Long Island’s first specialty
market devoted to local products of the region is now welcoming customers with
its grand opening weekend happening right now, and culminating in a ribbon cutting ceremony on the evening of Monday, August 6, 2012.
Owners Courtney and Jim
Thompson – a Daughter and Dad team – created A Taste of Long Island with a dual
purpose. The Farmingdale, Long Island business
is both a commercial kitchen for local entrepreneurs looking to produce batches
of “made on Long Island” branded food
products. The specialty food market at
the front of the store offers clients who use the kitchen – as well as other
Long Island food artisans – the chance to sell their products to retail
customers.
The shelves are now stocked
with all manner of diverse and delectable products springing from the hearts, minds, hands and
soil of Long Island food artisans. Colorful
labels list places of origin such as Huntington, Bellmore and Peconic.
The commercial kitchen has
been up and running since early July, and clients have been lining up to
schedule shifts. Bobby Tomatoes fresh spreads, “Tomato Delight” and “Parsley Delight”
were produced in the Taste of Long Island kitchen and are now available in the
food market.
Catapano Goat Cheese - produced
on Long Island’s North Fork, and a Culinary Types favorite – is available,
along with a selection of soaps and beauty products made at the Catapano Dairy.
A stunning double-layered
carrot cake prepared by a pastry chef and caterer who runs the company “David’s
Delights,” sells at local farmers markets, and promises “the best desserts
around,” has a prominent spot in the new pastry display case.
“We’re a small business
that is helping other small businesses expand, and we’re excited about that,”
says Jim.
Throughout the grand opening weekend, there are tastings scheduled by various Long Island food artisans. Weekly
tastings of Long Island wine are planned for the future, as well.
A Taste of Long Island is
located at 211A Main Street in Farmingdale, Long Island. The phone number is 516-694-2859. A complete list of vendors can be found here. When you visit, you’re not likely to leave
empty handed!
©2012 T.W. Barritt All
Rights Reserved
Wouldn't it be lovely if more businesses that specialize in local products & showcases artisans sprang up throughout the country. I wish Courtney and Jim much success and if I'm ever up your way, your shop (and the goat cheese) will be on my list.
ReplyDeleteI will pass on your location to my niece who lives in the area. Happy Sunday T.W.
Sam
What a fantastic idea, a business dedicated to helping other businesses succeed! I'm green with envy that you have a shop like this in your community. Our landscape here in Rhode Island is dotted with small farms and artisan producers, but other than seasonal farmers' markets, there's no single location where you can find all of these products.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday T.W!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to finally have a place on Long Island that showcases the many wonderful creations Long Island artisans have to offer.
I too wish Jim and Courtney much success and I hope you will be sharing some of their offerings here with us once in a while.
My next trip down won't be for a while but when I do, I'm sure there will be lots to bring back to PA.
Thank you so much for sharing...
Awesome! I have often said opening a commercial kitchen establishment would be a good idea for the local artisans to produce their food in a liscensed kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI wish the new store the best of luck!!!
Velva
My friend Paula of Just a Bite Desserts is baking and selling here. It's a fabulous concept and one that I have been thinking about here in southern California for a while. Good for them for getting it done! I am planning to stop by and spend A LOT OF MONEY when I visit Long Island at the end of August.
ReplyDeleteIf I ever get up that way, I will be sure to stop by here. I wish them well and success.
ReplyDeleteGood for you to promote this lovely business It is just what we should have more of, small businesses helping one another. I look forward to stopping by when I am out that way to support a good cause.
ReplyDeleteIt is great & good of you to promote this lovely shop! Great foods, great & tasty produce from your neighbourhood!
ReplyDeleteLove thid post and love when.you sharing with us about new business always I wsnted have mu own store:)
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit and buy everything :) Great concept.
ReplyDeleteI know the market will be welcomed to the area since it will be featuring local products.
ReplyDeleteI can only wish we have markets like this in my country. I wish someday someone will start a business like this here and I will give them my full support.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful initiative; I have observed that small businesses whose mission is a tad altruistic end up much more successful than the others that focus on just being profitable. Wish them success! did not know about wine in Long Island, how interesting!
ReplyDeleteBTW: I spent all day making scallion pancakes once...perhaps Dorie's recipe?...they were fantastic. I blogged about them. They weren't difficult at all, but there was a ton of wait time between each step.
ReplyDeleteHave a super weekend, T.w.!
Dear T.W., This sounds like a wonderful place to visit. Long Island really has so much to offer. Blessings dear friend. Catherine
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great eclectic little spot! I love shops like these =D
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your weekend!!!
XOXO
The Squishy Monster