How can we support locally owned businesses better?

During the first week of July was Support Small Businesses Week (July 1-7).  I hope that you are taking advantage of finding a new business to learn more about and support on a weekly, if not, daily basis.

This week, it saddens me to write this post but I know it's necessary since I plugged these two in the past upon my first and subsequent visits to two Temecula businesses. They were locally ran and their unmatched hospitality along with their warm, friendly environment gave them truly high marks. I believe I understand the reasoning behind the doors closing at Pizzeria Venti. The owner, Frank, passed away and PV shut their doors soon after. The other, Delaney's, is still a mystery. I've tried contacting the owner a few times on Facebook but I've been unsuccessful at connecting. I miss her! I hope she is well despite the down-turned local economy. These two businesses were treasures in the Temecula Valley!! 

We should do more to support locally run businesses! - Share your ideas on how we can do more in the comments' section.  Support sustainability!  Consider plugging businesses that you fall in love with - share and refer your family and friends to spend their money at those places. Connect with the owners of such places and reach out and build relationships with them. 

You just never know how you may impact their lives in such a way that may bring a smile in a dreary time. Besides, you may become blessed in the meantime. Be well! 

Delaney's Scavenger Hunt Meal

It's been over a month since the Scavenger Hunt at Delaney's in Old Town Temecula. 


Last Wednesday, I met up with the gal who won the basket valued at over $100!! and she roasted the chicken according to the recipe and cooked quinoa on the stove top. With the grain we chose to eat it warm. I brought over some treats that I picked up from Delaney's to support another local mom, Vlada Vladic with Cooking and Kids, who has her items for sale in the refrigerated section. I brought with me the "World's Healthiest Cookie" made with raw honey, flax and walnuts - no SUGAR added! 


We were hungry and the aromas from the kitchen were enticing. We prepared the plates for ourselves and our children. Everything was delicious. We got so wrapped up in eating that we forgot to pause and take a picture of the food before it was dug into! However, I still captured a picture of the last few pieces of chicken and the rest of the quinoa. Hopefully you'll still get a general idea of how yummy it was. Do check out the recipes above and make this for you and your family! (Very easy recipe.) BTW it was a whole chicken (and organic). It weighed about 3.5 lbs. 

Delaney's Raffles off a CSA valued at $2K

Wow! Did you read the title correctly? I'll give you a second. Go back and read it again. Triple read to make sure you captured the value at $2,000!! Wow!!! 


Jordan Stone, the owner and founder of Delaney's located in Old Town Temecula, sold raffle tickets for $5 each through this past week. The drawing was held Saturday, June 4th at 5:00 p.m. One lucky person would be the winner of a 3-month basket/ CSA membership receiving grass-fed meat and organic vegetable produce among other items.  


In case you don't know, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. From the Local Harvest site it is defined as: "a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season."


The winner of this fantastic raffle was Kelly Green. Although I don't know her personally, I wish her well and as a matter of fact, she will be well with the freshest produce and beef around.  


You may visit the link (CSA membership) above or here are the details on the basket:

YOUR WEEKLY BASKET WILL INCLUDE:

• 1 Fresh Whole Chicken, 2.5-3.5lb.

• 1 Dozen Eggs, (Seasonal, we will substitute with extra meat, off season)

• 2.0 lbs - 3.0 lbs Beef, (farm choice) different cuts each week. - Please do not request specific cuts, each basket you will contain various cuts.

• 1 Gallon Organic Raw Cow's Milk

• 1 lb Raw Organic Cheddar Cow's Cheese

• 1 Organic or Artisan condiment

• 1 organic fresh herb

• 1 organic bag of fruit

• 1 organic bag vegetables

• 1 organic bag root vegetables

• 1 loaf artisan handmade bread

• 1 bulb organic garlic

• 2 organic onions

• herb packs  (thyme, rosemary, sage)

• Baskets are available for pick-up at the store, Pick-Up Price: $155

Delaney's Market - Open House May 12, 2011

Entrance to Delaney's

I had the distinct pleasure attending Delaney's Market & Cafe's Open House Thursday evening. My plan was to drop by for a few (and hit the gym afterwards) but I ended up visiting for about two hours and totally missing my cardio workout! But, I'm humbled to have spent my evening with Jordan Stone, owner and founder, of Delaney's.  

Jordan Stone, owner and founder, Delaney's

Jordan has been in business for two years this June. I've known her personally for about a year and a half. Our relationship has blossomed in the last year. I find that when I visit, I usually leave with something sweet! Though I did invite a friend to have dinner with me one evening in March. During the week, sandwiches made with Boar's Head and Ciabatta bread with organic greens and tomato are offered, and a more extensive dinner menu is offered Fridays and Saturdays. Her home-made pastas are divine. 


Delaney's is a "Market and Cafe" and it carries organic, free range, hormone & antibiotic free goods and affords the opportunity for local "like-minded" vendors to place their products on her shelves. A small section in her store has been dedicated to locally made products that are free of parabens, pesticides, or other harmful ingredients. 

One of the vendors there last night was sampling raw vegan cheesecakes. Barbara Dowling, owner of The Raw Vegan, was a delight to speak with. She truly is an inspiration to anyone on the mission of eating clean and she is a cancer survivor... she ate her way to good health! That's the way to do it! 

Customers on left, Barbara with The Raw Vegan on the right

Jordan offers artisan foods, sandwiches, and local eggs, grass-fed chicken, raw dairy, and local meats. She has also recently started a CSA. Check out the link for details and cost. 


You can find her at 41955 5th Street, #101, Temecula, CA - in the heart of "Old Town". 


Everyone who came in had filled in an interest form and were entered in a drawing, which they had to be present to "win". Five lucky winners were chosen for a scavenger hunt. I was one of the winners. We were given 3 recipes and we needed to find the ingredients for each recipe and be the first one to find them all first. A new customer won! She even had an 18 month old child on her back in an Ergo carrier! I got stuck looking for the chicken broth! The gal who was first won all the ingredients in the basket! I think it was at least a $50 value! Congrats Bam Hoener!

Me! 

The eventual winner, Bam Hoener and her helper!

There was plenty of samples of food and drink. Virgin pina colada, chips & crackers and dips of many kinds - from apple butters, to salsas, and spinach lasagna, cheese enchiladas, and 3 beef 'stews' made with simple ingredients and humanely raised and hormone free beef! 


Maria, a friend of Jordan's for 10 years was there helping customers acclimate themselves with the products and services of Delaney's and passing endless food and drink samples all while educating us on the ingredients found in them. 


One additional drawing was held and it was a gift basket stocked full of chipotle and spice enriched products. 

Customers to the left, and Maria on the right

Jordan is considering doing more scavenger hunts throughout the year. She was delighted to see the turnout and thinks that offering the hunts more often will help her customers learn more about eating clean, becoming healthy-er, and sharing what they've learned with their friends and family all while encouraging the growth of Delaney's. 


One thing's for sure, even in this dire economy, there is still a community of people who will eat well. Thank you Jordan for providing a much needed service in our community! May you continue to be prosperous in both health and wealth! 


Pictures were provided by Ms. Liselle Regueiro DeGrave, a local public relations consultant & freelancer hired by Jordan Stone for this event. For more information on her services contact her at : www.degravecommunications.com.