Saturday September 27 I’ll look forward to chatting with Juniper Ridge, makers of deliciously scented soaps, delicate incense, and more – “wildcrafted from the mountains and deserts of the west.”
They’re one of few non-food companies at the San Francisco Ferry Building farmer’s market (That’s tea in the pic.)
If you’re in town come and “Meet the Producer” from 10:30-11am.
La Cocina‘s “Taste of La Cocina” open house united a number of food businesses that have grown, often, from hobbies into thriving businesses offering well-crafted, packaged, and marketed food products.
I barely staggered out the door on a major sugar high, inspired and delighted. Some of my faves:
Chilean “alfajores” – the most delicate powdered sugar butter cookies sandwiched with sublime dulce de leche – from Sabores del Sur. (I dare you not to drool looking at these photos.)
Tamales from Los Cilantros – With a rich red chile salsa
Claire’s Squares – An Irish version of the alfajores: “We start with a buttery shortbread base, then coat it with a thick layer of rich caramel and top it off with a smooth coating of Belgian chocolate.”
…and many more. Has my caramelphilia exhibited itself?
Wistful about not being in San Francisco, home of La Cocina?
Consider the case of mother and daughter team of Embrace Sweets:
They’d started a brownie business in Ohio. After some success they had trouble taking the business to the next level. They heard about La Cocina, looked into it, applied, packed their bags, and now are happily baking and selling in local farmer’s markets.
Now that’s dedication all aspiring entrepreneurs can take a bite out of.
I didn’t really want to end this with poor grammar, but really wouldn’t it sound weird to say “from which all aspiring entrepreneurs can take a bite?”
Just happened to visit the website of La Cocina, “San Francisco’s first incubator kitchen for low-income entrepreneurs,” and discovered two don’t-miss events:
September 12 – Tastings
For $5 you can taste the delights of La Cocina food companies. If you are a dessert fiend, let’s hope Claire’s Squares buttery sugar-laden scotchbread squares are in ample attendance.
September 24 – Mole Making Classes
The Magic of Mole; Lessons with Los Pastores -
Kinda pricy at $100 but it includes a full meal plus the chance to make horchata (from scratch I wonder?)
For food entrepreneurs and the people who love them, Susie Wyshak--consultant, author & speaker--writes about successful food businesses; observations on trends and customer experience; and, offers ideas from her travels and encounters with makers, farmers, and experts. Pin It
