the tradition with two more apprentices. Next time you’re in Vashon Island, visit the Roasterie for yourself and see that sometimes the old ways are the best ways. 

Coffee Roasters Making a Difference

These are just a few of the many quality coffee companies with whom we collaborate. We love to see individuals and businesses chasing their passions while also doing whatever is within their power to make the world a better place. These small businesses may be “just” coffee roasters, like we’re “just” a specialty market. But we believe that our efforts, in combination with the efforts of others, really can make a difference in the world. When you partner with us in supporting local businesses like these who responsibly and thoughtfully create a quality product while caring for the earth and all the people in it, you’re making a difference as well. So swing by Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce, grab a bag of coffee from one of these companies, and taste the difference doing the right thing makes. 

One of the best things about living here in the Pacific Northwest in the summer is the abundance of perfectly ripened, Washington grown berries. Over 30 varieties of edible berries are native to our state! This extensive list includes national favorites like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. And then there are berries Washington grows best and has become somewhat known for, like cherries (ok, technically not a berry, but still delicious!) and marionberries. With all these berries flourishing right here in our own backyard, it’s no surprise many jam and jelly makers call our state home. And of course, the best place to find locally grown and jarred jelly spreads, preserves, and jams is your own neighborhood Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce. 

What’s the Difference?

The sheer number of options for a jelly connoisseur can be overwhelming, so we’ve curated a few of our favorites right here. But first, you might be asking, what’s the difference between jam, jelly, and preserves? Well, it’s relatively simple. It’s mostly about consistency. Jelly is your smoothest option, and it’s often clear or at least somewhat translucent. Jam usually consists of crushed or muddled fruit, so it’s a little stiffer–still spreadable, but holds its own shape better than jelly. Finally, preserves are usually fruit chunks in gelatin or syrup. There, now you’ll know just what you’re looking at when you peruse our wide range of jellies, jams, and preserves. Without further ado, we give you our favorites!

The Best Jelly Spreads, Jams, and Preserves in the Pacific Northwest

Artie’s Harvest Small Batch Blackberry Jam

Artie’s Harvest is a locally owned and operated small business. They specialize in honey, but lucky for us–and you–they also produce an occasional small batch of delicious, locally grown jam. They battle the blackberry bushes, so you don’t have to (if you’ve ever encountered a Washington blackberry bush, you know what I mean–ouch!), and the result is blackberry jam that’s to die for. Try it on a classic peanut butter and jelly to take your childhood favorite to the next level!

Jammy Yummy Carrot Jam 

Yes, you read that right. Carrot Jam. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Based in Florida, Jammy Yummy creates six different vegetable spreads, including tomato, red pepper, and even a caramelized onion jam! Try their carrot jam on a bagel with cream cheese for a breakfast that tastes just like carrot cake. Almost. 

Stonewall Kitchen’s New England Raspberry Relish

Stonewall Kitchen’s specialty foods have been gracing and improving gift baskets for years, and with great reason! They produce baking mixes, sauces, condiments and more, but it all started with their jams and jellies. As a result, you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors of Stonewall Kitchen jams and jellies we carry! But let us suggest their New England Raspberry relish. It’s great on turkey, deli style turkey sandwiches, and chicken. While you’re at it, try their Strawberry Apple Rhubarb Jam, or keep it simple with Concord Grape Jelly. 

Dickenson’s Lemon Curd 

Dickenson’s–now one of America’s premiere makers of gourmet jams–started in the 1800’s right here in the Pacific Northwest! What started in a garden and pantry of a homestead in Willamette Valley has become a national gourmet brand. No time to make lemon curd at home? No problem! Grab a jar of Dickenson’s Lemon Curd made by the experts. Try it on pancakes or ginger cookies or cheesecake, or in between cake layers as a mouthwatering filling.

Maury Island Farms Marionberry Jam

Located right here in Tukwila, WA, Maury Island farms creates all natural local jams and jellies. And their marionberry jam perfectly compliments fresh baked scones or is great all by itself on a slice of toast. In addition to marionberry jam, try their Tart Cherry Preserves or Boysenberry Jelly Spread. You’ll be glad you did!

Elki Scandinavian Delights Lingonberry Jam

With recipes and product lines straight from Denmark, Elki’s Scandanavian Delights taste every bit like the real deal they are. A family-owned company, Elki’s has been creating high quality Scandanavian preserves since 1984. Even the lingonberries are harvested in Denmark, with just the right balance of sweet and sour. To get the full experience, try this recipe for Swedish Pancakes. Top them with powdered sugar, a dollop of butter and a spoonful of lingonberry jam. Enjoy the taste of Denmark from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Tacoma Boys Ancho Chile Pepper Jelly Spread

If you haven’t tried chile pepper spread, now’s the time! Our own take on pepper jam is flavorful and sweet with just the right amount of kick. Start with a mild water cracker or rice cracker (Milton’s Gluten Free Original Rice Crackers from our gluten free section are great for this), add a high quality white cheddar cheese from our cheese section (we like Coastal or Aussie White Gold), and top with Tacoma Boys Ancho Chile Pepper Spread. This jelly spread is also great with a crusty baguette and brie. So don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to appetizer when you’re entertaining a crowd!

In a Jam? We’ve Got You Covered

Whether you’re looking for fig butter for your charcuterie board, cranberry preserves to garnish your pork chops, or good old fashioned grape jelly for your peanut butter and jelly, you’ll find it at your local Tacoma Boy’s and H&L Produce. We care deeply about our local farmers and value their commitment to harvesting the best local berries in sustainable ways. And, with countless unique flavors and high quality ingredients, we’re sure you’ll be satisfied with a jar chosen from one of our locations. So stop by today for the best quality jams, jelly spreads , and preserves in the Pacific Northwest!

You’ve already impressed with snacks and appetizers, so now it’s on the main courses. As the dinner guests begin to be seated, here are a few entrees that are summertime sensations. (more…)