Sat Feb 18th the Specialty Dept will be sampling: Pantago Chardonnay, Pantago Malbec, Presto Moscato

Sat Feb 25th the Specialty Dept will be sampling: H&G Pinot Noir, Oya Pointe Sauvignon Blanc and Roule Rouge

 Be one of first 200 customers to donate $2. or more to the Whole Planet Foundation and receive a free recycled tote bag while supplies last.

Learn how to make healthful eating easy during our special Vitamix educational five day demo event. Special offerings with purchase during the demo event include:

• 8 Year Warranty (normally 7 years)
• Book by Dr. Patrick Quillen, “The Wisdom and Healing Power of Whole Foods.”
• Low Fat-Low Carb Recipe Book
• Package of 4 Vitamix flexible cutting boards
• Vitamix Spatulas
• No $25.00 Shipping Charge

Looking for a healthier dinner alternative? Our prepared foods department will offer a special buffet this evening to offering a dinners worth of tastes for five different Health Starts Here dishes.  Delicious and nutritious dishes ready to go.

Stop in and see what our new issue of the Whole Deal has to offer. Taste some products, and a recipe from our latest issue.

Come support local organization Meals on Wheels with your purchases today. Join us for a special pancake supper in prepared foods to make you evening shopping a tasty special treat!

Prepared foods salutes Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels with a great pancake supper available at our hot bar price. Stop in and have a tasty supper and then shop to support Meals on Wheels.

Buy local! Today meet some of our local entrepreneur vendors and learn their stories. Taste the delicious products they produce locally.  Consider the importance of buying locally produced products to build our local economy and the positive environmental impact.

Find some great locally produced arts and crafts and support a great cause. Local artists have donated their great. Enter to get your bidding number, update your bid and be here for the closing bid to make sure you get your item. Bidding closes at 5pm, March 30. All items must be paid for by phone or in person by 8pm, March 31. Bidding winners will be publicly announced at the Earth Hour Reception on March 31 in Art that is local Gallery.

Come join our healthy eating specialist Jan and others throughout the store as we combine two of the best Whole Foods Market programs- Health Starts Here and Whole Planet Foundation. Sample signature dishes from four of our Whole Planet Foundation locations including Turkish Red Lentil soup and Moroccan Stew. Expand your taste buds and learn how the Whole Planet Foundation and Health Starts Here program are changing lives all over the world!  

Whole Foods Market Ann Arbor invites you to celebrate Earth Hour with a free concert, deserts and a silent auction finale for the Whole Planet Foundation.  Earth Hour, which is between 8:30pm and 9:30pm globally, is a growing movement to raise awareness of our energy use and the effects on our planet. During Earth Hour 2012 we invite you to off turn your lights at home and join us for music with the UM Classical Musical Society Quartet from 8pm-9:30pm, desert and beverages at Art That Is Local Gallery on our mezzanine level. Information on Earth Hour is available at  http://www.earthhour.org/

 Students will assist in preparing swordfish risotto (cooked in a white wine and shrimp stock), calamari (stuffed with pine nuts, bread crumbs, parsley, and olives, then cooked in a white wine and tomato broth), arugula and pear salad (topped with shaved parmigiano cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing), and apricot torte. The meal is enjoyed together family style following preparation. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. Students may register on-line through www.wccnet.edu (Lifelong Learning Program) or through mail-in and walk-in registration with the W.C.C. Lifelong Learning.

 Each region of India has its own unique culture and cuisine. Vegetable Stew served with Appam is a popular breakfast fare in Kerala. The simple, aromatic, hearty stew is slowly simmered in a subtly spiced coconut milk base. Enjoy the hands-on fun of creating your own appam, a lacey, fermented rice pancake perfect for sopping up the stew. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor.  Please register with Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation. Pre-registration required. Call 734-994-2300 x 53203. www.aareced.com.

Chase away the chill of winter with authentic Italian soups. Cabbage and Black Kale soup is simmered with smoked pancetta and borlotti beans in a tomato-based broth. Cauliflower, prosciutto, garlic and chillies are combined in a clear chicken broth to make a spicy soup. Try Uova in Purgatorio (eggs in purgatory), a tomato-based broth using fresh basil, onions, parsley and poached eggs. Let Francesca introduce you to flavors that are authentically Italian. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor.  Please register with Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation. Pre-registration required. Call 734-994-2300 x 53203. www.aareced.com.

Make a FRESH START IN 2012! This class will meet for four consectutive Saturdays. The Fee covers all sessions.  Whether you’re just getting started on a healthy eating path or have been on the road to wellness for years, join us for this exciting, life-changing challenge! We will explore the Four Pillars of Healthy Eating through classes of nutritious knowledge and delicious food. Price includes cooking demos, samples, menu planning, short lectures, and educational materials. To register for this workshop, please visit our Customer Service Desk, call us at 734-975-4500

 100 years ago, the average American ate six pounds of sugar per year.  Now, we eat 210 pounds of sugar per year. Are you caught up in this white plague, the biggest health concern in this country?  This Class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor. To register, call (734) 975-4500. Space is limited. Please register early to secure a spot.

 Chinese hot-pot boasts a history of more than 1,000 years. It is a healthy, versatile meal that can range from simple to fancy, and is typically enjoyed during the winter months in China - especially around the Chinese New Year. In many modern homes, the traditional coal-heated "steamboat" or hot-pot has been replaced by the electric wok. The typical hot-pot meal contains clear broth, and can include meat, seafood, leafy vegetables, and cooked bean noodles with a dipping sauce (according to individual preference). Join Angela Yang as she guides students through the creation of this fun and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy! This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. Students may register on-line through www.wccnet.edu (Lifelong Learning Program) or through mail-in and walk-in registration with the W.C.C. Lifelong Learning.

 Squash, turnips, cabbage, carrots and leeks. Michigan winter vegetables are limited but there are  still lots of delicious dishes you can make. Looking for some new recipes to  spice up winter? Let Sonia show you how to make creamy leek and potato soup, squash ravioli, spicy and creamy coleslaw and pumpkin cream cheese ice cream. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor.  Please register with Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation. Pre-registration required. Call 734-994-2300 x 53203. www.aareced.com.

Some of the best food served around the world are stews and daubes. Learn how to make three delicious meals, each one cooked in one pot: Spanish Chicken with lemon, Belgian Beef carbonnard du nord and a Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Stew. These meals are simple to make and they keep your family and guests coming back for more. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor.  Please register with Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation. Pre-registration required. Call 734-994-2300 x 53203. www.aareced.com.

 A feast that is sure to please. Classic Manicotti is made with homemade pasta rolled up with spinach and ricotta cheese, then baked in a tomato sauce. Stuffed Mushroom Caps are baked with bread crumbs, garlic, fresh herbs and cheeses. Fried strips of Eggplant are marinated in wine vinegar, garlic, fresh herbs and chillies to add a spicy touch. The ingredients are simple, but the art of combining them with the right herbs and other ingredients makes it 100% Italian. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor.  Please register with Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation. Pre-registration required. Call 734-994-2300 x 53203. www.aareced.com.

Travelers to Italy may be surprised at the diversity of its regional cuisine. We invite you to spend two delicious culinary evenings with our native Italian cooking instructor exploring dishes from southern Italy. Each night a rustic Italian meal featuring an entree and side dish will be prepared and enjoyed together. Night one includes hands-on making of two types of fresh sausage (one spicy - with hot chilis - and one mild - seasoned with fennel). Dinner on the first night will be the spicy sausage (sauteed in white wine and served with a garlic and gorgonzola dressed spaghetti), and accompanied by a seasonal vegetable side dish. Dinner on the second night will include homemade gnocchi (dumplings) served with the mild fennel sausage (prepared as a ragu - simmered in red wine and tomatoes), sauteed broccoli rabe (with garlic and chilis), and ricotta cheese tart (baked with almonds and orange zest). This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. Students may register on-line through www.wccnet.edu (Lifelong Learning Program) or through mail-in and walk-in registration with the W.C.C. Lifelong Learning.

What's in Your Pantry? - Come discover what is really in the “food” that you have at home. Learn about common food additives that do not have to be put on the label.

This Class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor. To register, call (734) 975-4500. Space is limited. Please register early to secure a spot.

Long America’s leading artisanal pasta , Al Dente® has been made in the Ann Arbor area since 1981. Now available in all 50 States, it has become famous for fresh, homemade taste and a remarkable 3 minute cooking time. Now you have a chance to meet Monique Deschaine, founder of Al Dente Pasta and a true pioneer of the local food movement. She is well-known around town for her enthusiasm, energy and love of sharing her tricks to getting healthy, delicious food on the table in minutes. This class is perfect for both the novice and experienced cook alike. You will learn to make Whole Wheat Fettuccine with Seasonal Roasted Vegetables, Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Arugula, Fettuccine with Sausage, Peas and Ricotta, Fettuccine with Veggie Ragu and a 5 minute minestrone. Monique is generously donating proceeds from this class to the Whole Planet Foundation. This Class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor. To register, call (734) 975-4500. Space is limited. Please register early to secure a spot.

Students will assist in preparing porchetta (slow roasted pork coated with rosemary and garlic and served with skin-on wedged potatoes baked with mixed herbs), roasted butternut squash (dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette and served on radicchio with dried fruit) and poached pears (in champagne and topped with mascarpone cream cheese and pistachios), followed by the entire meal enjoyed together family style. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. Students may register on-line through www.wccnet.edu (Lifelong Learning Program) or through mail-in and walk-in registration with the W.C.C. Lifelong Learning.

Have you tried to go vegetarian but just didn't find it satisfying? Sonia has whipped up some healthy and flavorful dishes that will make you forget about the meat.  Recipes: Black Bean Burgers, Lentil Soup, Rich Vegetable Stew and Pasta Sonia.  This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor.  Please register with Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation. Pre-registration required. Call 734-994-2300 x 53203. www.aareced.com.

Francesca introduces you to authentic recipes from the island of Sicily. Cod Fillets are baked with fresh tomatoes, green olives, white wine, garlic and herbs. Sicilian-style Artichokes are stuffed with capers, olives, fresh parsley and garlic. End the meal with a delightful Sicilian Cannoli, freshly made just for you. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor.  Please register with Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation. Pre-registration required. Call 734-994-2300 x 53203. www.aareced.com.

  This class is designed to teach expecting parents and the public about an amazing, gentle birthing option.  We will explore the history of the doula, her role, the numerous obstetrical and long-term benefits, the importance of emotional support and advocacy, and one law that every laboring woman must know. Dawn will demonstrate some "non-scientific" physical comfort techniques, and show a short video.  Included is a discussion about the true role of the father at birth, doulas and dad's compatibility, and how doulas ENHANCE, not diminish dad's support.  Dads are often very relieved when a doula is along for their labor journey. Did you know that hiring a doula can reduce your chances of a C-section by 50%?  This Class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor. To register, call (734) 975-4500. Space is limited. Please register early to secure a spot.

Menus can be confusing, especially when you are trying to lead a healthful lifestyle. Learn how to spot good foods and bad ingredients while dining out at your favorite restaurants. This Class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor. To register, call (734) 975-4500. Space is limited. Please register early to secure a spot.

Pasta is more than just a delicious entrée or side dish; it’s an essential part of Italian culture. Italians have been creating pasta dishes for generations, varying the shapes and sauces to reflect regional traditions. In this hands-on class, led by our native Italian cooking instructor, you’ll prepare and enjoy mezza luna (1/2 moon shaped pasta filled, in this version, with sautéed artichoke hearts and cheese, topped with a white cream sauce, parmigiano cheese and fresh parsley), sautéed zucchini (with pancetta and onions), and traditional tiramisu. This class is held in the Cooking and Lifestyles Classroom at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., in Ann Arbor. Students may register on-line through www.wccnet.edu (Lifelong Learning Program) or through mail-in and walk-in registration with the W.C.C. Lifelong Learning.