Printed with Permission of the Alpine Avalanche

If you live in the Trans-Pecos region or have driven down Highway 118 from Alpine to South County and have not yet checked out Blue Water Natural Foods in Alpine, you are missing out on a wonderful resource out here in far West Texas.

John and Elaine Schwerdtfeger, the brains and brawn behind Blue Water, opened their doors in February of 2008. Once a bowling alley, they have transformed the building into a wonderful grocery store and deli over the years.

Blue Water has been a favorite shopping destination of mine since before we moved to Fort Davis. Blue Water offers natural, organic and locally grown produce and meats, a lovely beer and wine selection, bulk goods, every healthy vitamin and mineral supplement you can think of, as well as a deli where you can pick up made-fresh sandwiches and wraps and salads, or have a sandwich made just for you. They sell frozen wild caught seafood and nitrate-free bacon – two of my favorite food groups. They have so much more than my few inches of newspaper space allows me to share so you’ll have to check it out for yourself.

The other day when we were shopping there, we ran into none other than Mr. J.T. Maroney, publisher of the Alpine Avalanche, with his adorable girls picking out good-for-you snacks. You never know who you’ll run into there.

The newly remodeled deli, located back and to the left when you enter the store, is a comfortable space to sit and enjoy your meal and read for a while, or to pick out your tasty meal and hit the road. My husband likes the chicken breast wrap and sandwich, and I’ll happily eat any of the lavash (soft, unleavened flatbread) wraps. They’re large, stuffed with meats and veggies, and very satisfying. There’s usually coleslaw, broccoli salad, hummus and tabbouleh packaged and ready to go in the self-serve cooler.

I could easily spend hours perusing every aisle, but my husband tends to rush me out of the store before I can fill up a shopping cart with all sorts of wonderful goodies. Need essential oils? They’ve got it. Need gluten-free anything? They’ve got it. Need something they don’t have? They’ll order it for you, just write it on the Wish List when you’re checking out. Need more incentive to check out Blue Water Natural Foods? They send you a $5 coupon for every $100 you spend.

Their website, http://www.bluewaterfoodrewards.com, is also a tremendous resource for health and wellness with healthy recipes and tips every day. Research supplements and alternative health remedies, find a practitioner, print coupons to use in the store, and so much more. Located just one mile outside of Alpine on Highway 118 and open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., stop in and check it out.

John’s secret to success comes from combining a love for organic food with lots of hard work and dedication with the ability to work for free for several years while building a good team of people to help grow the business. Blue Water’s mission is to provide the community with a top rate natural foods store with the best selection possible. I’d say they’ve met and exceeded their mission.

Broccoli Salad

(from Blue Water’s website)
6 cups chopped broccoli
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, (or Sesame Seeds, chopped walnuts, or any nut of choice)
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar (I normally use apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons flax seed

Instructions:
In a large bowl place broccoli, onion, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and flax seed. In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar. Mix well. Pour over salad, toss well. Chill before serving. Sunflower seeds, chopped walnuts, or nuts of your choice may be substituted.

Questions or comments? Email johnskrysta@gmail.com

Grilled chicken wrap

Veggie wrap