November 29, 2023

Six Great Gifts Under $60

Looking for great gifts that your family and friends with love without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered with a wide assortment of items to make custom gifts. Or, to make it even easier, check out our suggestions below. Some of them ship FREE!

THE HOLIDAY CHEESE & SAUSAGE GIFT

Growing up, I loved the look of the sausage and cheese gifts sold from mall kiosks, but was disappointed in the overly-processed contents. So, enter the Cheesed to Meat You! Two delicious bars of real cheese – one sharp, one smoked – and a premium Uncle Mike’s Beef Summer Sausage, along with a sweet mustard and crackers. Only $38.99 and shipping or local delivery is free. Add a Cheese Tool set and it’s still only $48.98 and still ships FREE!

FOR THE GOURMET FOODIE IN YOUR LIFE

Two exceptional products imported from Italy:
Maletti Aged Balsamic Vinegar, barrel-aged for 6 years, it is smooth, deep, and silky on your palate with a touch of sweetness. And Le Ferre Autentico Extra Virgin Olive Oil from a fifth-generation grove near Castellaneta. A bold, hand-harvested, finishing oil that’s expansive on the palate with a pleasing, peppery finish. Both products are only $51.98 and we’ll pack them in a gift box or bag for you. This is only available as an in-shop purchase due to limited supplies.

OH-IO CHEESEBOARD AND TOOLS

Fans of Ohio will love this board, nearly 1-foot square, and cheese tools made of sustainable bamboo. The board is engraved with the state flag. Both items are only $44.98. This combination is also only available in shop due to limited supplies.

EXCEPTIONAL S’MORES

For those with a sweet tooth, try our gourmet s’mores kit. We pair Stroopwafels – crispy thins filled with sweet caramel – with the artisan, soft, and puffy Creekside Marshmallows and Swiss chocolate from MilkBoy. Toast assembly and Oh My… the gooey, deliciousness! Only $49.99 and shipping is FREE!

MADE HERE, IN OHIO

Ohio has a rich food culture. Give it as a gift with our Ohio Proud collection. Baby Swiss from Guggisberg Cheese, Herbed Chevre from one of the best in the country, MacKenzie Creamery, Gouda from Hartlzer’s Dairy, a ring of Troyers Trail Bologna, and to complement them, Reserve Whole Grain Dijon from Woebers. Only $59.99, including shipping or local delivery!

FOR THE CHEESE LOVER

Cheese aficionados will appreciate the purity of a block of Blue Stilton – a traditional Christmas cheese. Add on a Tonga Board and spreader and they’re set to snack. Only $44.98 or, if you just want the cheese, $34.99. Shipping and local delivery is FREE!

Need more ideas? Stop in and see what we can put together for you!

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March 27, 2023

Five Fantastic Non-Food Finds At The Greater Gouda

Sure, when you think of The Greater Gouda, you think of cheeses, deli and charcuterie meats, and other exceptional gourmet foods. But we have more than just food. Stop in and pick up one of the amazing non-edible items today!

Protect the environment from your kitchen with Bees Wrap!

You’ve cut back on over-packaged products and you recycle your cardboard boxes and plastic shopping bags, but the film wrap used to cover that onion or plastic bag for those chopped peppers still goes into the landfill. Bee’s Wrap changes that.

Founded by Sara Kaeck, who took her inspiration from bees, nature’s most productive and protective foodies, Bee’s Wrap is made from pieces of organic cotton infused with a blend of bee’s wax, plant oil and tree resin to create a reusable, naturally antimicrobial, self-adhering food wrap. Seal it around food, over a bowl, or even make a bag out of it using only the heat of your hand. Rinse and repeat. It’s that easy.

Just one pack of Bee’s Wrap can prevent 1,667 sq. feet of plastic from entering the oceans and landfills. If everyone in America swapped their plastic wrap for Bee’s wrap, a staggering 4.8 million acres of plastic would be eliminated. And with all the different sizes and types, there’s a Bee’s Wrap that works for you.

More Planet Saving with TruEarth Laundry Detergent.

A couple years ago, Terri saw ads for a new kind of laundry detergent, promising clean clothes without the weight or bulk or mess of liquid in plastic jugs. But big-box stores weren’t carrying anything like that. So, after some research into the different brands, The Greater Gouda began carrying TruEarth Laundry Detergent.

The little detergent strips (about half the size of a bookmark) not only pack a full load of cleaning power, but they also dissolve completely, work in all washing machines, and are hypoallergenic. A 32-strip pack comes in a compostable cardboard envelope and eliminates a plastic jug from ending up in a landfill. Plus, being manufactured in Canada rather than China, the detergent is subject to stringent health regulations and uses fewer energy resources to reach you.

Many of our customers have tried TruEarth Laundry Detergent over the past two years and are hooked. So do something that’s good for the Earth AND easier on yourself. Try TruEarth Laundry Detergent.

Locally made, high-end gift – a Leather Wine Carrier

Gorgeous leather, beautiful designs, and fun colors. Those all describe the wine bottle holders made by BBK Leather, right here in Delaware. These make great gifts but if you need an excuse to buy one for yourself, Terri carries her water bottle in one to remind her to drink more. Adjust the strap to fit your shoulder, slide the bottle in, and off you go!

If you’d like to see what else BBK Leathers makes, check out their website. We love supporting local artists.

Unique, Locally Made Charcuterie Boards

And speaking of local, Dan Stultz, our backyard neighbor makes stunning wooden serving boards. Much of the wood is from local trees, and no two boards are alike. Some have live edges, some have finished edges, and every one of them is gorgeous. They’re great for charcuterie or any other food you’d like displayed on a wooden piece of art.

Since each piece is unique, you never know what we’ll have. And if you find one you love, we recommend buying it, because it won’t be around for long.

BOSKA Mini Cheese Slicer

The slicers we use to give samples are one of our best-selling non-food items. Customers ask us for them almost daily. Unfortunately, these mini slicers fell victim to the reduced production of the pandemic and have not been available to us for two years. Finally, they’re back!

Why do we use Boska Mini slicers? They’re sharp to slide easily through hard or sticky cheese. Just as important, they stay sharp. Boska guarantees they will maintain their edge for 10 years of normal use. We’ve used some of ours every day, over and over, for seven years and they’re still going strong.

We have the mini slicers in stock., but you better hurry – we only received 48 of them!

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February 7, 2023

Step Up Your Super Bowl Snacks!

It’s called the SUPER bowl, not the Okay Bowl, right? Why eat the same old snacks? Isn’t it time to step up your Super Bowl spread to something that’s, well, Super? Check out these ideas that will satisfy even the pickiest Super Bowl spectator.

Hot dogs on pretzel buns with Kraut and Mustard

Start with Superbowl Dogs. These aren’t your childhood hot dogs. Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef Franks, at a quarter pound each of hearty, tender wagyu beef and delicate spices, will satisfy the hungriest and pickiest of your gang. Or we have artisan hot dogs from NaKyrsie Meats in Northern Ohio. Oscar Mayer could sure learn a thing or two from them!

A premium Hot Dog needs and premium bun – and nothing’s better than Pretzilla’s Brat Bun. We recommend these slightly warmed or toasted. Tender with the taste of pretzel, these buns will delight your taste buds.

Don’t forget the toppings! Try a swoosh of our Old Brooklyn (Cleveland) Pepped Up Mustard along with Cleveland Kitchens GnarGnar Kraut – a fresh kraut studded with jalapenos. Your mouth will thank us!

Nacho bar with blue tortilla chips, cheese con queso, Sour Cream, fresh salsa

The Nacho Bar. What is easier than putting out a few tasty chips, dips and toppings in bowls and letting people build their own nachos? Start with the all-important base: Shagbark Tortilla Chips. These Southern Ohio-made chips use local ingredients and an old-fashioned process to bring out the flavor of the corn and produce superior-tasting chips that are not too thick but stand up to the toppings.  We have them in yellow and blue corn varieties.

Needless to say, we love cheese. And we have a particular fondness for items that are cheesy, tasty AND don’t cost a lot. Walnut Creek’s Salsa Con Queso fits the bill. Spoonable cheese with a touch of peppers – it’s delicious! If you have any left, try it on scrambled eggs or baked potatoes!

For the best salsa in Central Ohio, you have to get Ridiculously Good Salsa. This fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, peppers, lime, and spices is, well, ridiculously good. It’s available in Mellow, Medi-yum, and High Heat.

Hard Pretzels with cheese dip

Don’t forget the pretzels! Sourdough, sticks, handmade thick, crisps, splits – we’ve got them all! And, of course, a wide selection of dips to go with them – from cheesy ones to sweet and mustardy. Perfect game-time snacks!

Several flavors of Jeni's ice cream pints

Or if you’re craving something sweet for your commercial-watching party. do a Sundae Bar, starting with several flavors of Jeni’s decadent ice cream (regular or dairy-free) as the base.

Top it with Backhouse’s rich, gooey toppings. Tipsy Hot Fudge is the customer favorite, but the Praline and Tipsy Butterscotch aren’t far behind.

Don’t forget the nuts! We carry Krema Nuts from Columbus – perfectly roasted and salted. Or their toffee-coated peanuts are pretty much perfect for a Sundae.

And what would a Sundae be without whipped cream? Go for the fresh and original with local Snowville’s heavy cream. Add a touch of sugar if you wish, then beat it until it’s light and fluffy. If you’ve never made your own whipped cream, it doesn’t take long and is a whole staircase up from frozen tubs of chemical substitutes. Sooo delicious!

Greater Gouda Game Day Tray - Cheddar, swiss and jalapeno muenster, summer sausage and crackers

Or make your Super Bowl evening really easy by ordering one of The Greater Gouda’s Game Day Trays. Three cheeses from Amish Country – Mild Cheddar, Mild Swiss, and Jalapeno Muenster – as well as slices of Local Uncle Mike’s Beef Summer Sausage, and a box of GrainsFirst crackers. You’re ready for the game!

The Greater Gouda is a cheese and specialty food shop in historic downtown Delaware, Ohio featuring exceptional food from around Ohio and around the world. Check out our website at www.GreaterGouda.com, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

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November 20, 2022

Holiday Wines to Impress

It’s the Holidays! Time for parties and get togethers to liven up the season.

But how do you know what wine to bring? Maybe your boss is a wine snob or you need to impress your partner’s parents with an exceptional bottle of wine. There are so many options out there!

Don’t Worry! We’ve prepared a list of wines sure to make a good impression no matter your budget!

Under $16

Guarda Rios Red Blend – Portugal

“Ripe vine fruits, blackberry, chocolate and vanilla on the nose followed by juicy acidity in the mouth with ripe, supple tannins and notes of black olive, tobacco and garrigue on the palate.”

Fontevecchia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico Superiore

A dry Italian white of great expression, elegant and very pleasant on the palate with notes of lime, white flowers, almond and Summer fruit.

$16 – $30

Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec

Rhone Red Blend – Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California

This blend of 45% Syrah, 39% Grenache, 9% Mourvèdre and 7% Counoise offers lush aromas of violet, lilac, lavender, vanilla and blueberry on the nose. The palate offers plenty of black currant and spice flavors, with sandy tannins and fresh acidity holding it all in check.

Gamble Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
from Yountville, Napa Valley, California

Earthy and dusty on the nose, this wine explodes into a palate of citrus peel, lime and grapefruit, with underlying exoticism in the form of honeysuckle, banana and papaya. Lengthy and fresh, it delivers light, balanced flavors that meld and complement, finishing in steely wet stone.

$30 – $50

VINA COBOS BRAMARE LUJAN DE CUYO MALBEC
Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina

Ruby red in color with dark violet hues. Complex aromas of wild thyme and rosemary, chamomile and violets integrate seamlessly with red currants and subtle hints of vanilla. The palate is vibrant and lifted, expressing a depth and energy unique to the vineyard site.

Hillick and Hobbs Estate Vineyard Riesling

Riesling from Finger Lakes, New York

Such an expressive nose of white peaches, nectarines, mandarin oranges, white flowers and vanilla. Grows with each swirl of the glass. Intensely racy palate that feels lighter than it is, because it’s so precise and vibrant, the lime and mineral freshness making the long dry finish mouthwatering. The first release from David and Paul Hobbs’ riesling project in the Finger Lakes.

$50+

Paul Hobbs Russian River Pinot Noir

Sonoma County, California

The 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley offers a medium ruby/purple hue to go with a beautiful perfume of mulberries, black cherries, Asian spices, and roasted herbs. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, it still brings plenty of fruit, with a great mid-palate and outstanding length on the finish.

Laurent-Perrier NV Ultra Brut (Champagne)

Very pale and crystal‑bright in color.
Intense and complex on the nose with a wide range of aromas, including fruits (citrus and white fruit), flowers (honeysuckle) and iodine notes, which give an impression of freshness.
This airy and delicate wine of surprising length is characterized by high purity of taste, and a long and non‑saturating finish.
Best served between 8°C and 10°C.

Collector Bottles

Quintessa 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California

Wine Enthusiast 100 points
This is a winemaker’s master class in blending and understanding of a long-standing site. Dried herb, cedar and pencil shavings accent lifted red fruit and brilliant acidity on the palate, with a supple yet still youthfully grippy texture that is framed by structured, graceful tannins.

00 WINES Chardonnay, Willamette Valley ‘EGW’ 2019

James Suckling 97 points
Extremely aromatic, with intense flint, dried lemon and white peach. Crushed stone, too. Full-bodied with layered and creamy tannins that show super length and depth. Exciting to drink now but will age beautifully.

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July 5, 2022

7 New Items You Shouldn’t Miss at The Greater Gouda

Food and supply shortages may have you down. But that doesn’t mean The Greater Gouda isn’t getting new, delicious items into the shop each week. Looking for something new? Here are seven treats we’ve recently added:

 

1. Butter Beer. For you the little (or big) witches and wizards in your house, try Virgil’s Butter Beer – a creamy, nonalcohilic, butterscotch soda. Be warned, it is very sweet. Want to make it more special? In a tall glass, pour it over a scoop of Jeni’s Salty Caramel or Dairy-Free Caramel Pecan Stick Bun Ice Cream for a Caramel Butter Beer Float! Try topping with whipped cream (see below) and drizzling it with some Tipsy Butterscotch for more adult decadence.

 

2. Tasso Ham. This ham is used sparingly to season Jabalaya, Gumbo, Red Beans and other cajun dishes – or anything else you want to add a bit of salt and lots of kick to.  Try a bit in scrambled eggs.  But – Oo-Wee, be careful. The main spice on it is Cayenne Pepper.  Spice up your life!

 

 

3. Snowville Cream. Organic Cream from southern Ohio produced by a heard of 100% A2 cows. A2 diary products has been found to be easier to digest than the more typical one containing both A1 and A2 proteins. This cream is great for whipping, using in sauces, or just add some to your coffee. It’s so popular, we’re already sold out. But don’t worry, it should be back in stock by next Wednesday!

 

4. Homegrown Beer Cheese & Bourbon Popcorn. Check out this combination of sweet, bourbon glazed popcorn with delicate popped kernels covered in beer cheese seasoning for a flavor that’s like a grown-up version of Chicago Popcorn. This is a sweet and salty treat from Ashland, Ohio you shouldn’t miss.

 

 

5. Ubriaco Pinot Rose. You might guess from the name that this hales from Italy, but it’s not a wine – it’s cheese. The semi firm, slightly sharp wheel gets soaked in a sparkling rose making it dance in your mouth. You can almost taste the bubbles! And for a special treat, it’s topped with dried rose petals. Pretty and delicious!

 

6. Spicy Margarita Mixer. When the Westerville-based folks who make Ridiculously Good Salsa asked me to try their new Spicy Margarita Mix, I was intrigued but skeptical. I mean, their salsa is fantastic and margaritas pair well with chips and salsa, but Spicy Margarita? Wow, this stuff is even better than the salsa, if that’s possible. The delicate sweetness of agave nectar, the light, flavorful spice of jalapenos and other peppers, married into lime juice. Whether mixed with a good tequila or with Lemon Lime soda, this is my new favorite beverage! So refreshing!

 

7. Pineapple Coconut Margarita Mixer. What? Another margarita mixer?  Yes, that makes three with our traditional one from Stonewall, but they are each very different. This one takes the beloved drink in a different direction – to the tropics. Pineapple juice and coconut, both big, bold flavors are used in just the right proportion to flavor but not overwhelm the lime-based mixer. We didn’t expect anything other than perfection from Columbus-based Simple Times.  Now my only question is, which margarita to have!

 

And a BONUS!  We also just got in a wonderful collection of flavored salts from Feeding Francis Salt Co. The Tequila Lime Sea Salt is perfect for … you guessed it … rimming the lip of your favorite margarita!

Enjoy the long lazy days of summer.

 

If you have a product you’d like to see us carry, let us know and we’ll see what we can do!

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October 14, 2021

A Cheese Advent Calendar!

A few years ago, several friends of ours stood in line for hours at an Aldi for a chance to buy a cheese Advent calendars. They walked away empty-handed and thought there had to be a better way.

And now there is!

Earlier this year, one of our importers asked if we wanted Cheese Advent Calendars from the Ilchester Dairy in the United Kingdom. “Yes, Yes, YES!”

For this Advent Season, we will have a limited supply (2 dozen) so reserve yours now!  Then stop by The Greater Gouda between November 15th and November 24th (the day before Thanksgiving) to pick it up. No lines. No wait. And only $24.99 each!  Easy!

 

 

 

 

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June 22, 2021

Best Summer Items at The Greater Gouda

Whether the items on this list are “The Best” or just “among the best” of The Greater Gouda’s summer offerings is a matter for debate. What’s clear is that customers love these tastes on hot summer days and cool summer nights.  Come in and try some of them while the weather’s good!

Ballpark Popcorn: The taste of summer and baseball – only better. This Ohio-made product combines light, tender popcorn, rich, buttery caramel, and crunchy red peanuts for a treat that’s perfect for the ballpark or any park.

Samoa S’mores Kit: Caramel-filled Stroopwafels, Lake Champlain Chocolate, and a golden brown Creekside Mallow’s Toasted Coconut Marshmallow. Stack, squish and bite into a rich, decadent Samoa-flavored heaven. We have a VERY limited supply of these kits – so grab one before they’re gone!

Lemon-Zest Stilton:  The summer taste of lemon complements this rich, crumbly English cheese for a taste reminiscent of cheesecake. Delicious paired with either a sparkling Moscato or a medium-dry Cabernet Franc.

Chateau Graville Lacoste Graves Blanc 2019: a white Bordeaux blend delivers crisp bright fruit flavors with a touch of minerality. Its medium body and moderate acidity make it a great Summer wine choice!

Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef Franks: Grill these over an open fire, slather them with your favorite toppings (try Pimento Cheese Spread in the bun then wrapping in foil & putting back on the grill until melted), and you’ll bite into a meaty, filling, delicious entree that deserves its place at the best cookouts.

What’s your summer favorite?

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April 29, 2021

15+ Staple Items You Can Get at The Greater Gouda

The Greater Gouda has changed!  Although many of you depend on us for your weekly lunch meats and cheeses, many people still consider us as “that shop you go to if you’re having a party.” We still carry all the delicacies you need for a perfect charcuterie but we’ve also added lots of basic grocery items, always being mindful of our reputation of bringing you the best items at a fair price. We thought it might be helpful to review a few of the basic grocery items we stock.

Toilet paper rolls on wicker basket

Toilet Paper. Our two-ply, individually wrapped (in paper, not plastic) toilet paper was our Number One online seller in 2020. You can usually find it on a bottom shelf in the back half of the shop. If you don’t see it, just ask. We have never run out.

Tomato Paste, Canned Tomatoes. Used as the base of many sauces and dishes, we carry Amore tomato paste in convenient squeeze tubes and San Marzano tomatoes in 14.28 oz cans. Make your next homemade spaghetti sauce even better!

Fresh dairy products, milk, cottage cheese, eggs, yogurt, sour cream and butter on wooden table

Eggs, Milk, Cream, Butter, Sour Cream. We’ve got your dairy needs covered with three different types of Hartzler’s non-homogenized, low-temperature pasteurized milk – as close to what comes out of a cow as we can get. We also carry 5 different types of butter, cream, sour cream, clotted cream as well as local, pastured eggs.

Kidney Beans & Black Beans. Surprise big sellers at The Greater Gouda are the cans of Walnut Creek kidney beans and black beans. They’ve developed a following of their own. Of course, it’s handy to have a can or two of beans in the pantry.

Paper Towels. I’ll be honest; our paper towels aren’t the greatest, but if you’re in a pinch, they’ll do the trick. On the other hand, we’re looking into carrying tree-free paper towels and toilet paper which has come a long way in strength, softness, and durability. So stay tuned for your chance to buy local and help stop global deforestation.

Raw Organic Red Ground Minced Beef Ready to Cook

Meat. The pandemic has been hard on small fresh meat producers, sometimes locking them out of spots at the meat processors. Nevertheless, while the particular brand or farm may change from time to time, The Greater Gouda is committed to bringing you high-quality meats. Currently, we have brats, Italian sausage, boneless pork chops, and a variety of fresh sausage. We also keep trout fillets, salmon fillets, and tuna steaks on hand to satisfy your pescatarian needs.

Cream Cheese. We’ve carried cream cheese from the day we opened. Just ask and we will cut the right amount for your needs.

Bowls of various gluten free flour (chick peas, rice, buckwheat, amaranth seeds, almond) on wooden background

Baking Needs: We have three different types of flour (White, Whole Wheat, and Gluten-Free), Baking Powder, Corn Starch, Salt, and even Yeast. Plus, we carry mixes for biscuits, pancakes, scones, popovers and more! If you need to bake (or thicken, or leaven), we’ve got you covered.

Hummus & Flatbread: If you haven’t tried our hummus, you’re missing out! Made locally by Darista Dips, it is, hands down, the best hummus we’ve ever tasted. The first time Mark tried the Mo’rockin Carrot Hummus, he “accidentally” ate the whole container! And while you’re trying those, grab a container of our mini-naan flatbreads. Pop these into the oven to warm and they become the perfect, tasty vehicle to get the hummus into your mouth.

Sandwich Bread: We have baguettes and batards, of course, as well as an artisan sliced sourdough and a seeded rye bread. But did you know we also carry a basic white sandwich loaf, a basic wheat sandwich loaf, and a basic sliced multigrain bread?  Looking to mix up your sandwiches a bit? Use our pretzel buns – round or long – they aren’t just for burgers and brats!

Slow Cooker Starters: There’s nothing like walking in the door to the rich smell of dinner already cooked! The Greater Gouda carries a variety of meal starters from The Zen of Slow Cooking. From Southwest Fiesta to Provencale, just add your choice of meat & veggies, and you’ll have a yummy meal waiting after a long day at work!

Frozen Pizza: Take ‘n bake pizzas from a former Cameron Mitchell’s chef. I didn’t know frozen pizza could take so good – and it only take 10 minutes to bake!  Delicious, fast, easy. Who could ask for more! We generally carry 2 varieties – one white and one red.

Produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables have been difficult for us; after all even Big Box stores throw out most of their produce. Nevertheless, we are determined to carry as many items as we can get in reasonable quantities at a reasonable cost. Typically, we have cherry or grape tomatoes; onions, romaine lettuce; mini sweet peppers; and either lemons or limes (sometimes both). We have a selection of organic frozen veggies, as well!

Natural Sweeteners. Need something for your coffee or tea? Baking a cake or frosting some cookies? Whether you’re looking for refined sugar, brown sugar, maple sugar, and powdered sugar, we can satisfy your sweet tooth.

Spices. From basil to thyme, from black pepper to onion powder, The Greater Gouda carries the basic spices to complete your pantry. Better yet, they’re high quality and packed in small quantities so they don’t go stale before you finish them. We also have a wide assortment of rubs and sauces for BBQ season. Spice up your life at The Greater Gouda!

There are more of these staples in the shop, like cooking oil, waffles, and more. It’s just too hard to name them all! How many of these did you know we carried?  What else would you like to see?

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April 15, 2021

Greater Gouda Customer Data Secure after Mercato Breach

The technology news site, TechCrunch.com, reported Wednesday afternoon that grocery delivery company Mercato exposed over 70,000 customer orders in a January breach, including home and email addresses. A Mercato official told TechCrunch the breach did not include credit card information.

The Greater Gouda, which began using Mercato in March 2020 for online grocery ordering and home delivery, does not believe any of its customers were affected. According to TechCrunch, the affected orders occurred between September 2015 and November 2019, before The Greater Gouda’s relationship with Mercato had begun.

“We’re outside the affected timeframe, but it’s still serious,” Greater Gouda owner Mark Smiles said. “The fact that Mercato hasn’t notified those who were affected nor contacted us to say it is on top of this issue is very concerning.”

Smiles said The Greater Gouda was actively seeking an alternative to Mercato’s service prior to news of the data breach. For now, customers who are uncomfortable using Mercato are encouraged to call-in their orders directly to The Greater Gouda instead.

“Mercato started off with good service during last year’s lockdown when grocery delivery was at its peak,” Smiles said, “but their reliability has been falling off ever since.”

He said The Greater Gouda has delivered many orders using its own staff to ensure customers receive them, even though that’s Mercato’s job under the contract.

“We hope to move our grocery ordering and delivery to a platform similar to our online gift and wine sales,” Smiles said, “but it’s hard to find platforms that will work with small grocery and food markets.”

Smiles doesn’t have a timetable yet for the change in platforms, but said, “It’s important. We have to take care of the customers. They’re our priority.”

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April 8, 2021

Five Items You Shouldn’t Leave The Greater Gouda Without (and they aren’t cheese!)

Over the past year, we seriously expanded the products we regularly carry at The Greater Gouda. You probably missed a few while safely entrenched in your houses. Never fear! We’re going to catch you up on a few or our new customer favs – and they might not be what you expect!

The next time you stop in, grab one (or five) of these favorites. You won’t regret it!

#1 Creekside Mallow Co. Marshmallows

Pick a flavor – any of them from Rocky Road, to Mint Chocolate Chip, to Salty Caramel, to Toffee Crunch – we can’t keep them in stock! The more we bring in, the more people buy. Once you have one, you’ll understand completely. These are way beyond any marshmallows we’ve ever had.

#2 Elvis: Burning Love Hot Sauce

You have to love the name, but Burning Love is so much more than a great product name. Reminiscent the old, original Frank’s hot sauce, Burning Love is great on anything! I use it to make buffalo dip, put it on my eggs, spice up cream soups. It is always a staple in my kitchen and many of our customers.

#3 Purple Haze from Spiceology

A combination of beet root, carrot, tomato, garlic, onion, spices and chilies, Purple Haze is great on roasted veggies, wild game, poultry, and even steaks and popcorn! Add some to your mashed potatoes for an extra cool factor: it turns them purple with a flavor explosion! It’s a great – and fun – spice blend.

#4 Fired Up Woodfired

Heat & Eat Pizza
Sometimes, I want to curl up on the couch with a gourmet pizza. Ready in 10 minutes, Fired Up Pizza’s are the brain-child of Michael Rice, former executive chef at 2 Cameron Mitchell restaurants. We’re planning to rotate the varieties but the 4 cheese – a white pizza with Asiago, Parmesan, smoked Provolone and Mozzarella – is our customers’ favorite!

#5 Darista Morockin’ Carrot Hummus

Think hummus is boring? Then it’s time to shake up your taste buds with this harissa-spicy, honey-sweet blend from Darista Dips in Columbus. Use it on sandwiches or as a dip for naan, crackers, chips, or veggies. The first time my husband tried it, he ate the whole container! Yeah, its that good.

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