If Only…a fine store

WIN SPECIALTY FOODS FROM IF ONLY… A FINE STORE

Did you know you can find hand-twisted candy canes, bright natural pastas colored with beets and squid ink, and cucumber wasabi dip at If Only… a Fine Store on Cushman Street?

And this holiday season, you can win a basket of the most coveted treats in their collection or a gift certificate during the Alyeska 21 Days of Solstice.

If Only… a Fine Store has debuted their annual line of specialty foods and some of the hottest (tastiest) products are going fast. Cocktail stirrers are a big hit this year, as are buttery caramels, dark chocolate bark, and artisanal crackers.

“We really look for quality product. We pay attention to ingredients,” says Georjean Seeliger, co-owner with Rebecca Morse. Each product has been tested for visual appeal, vendor integrity, and that “Wow” flavor factor.

Kosher, gluten-free, natural, and organic products are a big part of the 2011 mix as well as hard-to-find items like vanilla beans, bitters, vinegars, and spices (powdered jalapeno, anyone?).

“All of the balsamics we have are put in an oak cask and get their color through time. They’re aged—they don’t get color through additives,” Georjean points out. One of the fine oils she carries, Colheita Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Portugal, was named among the 2010 Top 200 Olive Oils Worldwide.

Georjean and Rebecca take pride in offering items that can be bought as personal treats, but also make great gifts.

As a gift to loyal customers, If Only… a Fine Store is offering a chance to win a basket of specialty foods for those who mention both “Specialty Foods” and “21 Days of Solstice” to the cashier when shopping in the store.

Stop in before noon on December 24th and your name will be entered into a drawing for each visit (where to park? look here.) On Christmas Eve, a lucky winner will pick up a basket of pastas, soups, spices, mustards, candies, and dips to share with family and friends.

Get a taste (har, har) of the selection and flavors now available at If Only… a Fine Store with the following products, diligently tested and reviewed by DTA staffers. (We love our jobs.)

• Classy Delites Pistachio Roasted Pepper Dip ($9.50 for 12 oz.) A favorite of both Kara and David. Comparable to guacamole but with a peppery kick. The label says “Wild Taste, Tame Heat.” We had it on crackers, but dipping white corn tortilla chips in it would taste even better.
• Dave’s Gourmet Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce ($12.75 for 25.5 oz.) Made from squash in Oregon and delicious with garlic, onions, and roasted red pepper. Georjean recommends pouring it over tortellini and ravioli, or mixing into lasagna.
• O Blood Orange Kalamata Olives & Capers ($15 for 8.4 oz) A citrus-y take on traditional olive spread, the orange olive oil brightens up the black olives in this chunky tapenade. Amy loves the rich, bold flavor and recommends a “less is more” approach when spreading atop crackers or breads.
• Elki Sundried Tomato Savory Crackers ($4.25 for 5.3 oz) Light and flaky with a buttery sweetness. The texture and ridges make it perfect for dips and spreads. David was a big fan, and is happy to munch on these sans toppings.
• B.T. McElrath Peppermint Buttercreams ($11 for 5-piece set) or “Salty Dog Bites” ($0.95 each) Crafted by a chocolatier with a passion for dark and delicious sweets and an eco-friendly conscience (does it get any better than that?) From milk to dark and mixed with holiday flavors like toffee and cranberry, every B.T. McElrath product is handcrafted to perfection. Plus- “I’ve met BT. He’s a very nice guy,” Georjean attests.
• Hammond’s Twist Lollipops and All Natural Candy Canes ($3.25 to $4 apiece) are hand-spun and make great stocking stuffers. Hammond’s is “a great traditional candy company,” describes Rebecca. Lollipops of red, white, or green swirls and thick candy canes in flavors like mint, butterscotch, cherry, apple pie, and cinnamon are now available.

Is your mouth watering yet? Throughout the Alyeska 21 Days of Solstice (Dec. 1-21^st), Martha of If Only… a Fine Store will share a specialty food of the day (today it’s pasta!) in her online diary. She will provide insights, suggest pairings, and reveal recipes developed in-house. Like If Only… a Fine Store on Facebook to stay in the loop on Martha’s posts.

Need even more chances to test out a few of these tasty items? If Only… a Fine Store is sponsoring a giveaway for the Alyeska 21 Days of Solstice. Check the facebook page of the Downtown Association of Fairbanks on Wednesday, December 7^th and follow the instructions to win.

When:

10:00am-6:00am, Monday-Saturday

11:00am-5:00pm, Sunday

Where:

If Only.. a Fine Store

215 Cushman Street

Phone:

 (907)457-6659

 

If Only…a fine store

Accordion Music @ If Only…a Fine Store

Celebrate Winter Solstice with music by accordion duo Louise Kowalski and Rebecca Morse inside one of downtown’s best and brightest retail shops.

When:

Wednesday, December 21st 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where:

If Only…a Fine Store

215 Cushman Street

If Only…a fine store

Classical Harp @ If Only…a Fine Store

Browse new holiday products at If Only..a Fine Store while listening to the beautiful sounds of classical harp, performed by Brayana Jeannet.

When:

Friday, December 23rd 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where:

If Only…a Fine Store

215 Cushman Street

If Only…a fine store

Live Music @ If Only…a Fine Store

Do your holiday shopping to live music at If Only…a Fine Store.

When:

Friday, December 9th 6:00pm-8:00pm

Friday, December 16th 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where:

If Only…a Fine Store

215 Cushman Street

If Only…a fine store

Holiday Open House @ If Only…a Fine Store

Enjoy refreshments, fun, and prizes with Martha and If Only…a Fine Store. Shop the winter Vera Bradley collection or new lines of home spa products or gourmet specialty foods.

When:

Saturday, November 12th 12:00pm-6:00pm

Sunday, November 13th  12:00pm-5:00pm

Where:

If Only…a Fine Store

215 Cushman Street

If Only…a fine store

Celebrating Independence @ If Only…a fine store

Celebrating Independence with ice cream and live music on the sidewalk.

When:

First Friday, July 1st, 2011- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

If Only…a fine store

215 Cushman Street

If Only…a fine store

IF ONLY… A FINE STORE

If Only…a fine store

215 Cushman Street, 907.452.6659

A must-see favorite of locals and visitors. Owned and operated by Alaskan women, If Only… features works of many artisans from Alaska, the Lower 48 and Canada. Handcrafted jewelry, Vera Bradley handbags, pens, cards and journals are included in an upbeat mix of great finds. Meet Martha, Fairbanks’ Folk Art Ambassador. She’s life sized and a great photo opportunity. Visit us online at IfOnlyAlaska.com. Jun-Aug Hours 10am-8pm, Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun May & Sept Hours 10am-6pm, Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun Oct-Dec Hours 10am-6pm, Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun Jan-Apr Hours 10am-6pm, Mon-Sat; closed Sun

Learn more about If Only.. a Fine Store or visit them on Facebook.

If Only…a fine store

Made in Alaska, You Bet! @ If Only…a fine store

Made in Alaska, You Bet!   Featuring items from over 40 Alaskan artists and craftspeople.  A sneak peek before our visitors, family and friends arrive provides an opportunity for locals to purchase some of Alaska’s finest.

When:

First Friday, May 6th, 2011- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

If Only…a fine store

215 Cushman Street

If Only…a fine store

Lori Lieske @ If Only…a fine store

Featuring a trunk show of handcrafted jewelry by Lori Lieske of Washington State.

When:

First Friday, April 1st, 2011- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

If Only…a fine store

215 Cushman Street

If Only…a fine store

Leola Rutherford @ If Only…a fine store

First Friday March 4th we’re featuring the work of ceramic artist Leola Rutherford from Girdwood.  Leola credits her grandmother for her talent and draws from rich Alaskan experiences and landscapes for her inspiration. Come by and see the beautiful glazes of her salad bowls and salmon platters.  Her one-of-a-kind Mud Banks are adoptable and adorable monsters sure to draw a smile.

When:

First Friday, March 4th, 2010-5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

If Only…a fine store

215 Cushman Street

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