Thursday, August 19, 2010

My quest continues to outsource production of my gourmet products

Well, back to the drawing board...I was optimistic that production of my gourmet products could be outsourced to Farm to Table co-packers but as the negotiations progressed, it became clear that Farm to Table is positioned to work with organizations much larger than Baron's International Kitchen is. Though Baron's International Kitchen is growing, it isn't at large scale production yet and so I'm sort of in between the 2 options of making the products myself or partnering with an organization like Farm to Table co-packers.

I reached out to the NYS Dept of Agriculture & Markets and asked about other co-packing facilities in the state and they forwarded me a list of organizations. I reached out to those within about 2 hours of my area Kingston, NY for information about their services and am planning to meet with Nelson Farms next week.

Nelson Farms is a venture of Morrisville State College that provides entrepreneurial agri-business opportunities for specialty food processors, farmers, growers and producers. Their services include processing/co-packing, product development, distribution, marketing and sales promotion and education/training. They also have a dairy incubator. It sounds like their services are much more in line with those I require but I'll be meeting with the Director, Dave Evans next week to learn more. There'll be more info coming soon after the meet with him.

In the meantime, I'm back in the kitchen next week Tuesday to make more of the Mild Caribbean Marinade. Baron's International Kitchen will have a booth at the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest on September 11th & 12th at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY and I'll need more inventory for that event. If you're a foodie or love good wine, consider attending the event. Local restaurants will be providing free/nominally priced samples and there will be lots of wine to sample too. You can also purchase at the event cases of those wines you enjoyed sampling. If you've been curious about my gourmet products and would like try before you buy, stop by my booth at the event and have a taste. I'm sure you're gonna love 'em.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Terry

Thursday, August 5, 2010

My gourmet products are now available at The Bluecashew Kitchen Pharmacy

I'm excited to say that Baron's International Kitchen has hit another milestone with the addition of our 10th retail outlet - The Bluecashew Kitchen Pharmacy.

My gourmet products are now available at The Bluecashew Kitchen Pharmacy located on Rt 9 in historic Rhinebeck, NY. Owners Sean & Gregory pride themselves on finding the most unique and classic quality goods and since 2004 they have blazed a trail of innovation, fusing utility & design into a well merchandised specialty kitchen experience.

The store is just beautiful. It's upscale atmosphere, hip background music and bright, visually attractive presentation entices, encouraging browsing of every display. I love the wide variety of culinary tools and gadgets that make quick work of preparation for parties and get-togethers. Gourmet and specialty food products include honey, sauces, oils & vinegar. You'll also find a wide variety of other items including professional cutlery, cooking & bake ware, bar ware, tabletops, stemware, small appliances, cookbooks and select provisions. This rare Hudson Valley gem supplies a variety of clients ranging from local shoppers to culinary professionals to food enthusiasts from far and wide.

You've got to make it a point to stop by The Bluecashew Kitchen Pharmacy in historic Rhinebeck, NY. I know you'll find it a rewarding experience even if you're just in the mood for browsing. Shop The Bluecashew Kitchen Pharmacy online for that unique item for the foodie in your life, create a registry for that special occasion or simply build a wish list for your next birthday or anniversary.

Here's to great shopping surrounded by great beauty!

Terry

PS- I'm looking forward to reaching the milestone of adding the 25th store! Why not come along for the ride by following my blog.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Technology makes lunch ordering easier!

Since I've been working with local small businesses in the area, I've begun to see and really believe that if we support each other as partners in our mutual success, we can become powerful forces that help each other be successful. To that end and in support of the local businesses that I am doing businesses with, I'd like to inform you about specials, events and offers that might be interesting to you. I encourage all of you out there who are local to take advantage of these specials and offers and support the events by patronizing the highlighted business.

This week I'd like to tell you about a very cool service provided by Kevin over at Woodstock Meats. It's their Online Sandwich Builder which is accessible from the order lunch link on the main page of their website. Not only can you order the type of sandwich you're in the mood for but you can also select the type of condiment (for example a particular type of mustard or light mayo), any sides (for example 4 baby carrots or 3 slices of avocado), the dessert you'd like (for example a particular type of candy bar, cookies, chips or that banana bread I told you about) and the beverage of your preference. The online sandwich builder allows you to customize your sandwich order just as you would if you were standing in the store placing the order in person.

You can pick up your order anytime- no wait required, even if it's on the way into work in the morning. Kevin is providing a 10% discount on all lunch orders placed via the online sandwich builder so if you're headed in or through Woodstock, NY place your order ahead of time and have it ready for pickup when you're ready.

You can also place your order for fish or organic meat online and purchase additional items such as groceries, baked goods and potted plants.

I appreciate your support of Kevin and Woodstock Meats.

thanks, Terry