@hashtagwv

#Pinoy is White Sulphur Springs newest #international market! #filipino #foryou #hashtagwv

♬ Phillipines – DJ Babycakes

Pinoy (/ˈpɪnɔɪ/ Tagalog: [‘pɪnɔi]) is an informal demonym referring to the Filipino people in the Philippines and their culture as well as to overseas Filipinos in the Filipino diaspora.

Pinoy is becoming a staple of the neighborhood…

Pinoy, an international grocery market at 714 Main Street E is becoming a staple of the neighborhood in downtown White Sulphur Springs. Owners Franchesca and Joshua Berry opened in December 2020 and offer goods and whole foods from the Philippines (dry and frozen) Indonesia, India, Japan, Thailand, Seoul, Spain, Amish communities, as well as some specialty foods from the UK and Germany. You can find Nishiki sushi rice, an extensive variety of Goya products, a2 milk which aids in easier digestion, sliced breads, Amish wedding soup mix and classic soup favorites, Oriental noodles, Milagrosa Jasmine Rice, Mamao’s Premium Kimchi Paste, Wok Mei Hoisin sauce (a bbq stir-fry, perfect for Memorial Day!), Bihon cornstarch sticks, Australian BBQ sauce, baby cereal, bubble milk teas, imported snacks, and so much more! You can also quench your thirst with a refreshing, fizzy, and fun Ramude soda from Japan, which comes in a variety of flavors! There’s also an array of toiletries and a three scent facial cleaner with lemon, papaya, and cucumber. BONUS: Make Pinoy your one-stop spot for local farm fresh eggs at only $3.50 a dozen!

This is the only market of its kind in a 250-mile radius

The selection of products is growing by the day making Pinoy Greenbrier Valley’s go-to Filipino market. Also, this is the only market of its kind in a 250-mile radius and is becoming known for sourcing their foods straight from vendors in Canada, California, and Chicago who import these foods direct from the Philippines, and other international markets. Very soon they will be offering baked products and accepting EBT.

“We have folks coming to us from Beckley, Charleston and Roanoke regularly…”

Fran and Joshua share with us that since opening, the local community has been very excited and supportive of their market. Fran tells us, “We have folks coming to us from Beckley, Charleston and Roanoke regularly because we are the only “Pinoy” store near them. While there are other Oriental markets closer to their area, they don’t mind traveling to have more Filipino options. We are so thrilled to now be open almost 6 months. Of course, we are still learning what the local community would like to see on our shelves and so we are working to make it happen!”

The duo say they brought this market into WSS to offer a new twist on foods. Fran immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 2013 and started out as an intern at the hotel. She and her co-workers wished for an Oriental market locally where they could conveniently pick-up ingredients. They tell us there’s a good bit of local residents from other countries and also some who are visiting for internships every year at The Greenbrier Resort. They go onto share that the GBV is also home to many war veterans who were once stationed in the Philippines and Vietnam. Many of them are thankful for the market since these flavors are taking them back to their days living with eastern cultures with memories of happiness and joy.

For you folks who want to learn about Filipino cooking, Fran invites you to her complimentary “Virtual Cooking Classes” held every Monday at 7pm on their facebook page! BEST PART: You can cook alongside Fran at home! Simply stop in the market and pick-up your ingredients in their pre-packaged take-home kit, which includes a recipe. Here is the May schedule:

• May 3: Let’s Cook Bicol Express (Sauteed Pork in Coconut Sauce)
• May 10: How to Prepare Gambas Al Ajilo ( Garlic Shrimp)
• May 17: We are Making Pancit Bihon (Stir-fried Rice Noodles)
• May 24: Who is Ready For Embutido (Philippines Meatloaf)
• May 31: Celebrate Memorial Day w/ Inihaw (Pork BBQ SKEWERS) (no class since it’s a holiday. Kits avail!)

During Third Thursday in WSS, Pinoy will offer hot Filipino meals for just $5!

Also, mark your calendar for Asian takeout on Thursday, May 20th. During Third Thursday in WSS, Pinoy will offer hot Filipino meals for just $5! This is a wonderful opportunity to try something new for you and your friends/family! The best part is that if you love this special meal, you too can recreate it as everything in your meal is available in this market! Pick-up times are between 5p-7pm and while meals last so we suggest you arrive early!

An international market is within your reach! No need to travel the distance to get your Oriental spices, ingredients, and other world flavors. They are located between ACE Hardware and Tootsie’s Coffee Shop. Follow Pinoy on facebook @internationalgroceryonline and on instagram @pinoystorewss. For more information, call 304-992-2199.

– Staff. Hashtag Lewisburg City Paper, #131. May 2021.