Wednesday, October 27, 2010

My gourmet products up for bid at auction

I have donated a gourmet gift basket containing several of my scrumptious international goodies to an online auction in support of a local business.

The online auction is a fundraiser of the High Meadow School which is located in Stone Ridge, NY. The online auction will begin on November 1st and end November 14th at 8PM EST. The online auction will feature many goods, services and unique experiences donated by local individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses.

If you've been planning to gift my gourmet products this holiday season, why not visit High Meadow School's online auction and submit a bid on my Caribbean Delectables Gourmet Gift Basket. It can be found in the "food and gourmet items" section. Be sure to browse the other categories too. You might just find the perfect holiday gift for your special someone this season- perhaps a unique experience that they'll treasure and remember long after the holidays have passed.

I'm happy to be supporting this local business for a 2nd year. I hope you'll join me in offering your support to the High Meadow School by submitting an online bid for one of the many unique items in their auction fundraiser. It's simple and you can do it from the comfort of your home, anytime- day or night.
 
Let the bidding begin!

Terry

Monday, October 18, 2010

My gourmet products are now available at Cheese Louise

My gourmet products are now available at Cheese Louise located on Rt 28 in Hurley, NY.

This new, gourmet hot spot located between the Wine Hutch and Gourmet Bistro on Rt 28 in Hurley, NY is a culinary retreat offering a variety of tantalizing specialty goodies. At Cheese Louise, you'll find -- cheese, of course! Over 75 different varieties of fine cheeses in fact- from the ever popular Organic Sharp Gouda to the hard-to-find Cahill's Irish Porter. Feel free to sample anything that tempts your taste buds.

Cheese Louise also serves a wide variety of high end, all natural comfort foods and soup all made fresh daily. Their ready to go meals are prepared using only the finest and freshest ingredients and I know you won't be able to resist the culinary creations by Sam- Owner Rick's right hand woman. There's indoor seating so you can stay a while and enjoy your meal in a beautiful and comfortable space then top it off with a serving of Jane's Ice Cream- a popular, locally produced favorite. It's a tasty way to wrap up any meal. I highly recommend getting on Cheese Louise's lunch menu fax list so you can find out what delectable dishes Sam has prepared each day.

...and in addition, you'll also find a variety of dry goods and peasant pantry items at Cheese Louise that showcase the very best from local gourmet and specialty foods companies.

Visit the new Cheese Louise located on Rt. 28 in Hurley, NY 11:30 - 7 PM, Mon - Thurs & Sat, Friday till 9 PM and while you're there, remember to try a sample! Rick and Sam will take great care of you with a warm and inviting welcome that will make you feel like an old friend, right at home.

Here's to new experiences!

Terry

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

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Celebrate Fall at Gil's Farm Market

Get out there and celebrate Fall in true New England style at Gil's Farm Market located on Rt. 209 in Hurley, NY.

In addition to a variety of beautiful plants you can buy farm fresh produce that was grown right on Gil's farm. While you're there, pick up a Halloween pumpkin- there's a whole field to choose from whether you're looking for large or small sizes. There's also a pumpkin cannon if you decide to shoot that pumpkin rather than take it home.

Fall Fest weekends at Gil's Farm Market are from 11 AM - 4 PM. Gil's Farm Market is open from 9 AM - 6 PM daily. I appreciate your patronage of Gil's Farm Market- a local business with wonderful people and a valued Baron's International Kitchen partner.

Here's to local businesses helping local businesses!
Terry

Friday, October 15, 2010

How the production test runs at Nelson's Farms went

So, a couple of weeks ago I did production test runs at Nelson's Farms in Cazenovia, NY. The process worked well- I made a very small amount (maybe the volume equivalent of 2 - 4 cups of each of the products) in Nelson's Farms test kitchen. From that, Amanda and Sue were able to quote me a price to perform production of my gourmet sauces and condiments.

I'm going to take a look at their ingredient price list- I may be able to get some of the more expensive ingredients cheaper at a different source and then I'll know where I'm at. A colleague, Johnny McLaughlin who owns Heartbreaking Dawns recommended a source for one of my most expensive ingredients so I'm gonna give them a call and check out their pricing. Thanks, Johnny!!

I suspect that Baron's International Kitchen is at an in-between stage of growth right now such that though I can't afford the time to continue to make all my gourmet products myself, by myself, Baron's International Kitchen is just not quite ready for a co-packer. I'm going to resume my journey towards the 25th store and get back out meeting and talking with other business owners. I have really been enjoying that part of my job.

So, I guess the outcome is that I don't really know what the outcome is yet. I'll keep you posted...

I met Johnny McLaughlin of Heartbreaking Dawns at the Rosendale Street Fair in Rosendale NY this past summer- nice guy. Heartbreaking Dawns sells a variety of gourmet spicy products including hot sauce. I'm glad to have met both Johnny McLaughlin of Heartbreaking Dawns and Marty Fabian of Beechwood House Sauces there actually- these guys both rock! They've demonstrated a real collaborative spirit- letting me pick their brains, offering advice, sharing lessons learned. Their knowledge and real world experiences while building and growing their businesses have been invaluable to helping me grow Baron's International Kitchen. Thanks, guys!

Here's to local businesses helping local businesses!

Terry