Spring

More rain, rain and rain. Hope this bodes well for the growing season. I'm sure there's another snow squall/storm under mother nature's belt. Thinking ahead to the beautiful local seasonal cheeses that will be available in a month or two. The Cave is in transition preparing for new items as discontinued ones are given the boot. Still hunting down an ice dispensing machine and a second cheese case. Maybe a small fridge/freezer. I would love to sell Jill's ice cream this summer from Millbrook.http://millbrookcompany.com/ Her baked goods are incredible. Short but sweet visit from Melissa and friends.
Attatching a troubling video with the impetus on more people aware of just how ugly the company Monsanto is. Most people know this, but take a look.
http://wideeyecinema.com/?p=105

Cheese tour

As planned, while on hiatus from the shop I was fortunate to visit some remarkable cheese shops. One is in Great Barringtion, Ma. called Rubiner's. www.rubiners.com If you are ever in the area, stop in for a treat. It was once a financial institution and there are some remarkable features of the shop such as the beautiful ceilings, bank vault for aging cheese and of course the cheese itself.
Another market in town worth visiting is Guido's Fresh Market. Amazing cheese, butcher shop, bakery and produce. www.guidosfreshmarket.com

Cats at play

Cheese shops are a stop along the way during our roadtrip. Have found lots in Virginia/DC. NYC we are skirting. Some in the Berkshires, Fla. Also planning on taking the pickup in the event there is something I see for the shop. So antique/thrift/junk/yardsales are a stop too. I want to find a countertop ice maker. If there be any restaurant/estate auctions....
Our cats have been splayed upon our bags...they know they'll have the house to themselves for a couple of weeks.

Saturday Summary

Ah, the refrigeration equipment has been emptying, shelves are beginning to slim down in the offerings, bills are paid, taxes are done, inventory accounted for and the time is ripe for adventure and reflection. Although I won't "give away the store," so to speak, I will do all I can to insure everything not shelf stable finds it's way into someone's hands at a great reduction in price. On another note, there is a new cheese in the shop. Although I asked for shipment after my return March 22nd, my Echo Ridge order(which I had to place early to reserve the small quantities they produce) showed up yesterday. There are Maine bries, camamberts in very limited quantities. Samples haven't even shown up yet, so I'll have to purchase some to sample today.http://www.themainemag.com/a-list/1156-cheese. Taking receipt of some chocolate bunnies from Safe Harbor today, along with a 2nd cash register.http://www.safeharborconfections.com/. Black Dinah's floppy-eared chocolate bunnies will be at the shop on/around March 24th.http://www.blackdinahchocolatiers.com. Thank you Pam for your beautiful pussywillows. They just started sprouting roots, although they've lost their pinky hue. Any foodstuffs left in the shop after today will be donated to The Simmering Pot and/or The Food Pantry in Blue Hill.http://The Simmering Pot. To Hadley and Brendan.

Next Brooklin Farmers Market Meeting is set for March 4, at noon at The Cave. We will be selling on Thursdays from 3-5 across from The Cave. Please feel free to critique, add comments or contribute. Would love to sell fish, clams, mussels at venue. The Sleighbell Shoppe down the road sells lobsters and crab, so we don't want to offer those and risk taking any business away from their business.

Thank you Brooklin

Thank you all,

Laura

Brooklin Eats

As early in the year as it is, although I can't believe it's March, the late summer event known as "Brooklin Eats," has been up for discussion. Although I wasn't present at a casual, early meeting, it was passed on to me that some different ideas were tossed around. The idea of a later season, or early fall "Brooklin Harvest Supper" was one. This would be in place of the open market on the green as years past. Farms, producers, restaurants, businesses would donate something and a local foods menu would be offered at a decided upon location(ideas?), at an affordable price. Proceeds to benefit a Brooklin fund or charity, or establish a new one. I think establishing a specific producer's/grower's /farmer's fund might be an idea. $ for start-up, seeds, equipment, replacing systems. Not a loan- a grant model. Throwing it around, and wonder what would be involved?

Any thoughts?

March

I'm very excited to have touched base with a couple of Maine cheese makers that will make their debut in late March/early April to The Cave. A Maine Made Taleggio to name just one.

Been tutoring myself with email marketing. Making the time is the goal. To all those who have opted in to email news from The Cave; I'm sorry it has taken so long. Im almost there. Well, the days are certainly getting longer with daylight savings around the corner on March 14th! Ordered my Black Dinah Chocolate Bunnies today. They're as delectable as they are cute. Come on by the shop before we close this Saturday for a two week hiatus. Some great savings on selected wine and cheese.

Thank you for your kind comments and interest.