Archive for December, 2008

Counterfeit Chocolates!

By Susie, 23 December, 2008, No Comment

Zut alors!

The New York Times reports that “officers at the giant Rungis international market outside Paris seized nearly 33,000 boxes of gold-foil-wrapped morsels, on suspicion that they were counterfeit Ferrero Rochers, a popular Italian chocolate brand.”

That’s a scene I wish I could have witnessed. Being sold out of the back of a truck? Tipped off by disgusting flavor?

Yet another great reason to buy directly from a small chocolate maker, who knows the source of their ingredients isn’t some distant factory.

Too bad it wasn’t solid chocolate though, as they’re destroying the entire batch. That could have made for some fun ideas (chocolate river etc.)

Sweet Holiday Food Gifts on Foodzie

By Susie, 19 December, 2008, No Comment

Literally just in time for the holidays, Foodzie launched its new website that brings together a group of artisan food makers in a marketplace that will make any bonafide foodie’s heart race. Until December 31st, everything is 20% off (much like the rest of the world is discounted these days!)

I’ve had the pleasure of helping them connect with great small food companies, to help them set up their stores. If you know me or have read my blog you’ll know that is a pure delight for me!

The selection of producers will grow quickly, and we’re excited to introduce food you might not find anywhere nearby. you can find gifts including:

boxes including a selection of sweets and savories from San Francisco-based La Cocina’s great food entrepeneurs,
caramelly marshmallowy decadence from Bon Bon Bar of Los Angeles.
and a lot more than sweets: teas and coffee, spices and sauces, and even the thoughtfully conceived Q Tonic – tonic water from Brooklyn

What are you still doing here? Check out Foodzie and share your ideas (on Get Satisfaction) for other great artisan food companies who could benefit from reaching new customers through Foodzie. Or email the team!

Happy holidays and happy eating!

Let Them Eat Parmesan!

By Susie, 12 December, 2008, No Comment

Bella italia!

To help the needy and the cheese industry, “Agriculture Minister Luca Zaia has committed to buying 100,000 66-pound (30-kilogram) wheels each of Parmigiano Reggiano and the very similar Grana Padano cheese to donate.”

Talk about creative. Why dump milk when you can turn it into great food. I’ll step up as Cheese Czar.

Interestingly they say prices have dropped 25% in the last few years. Due to the weak dollar we sure haven’t seen lower prices. Maybe with things changing we’ll be able to ramp up US Parmesan consumption.

Tomato Fight Comes Home to Roost

By Susie, 11 December, 2008, No Comment

I never thought the same day I was raving about La Tomatina, the world’s biggest tomato fight that takes place in Spain, the front page of SF Gate would announce a fight with the country’s largest tomato processor.

Reading about “food that didn’t match the quality advertised on labels” reminds me of childhood ketchup urban legends. It also reinforces why knowing exactly who made the food you eat, and reducing the supply chain, is so much better than food processed in large factories.

For example, try June Taylor’s racketeering-free ketchup. Or try making your own!

Tired of Pluots? Stay Tuned for Peacotums

By Susie, 4 December, 2008, No Comment

Just when you were learning to say “apriot,” CNN reports that the “peacotum” is soon to hit the shelves, thanks to Zaiger Genetics. It’s my impression “genetics” has nothing to do with cellular genetic modification but I could be wrong.

Can’t wait to sink your teeth into a peacotum? Look into planting a tree yourself!

(Yes, you need to decipher the hybrid name yourself.)