By Mary Ellen Psaltis
Aloha has come to mean both hello and good-bye. In the Hawaiian language it means affection, peace and compassion. At Ralph’s Thriftway this weekend it means bring the whole family for fun, cooking ideas, entertainment and samples.
Imagine juicy pineapples and barbequed short ribs. Think tropical salads and locally made sauces. Vendor samples such as Mama Scott’s World Famous Gourmet Sauce or Ila’s, regional relishes, sauces and dressings, will be available both Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each department within Ralph’s will have one featured item at a special sale price and throughout the day will be offered at even more “wow” pricing. We like to offer “value to our customers,” says Dan Machado, Store Manager.
Machado has been working for Stormans family for the past 27 years with the last seven as store manager. A law enforcement student, he began as security when he was still studying at Saint Martin’s University. Machado continued with the store after graduation, working in many departments and making his way to manager. He’s especially enthusiastic about Hawaiian Days, as he was born and raised in Hawaii. He loves the aloha spirit. Employees are encouraged to get into the spirit, wearing aloha attire and colorful leis.
Activities begin Friday at 11:00 a.m. and wrap up at 6:00 p.m. Vendor samples will be available for the first four hours. Olympia’s own Barry “CB” Martin will be manning the grill from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. on Friday. He’s a grill expert, blogger, cookbook contributor, media personality and more. Vendor hours on Saturday are also from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Kids Club Event is on Saturday only from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. You will find an arts and crafts table, a bean bag toss (prizes, too) and you can meet Peare, whom I believe is big and green and fruity!
Of course, Ralph’s stocks all your needs inside the store for a barbeque at home – grilling meats, snacks, salad makings, charcoal, and anything else you might want to have on hand. It’s finally summer.
Join Dan Machado and the friendly staff at Ralph’s for Hawaiian Days. Even if the sun’s not shining, come anyway. Regardless of the weather, Machado is certain that “the aloha spirit will be there to keep us warm.”
Pineapple Tips:
When you make your morning smoothie, put in a slice or two of fresh pineapple. What a pleasurable difference it makes from whatever usual ingredients you like to use.
Instead of a slice of cheese on your hamburger, use a slice of pineapple. Fun.
Grill slices with a touch of brown sugar for a summery dessert.
