Newsletter: 1st Edition
A New Beginning, the Same Delicious Products
The legacy continues on
This month marks the second full month that our store has officially been under new ownership.
Our founder, Nancy Monacelli, and her husband Richard have finally ventured off to new lives in the beautiful country of France.
Employees Trish, Inez, and Isabel have stepped up to continue the Monacelli legacy. This business will continue on while still keeping the original dream alive, treating everyone with kindness while serving tasty meals and snacks for those who live with food allergies. We hope you will continue to support us on this new journey. There will always be something new happening as we work to grow in this community.
Local Supporting Local
As our business continues to grow and shape itself into something new, we are committed to bringing in more local products. We currently use espresso beans from The Peacock in Kennewick, WA, and our drip coffee is made from beans from Livit here in Walla Walla. As always, we also have rotating local art for sale.
A new addition to our store is honey from Walla Walla Valley Honey Company. We use this in our drinks and have jars for purchase on our shelves along with mugs made from Clay in Motion in Milton-Freewater.
This month, be on the lookout for new tea options crafted by local tea makers in the valley! A limited selection will be added to the menu, while a wider number will be available for purchase from our shelves.
Valentine’s Day Pre Order
Valentine’s Day Pre-Orders are here! We have a wide list of items for that special person in your life (or yourself). As always, everything is gluten-free, and some options are also dairy-free, soy free, and vegan.
We have also added some more customizable items, such as the heart-shaped cakes and vegan brownies. Cookie decorating kits have also been included this time around due to popular request!
Pre-orders will be open until February 9th and can be placed online, in-store, by email, or over the phone. Pick-up days available are February 13th and 14th, unless otherwise discussed beforehand.
For those ordering online, use code VALENTINES30 for a little discount from us!
Who we are and who we hope to become
What We Do
Mama Monacelli’s is Walla Walla’s first and only fully dedicated gluten-free bakery and cafe. Our goal is to provide a space where our customers feel safe to enjoy treats that may be hard to find elsewhere.
We are always working towards improving current items and expanding our baking repertoire. While we specialize in gluten-free treats, we guarantee there is something for everyone!
What We Are Working On
There are some big goals in place for Mama Monacelli’s this year! We are trying to hit the ground running and build a list of exciting things to bring to our customers.
The first thing is that we are trying to be present at more local events. This means more vending, more event orders, and being out in the public more. We already booked for some fun events this year, such as the Walla Walla Spring Fling. Check out our event calendar on our website for more information as it comes.
We are also planning on hosting more events out of our own space. Some ideas that have been floating around are Celiac/gluten-free chat nights, where people can come and meet others with similar food restrictions. Another idea has been ticketed craft nights with included materials, a drink, and a snack for you to enjoy.
Overall, we want to continue to be a safe and welcoming space for all. If there is anything you would like to see us do, please let us know, and we will add it to our brainstorming list. There are no wrong answers here, and all ideas will help us become one step closer to our goal.
Did You Know?
Outside of our coffee and baked goods, we also offer chocolate and candies, all made in-house. We utilize a special split kitchen that allows us to make baked goods and meals on one side, and create custom chocolate blends on the other. You may have even seen us selling these little delights at local events such as the Winter Market and Country Club nights.
Custom orders for different occasions are another thing not many people realize we do. From custom cakes to bulk orders for your next holiday party, we will work with you to get you exactly what you need.
In the past, we have also been a place for other local groups to come and meet. If you or a group you know is interested in using our space, you can reach out to us via our new website mamamonacellis.com, call the store at 509-741-6262, or send an email to mamamonacelli@gmail.com. These contact methods are also the best way to get more information on any bulk orders or other questions you may have for us. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
What is Celiac Disease, and Why is it Important to Have a Dedicated Facility in Town?
While many of our customers are no strangers to what Celiac disease is, others may not know exactly what it is. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes intestinal damage when gluten is consumed. This disease is often not diagnosed in people, but it is estimated that 1 in 100 people may have it.
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barely which can make it extremely hard for those who have Celiac disease to find food that is safe to eat. Outside of the intestinal damage, consuming gluten can cause a number of other side effects or conditions. Some of these include extreme fatigue, stomach pains, swelling, and rashes.
While the only treatment for Celiac disease is a fully gluten-free diet, this can be harder to follow than one might think. Gluten can be found in a number of foods, and those who are more sensitive may also need to avoid certain brands of shampoo, utensils, and even medication that can contain hidden gluten. This is why dedicated gluten-free facilities are very important for this community. It is one of the few places where people can feel safe eating what is in front of them. Celiac people may be able to eat some wheat products that have had the gluten removed, but there are also some people who have a general allergy or sensitivity to wheat. That is why we make sure to keep all forms of wheat out of our store.
This Month’s Specials
English Toffee Latte
English toffee was the steppingstone that got Mama Monacelli’s going. In honor of this, we have created this addictive drink. Our house espresso is flavored with English toffee and butter pecan. What really makes this drink stand out is the sprinkle of our house-made English toffee on top. This drink is a must-try!
Vegan Double Chocolate Brownies
We know our vegan customers have been looking for more options, and this new brownie is the perfect addition! This brownie can be served at room temperature or slightly heated, which we highly recommend. This makes the chocolate chunks inside warm and melty. This, paired with a sea salt topping, creates the perfect combo.
Sweetheart Latte (Strawberry Cheesecake)
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. This drink is the sweet treat you have been looking for. The taste of strawberries and cheesecake mix beautifully with our house espresso and your choice of milk. Get one for yourself or that special person in your life before it’s gone!
