Looking to the Future

So I really am making an attempt to write more especially with the company getting ready for some very large R&D projects with various recipes and menu creations. Today we had a problem with a Gnocchi Recipe worked off the Internet from an Italian site. To say it nicely the ratio was off from the start. I thought that I would go ahead with the recipe anyway though my instinct were correct and I did not let the Gnocchi out. It was unfortunate as the flavour was perfect, but I was not happy with the texture and density.

In the next month we will be creating a few recipes books that we will put on our website (which is in serious need of an overhaul). I will be updating on our partnership with Konzelmann and all the fun details and projects we are starting to put into action.

Over a few pints with friend and winemaker Jeff Innes (Palatine Hills, NOTL) the idea was proposed of starting the restaurant sooner than later. There has been a lot of interest with clients over the years as to where and when I would have a restaurant. I have flirted with the idea over the past year but wanted to build up the clientele with catering first. With us now working our way out of our debt and should be clear and have money put away by Jan 2012 the decision is a house or restaurant. I was asked previously "what do you care about more business or gaining a family?". As I don't see myself getting married anytime soon the prospect of a small restaurant, a kitchen to cater in and a way to keep my top contracted staff seems like a much better idea then trying to continue to cater in a house.

As it would be my preference to purchase in Jan because you do not miss out on revenue as it is slow, I am not against another date. I am looking more for good deals and locations where I may make a move sooner then expected. This is a very dangerous game so we are hoping that our moves into the wedding market and wineries will actually speed up the process so that we can go into a restaurant with some support.

The area is in need of a good restaurant...we will see what the future beholds and if the growth in the past months even without advertising is any hint we should not have any problems.

Slainte

Ultimate Wedding Magazine and Show

Artisanal Palate will be playing a big part in the next issue of the Ultimate Wedding Magazine as well as the wedding show on October the 3rd in Niagara Falls.

We are going to be contributing to an article on specialty cocktails and hors d'oeuves to create a new fun way to enjoy the traditional bachelorette/bachelor party. As well the idea of cocktail hour in your wedding instead of 5 course sit down dinner.

People are going to smaller weddings and with this happening it is just with their good friends and family. No one really wants to sit down for 2 hours. With this style of reception you get to see a lot more of your guests and actually get a chance to enjoy your meal instead of rushing to be able to eat the first course.

Time to create new dishes and get ready to produce for photography and recipe book.

Slainte

This Holiday Weekend

As mentioned before our affiliation with Konzelmann Winery has brought us the use of their patio that we have chosen to use as our "restaurant". This is a beautiful location on Lakeshore rd in Niagara on the Lake and if you are visiting or from the area you need to check it out.

We have a lot of fun working with local farmers and producers and as the company grows so do our relationships. This weekend we have made another fantastic menu that will take a lot of time and love to prep and make the day of.

Great food, great wine and great hosts what more can you ask for during the long weekend!

3 Courses for only $27.00

Grilled Vegetable Quiche with Baby Arugula and Balsamic Reduction
$10

Smoked Salmon on Fresh Focaccia and Potato Salad with Chardonnay Vinaigrette

$12

Feta and Roasted Red Pepper 8oz Burger served with Sauteed Mushrooms and Fresh Potato Chips

$14

Grilled Pork Loin with Fingerling Potatoes, Grilled Zucchini and White Wine Cream Sauce

$15

Late Harvest Cheese Cake with Local Cherry Reduction
$6.50

Just because food is on a patio does not mean it does not have to be the best.

Come out and have a great time with us as we explore what this area has to offer

Great things ahead

So we are far behind in posting as well as everything else! Artisanal Palate has been working very hard to progress business and we have been succeeding.

We have just started a partnership with Konzelmann Winery here in Niagara and are working on all the smaller details at this time. We have our temporary restaurant situated on their patio every weekend starting this Friday until October. We will be open 11-5 everyday and a schedule will be put on the website (www.artisanalpalate.com)

We will be serving food that will blow your mind with great wines and entertainment from your hosts.

I look forward to continue writing for all the food lovers out there and will be posting shortly.

Thank you for you patience,

Slainte

Make your own Bread!!: Introduction

I have spent years working in every kind of place I could get myself into to learn the tricks and then to do my best to learn more on my own perfecting my skill. One of my favourite things is making bread. A skill so many people told me was really hard but honestly once you know the basics and have a good reference its easy, it just takes work and time.

For starters the "Bread Bible" is just that, my bible. Chef Anthony Bourdain of Les Halles mentioned about getting his cook book dirty, get the grease stains on it. Well both books have banged up covers and both have gotten a lot of face time in the kitchen with me. A great reference book will teach you some tricks and logic will carry you the rest of the way as you make your own twist on the recipes.

When I first was taught bread the moral was "treat it like a woman". Be firm, be soft, love it and do not rush and in the end you will be rewarded. Now I take that phrase to heart in my kitchen with everything but it is honestly the best piece of advice when making bread. An there is nothing better then fresh bread out of the oven and some good butter and maybe even a lavender honey.

The next few days I will discuss my favourite breads to eat and of course to make. Remember fresh bread tastes great, is cheap to make and if your wife/husband is on your back its a great way to get some stress out if you are not yet at the "make up" stage.

slainte

The Garden

For people that know me they know that I do not like the idea of growing flowers in a garden. I just find it a waste of money and space when I can grow great produce and herbs to feed myself. Maintained, a garden of various vegetables like peppers, tomatoes and an assortment of herbs can look just as good as flowers and it will smell better to.

I love flowers for their looks and like to have them around the house but I love digging into the black soil, clay and sand planting my vegetables and sowing the seeds. The entire time I think of pickling the extra green beans with the chillies I am growing for antipasto platters, pepper jellies, roasted cherry tomatoes with garlic and fresh basil. The possibilities are endless when you can just walk out your back door.

So what is in the garden?

42 Green Bean Plants

4 Roma Tomato Plants

2 cucumber plants

1 egg plant

2 Health Kick Tomato Plants

4 Golden Cherry Tomato Plants

3 Red Cherry Tomato Plants

1 Chili

1 Cayenne Pepper

2 Banana Pepper Plants

3 Red Pepper Plants

4 small hot red pepper plants

Basil

Oregano

Chicory

Swiss Chard

Red Leaf Lettuce

Parsley

Thyme

Mesclun

Building a Community

Artisanal Palate is in its first phase of our referral program and bringing it to the businesses we want to work with. Today I visited two of the businesses that I want to form a tight community relationship with. In an age where big box stores and multi-purpose conglomerates run the globe it takes small business working together to be successful and to make sure the community has a network of great businesses to go to and get great product. We are going are looking to become your link to artisans from all over the region and province!

If you are a business that has a great product then get into contact with us (http://www.artisanalpalate.com/). Not only will Artisanal Palate be a link to great businesses but we will be a one stop connection to everything you need for your wedding or function. The website will be updated with this program and so much more that we are working on for you.

My gift to you is a referral program of your very own. When you sign on a function with Artisanal Palate in the month of May don't pay the taxes as a gift to combat the upcoming HST crunch. When you have had a function with Artisanal Palate you instantly become a member with your own code. When you refer a friend have them give the code and receive money from us for your referral. Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertisement but I want to take it one step farther by giving back to the people that put food on my table and help me put back into the business to further contribute to Niagara.

There is a lot under the surface and we can not wait to bring everything to you.