Sunday, August 05, 2012

“A Taste of Long Island” Food Market and Commercial Kitchen Opens for Business


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   

16 comments:

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

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.

I will pass on your location to my niece who lives in the area. Happy Sunday T.W.
Sam

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

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.

~~louise~~ said...

Happy Sunday T.W!

How 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...

Velva said...

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.

I wish the new store the best of luck!!!

Velva

Erika Kerekes said...

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.

Kat said...

If I ever get up that way, I will be sure to stop by here. I wish them well and success.

Deana Sidney said...

Good 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.

Anonymous said...

It is great & good of you to promote this lovely shop! Great foods, great & tasty produce from your neighbourhood!

Gloria Baker said...

Love thid post and love when.you sharing with us about new business always I wsnted have mu own store:)

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

I would love to visit and buy everything :) Great concept.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

I know the market will be welcomed to the area since it will be featuring local products.

Quay Po Cooks said...

I 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.

tasteofbeirut said...

A 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!

Barbara said...

BTW: 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.
Have a super weekend, T.w.!

Catherine said...

Dear T.W., This sounds like a wonderful place to visit. Long Island really has so much to offer. Blessings dear friend. Catherine

The Squishy Monster said...

Looks like a great eclectic little spot! I love shops like these =D

I hope you enjoy your weekend!!!

XOXO
The Squishy Monster