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The second week of the market- there amidst an initial hesitation as I listened to the daily weather reports late in the week. No Hallie said, “You should come” We’ll give you a tent. So after a late night of hearing the inspirational words of Ruth Reichel and a beautiful meal at the new and latest “hip” spot, only a quick max ride away…
I obviously didn’t get enough sleep, and packing up the car in the literal down pouring rain, I'd say I was grouchy. The notion of being self-motivating which goes so closely hand in hand with being self- employed kept ringing through my head.
I immediately used food to comfort my anxieties of the day knowing only a fraction of the ice cream sandwiches would be sold.
I had a large soy latte and a breakfast burrito (with bacon). Good. Worth $5.50?? Only at the market- for the sole reason of feeling good supporting the local small company such as myself.
The day sort of dragged. I slowly forced myself out of self pity… selling ice cream on a cold, rainy, morning. I chatted with other vendors, soon will know that the raspberry chipolte is best for BBQ chicken (although I might argue slow roasted ribs), the hazelnut nuggets makes a great French toast, as well as a crusted Halibut.
I continue eating… as soon as I eye the cheese pizza sweeping from oven to table, I am determined. Not sure even a customer trying to take the whole pie would have been able to leave without sharing a slice with me.
“But, the Waldorf is soo good, with Apples, walnuts, and blue cheese”, says the very alternative-type Hot Lips employee. Yes, I thought, but that has been out of the oven for at least 2 minutes. Barely fresh….
She brings it over with a generous helping of powdery parmesan cheese sprinkled all over it.
I slowly start to enjoy the day, looking less frequently at my phone. People I recognize come by, I sell a couple t-shirts. Amy stops by- wearing her Ruby Jewel T. The lady whose daughter works for PCM ???, some distributor and who has an in with Zupans comes by and buys two to sample to her “connections”. Lauren and Laura from the FIC, Amy and Kevin-. I leave the market with Greens for salad, a nice array of pickeled items (super good), a piece of chocolate from the replica of the star of “Chocolat” - who by the way raved about the ice cream sandwiches.
Lots of cheese, hazelnut brittle, and a little chocolate cheese cake the runner from Ashland who went to South shore high school handed to me, informing me it was a project he previously wanted to get to the market. Strange? I think so.

Eating Oregon Gourmet Cheese studded with Herbs de Provence, drinking a Spanish wine from a small wine shop off of Hawthorne, and a pear left from Laurents dinner.
I want to spend time in the yard tomorrow, I will weed it organically, dig it up as I need to. Plan out a vegetable garden soon.
I now have contracts with 6 stores for sure.
Continuous publicity, 63+88 3 -gallon tubs of ice cream, cookies, bags, labels, WOW!!!!!

Hello hello. Been wondering if I am still on the road? Oh, yes. Spent 3 weeks in beautiful Santa Barbara. It is an easy place to be really. I had a wonderful time visiting my folks, grandfather (Muckel), Julie and Matt, as well as other visitors who ventured over to the house. Ate well, biked, went to the gym, walked on the beach, visited farmers markets, cooked, saw some movies, ETC. Now I am in Brentwood visiting Theresa (a close family friend). I am feeling like it is the heart of LA. and see some redeeming features actually. Beach, nice weather, lots of restaurants/ cute bakeries. I even had a few encounters with some very friendly and helpful people.
Tomorrow I am heading down to Laguna to spend time with my friend Kathy from UPS and her family. I am going to try to do some beading, for the very up and coming holiday season. Then Thanksgiving in San Diego with Jenny and her family. This will be a short update, with more to follow. So great hearing from everyone, Hope all is well.
Lisa

Hi to all. Well I have to say leaving SF was kind of tramatic for me. I could have spent much more time there.
From there I went to San Jose for lunch with my mom's friend Tina. We went to a place called Straits, an Asian-fusion type place. I had this delicious lemongrass mint soda that was served wtih whole lemongrass stalk in it. It was difficult to drink it slow. Then she ordered after a banana blossom salad, and fresh spring rolls made with a crepe like shell ( I think that is from the Phillipines ), and a huge grilled seafood platter. Wow, it was impressive. A whole grilled fish, huge sweet chili soaked prawns, and a big tin foil packet filled with clams and mussels with a coconut curry sauce. I wish I had my camera.
Then I drove down to my sisters in Monterey. I wouldn't say that is a great town for a "foodie", but we (me and her friend Lara) did a lot of cooking. We went to the local farmers market and made homemade ravioli's (Yes, I brought my pasta rolling machine, and ravioli press) with portabello mushroom and cheese, then we tossed it with fresh basil/mint pesto and artichoke hearts. Lara, I must say was a trooper in the kitchen, she wanted to learn a few things, and I don't think she much like the prep work involved with cooking. She was hysterical, mistaking the oven for the stove, referring to Semolina as Salmenella (sp?), and so dramatically sighing at the request for her to peel apples for the crisp. Thanks to Rick for the quick stop for lemon drop makings and Coronas. We brought the few leftovers down to Becky at her workplace, Bubba Gump Shrimp company, so she could eat something other than shrimp for dinner. Oh, memorable food in Monterey was at Roy's in Pebble beach. Wow, I had always heard good things, and I was totally impressed. All we had were a couple appetizers; Vegetarian Pad Thai, and Lobster dumplings. I definitely want to go to a Roy's for the full dinner sometime. We ate after watching an amazing picture perfect sunset over the Pacific (there was even a bagpipe player to enhance the mood). Unfortunately the skies have been so beautiful due to the horrible fires going on here in California.
I am now in Santa Barbara, at my folks house. I have moved in... dresser drawers are filled and clothes are hanging. My mom is overjoyed. I love it. I swear they have to be careful about making it so comfortable for me here- its really nice. Cooked dinner for 14 people in honor of my dads birthday on Monday; Crabcakes, Caesar salad, Flank steak, Spinach and cheese raviolis, and asparagus. The guests enjoyed it, me the food snob was highly critical. I am catering a party at my moms friends house Friday night, Fresh spring rolls, Tuna with an avocado salsa, etc. for a company based out of Denmark. So, that will keep me busy now for the next few days. I should stop now and save more details for the next update. It is so great hearing from everyone, especially all the food related emails. Love it.Hope all is well... Till next time.Lisa

Hi
I am sitting here at Rob and Heathers, in Potrero hill, SF. On day 5 in this amazing city. I have had only beautiful sunny days, superb coffee, hilly bike rides, reading in the parks, yummy food with friends, and a great Italian place in North beach with my aunt Gail.I needed more time to hang out with her.

I checked out the new Ferry building farmers market, I have to say Portlands Saturday market wins my vote hands down. But, very cool still.
Then my friend Rob and I went up to Napa valley, the town of St. Helena actually, to the Freemark Abbey winery. The owner went to UPS and let us stay at the guest house. Pretty cool, but the evening of drinks and food was even more amazing. Drinks at the Martini house, a apple martini made with real apple cider, not that green stuff. Also, the best mojito I have ever had, full of fresh mint. Dinner at a place called Market, high end comfort food. (I guess that is the trend now there). Great food, and everyone was into sharing (my favorite people to dine with). We then checked out the Greystone Institute, Yountville (Bouchon Bakery- Roasted pear/Carmalized onion foccacia to die for), and the Dean and Deluca store. No wine tasting. We weren't in the mood. But then we went to Tiburon in Marin county. Wow is that place beautiful. We had lunch with Rob's mom and saw where he grew up- very nice. That night I met up with my friend Hari from UPS, a channel 2 news reporter I came to find out. He took me to a great divey falafel/shwerma (sp?) place. Then we checked out Foreign Cinema, crazy restaurant in the Mission.

Yesterday I was in Berkeley, a place a have spent a good amount of time. I wanted to hit my favorite spots, The cheeseboard, French hotel, the ole school Petes coffee, and of course Zacharys pizza, still far and away the best I have ever eaten (spinach and mushroom stuffed) But then the big splurge, I convinced myself it was for professional development, and there happened to be room, I had lunch at Chez Panisse. Oh my, I must have been glowing I was so excited. Great service, and simple, yummy fresh food. It was everything I could have hoped for. - More details for the food enthusiasts.

Tonight I had my first supper club. It was fun to have a mini-UPS reunion. Ramsay Phipps and girlfriend Heather, Hari, Grant Diffendaffer, and Carrie Zeller (Kathys younger sister). Of course Rob and Heather too, I tell you they are unbelieveable hosts, making it VERY hard to want to leave. The menu was roasted figs on walnut bread with Chevre, Heirloom tomato/bread salad, Peas and carrots on bibb lettuce with lemony creme fraiche dressing, Pasta (which I sadly did not make) with shitakes and marsala, cider roasted pork loin with apple/ ginger/ sage compote, and chocolate peanut butter tart for dessert. I think it was enjoyed by everyone. There are plenty of pics and video tape even. I did have the chalkboard set up, wishing Heather would be my artist every time. Very Pottery Barn it was...
Tomorrow Saratoga for lunch with my moms best friend Tina, then to Monterey to see Becky and Rick!
Love hearing from everyone, lots of emailing going on these days.

Take Care,
Lisa

Here I go, official now. Lots to tell about SanFran.

"On the road again" ---- by Mr. Nelson is constantly running through my head. Well well, I couldn't be happier, I must say. My friend Darren (and his family), for those of you who don't know him-- ROCKS. Seriously, what a great guy and host he has been. He lives and works in Reedley, a small farming town about 30 minutes from Fresno. The area grows many of the pitted fruits found in our grocery stores. Tonight we ate at an Armenian restaurant that was really great. Surprise surprise. Tomorrow I will experience some of the best local Mexican food. Not sure I will bore everyone with all my food experiences. (Any fellow foodies want more food details?-- Let me know!)
Yesterday, we had an ultimate bonding experience, climbing Half Dome in Yosemite. Besides a few blisters on the feet, and a little stiffness, we are both doing extremely well considering we are both not in our best shape. It was an amazing day, I dare to say perfect conditions. We started at 5:45 am, made it to the top by 11:30, and back to the car at 5:45 pm. The rock steps and cables were not nearly as bad as it looked. The views were breathtaking, the sky was clear and blue, trees had begun to change colors, and the rock formations were seen in all light . I can only hope the pictures give our experience worthy justice.
Tomorrow I will head to San Francisco and live temporarily with Rob and Heather, friends from college who have already been overwhelmingly gracious about their up and coming house guest. Lots of markets will be explored and food will be cooked for my friends. Sounds heavenly to me.
Love hearing from everyone too.
Hope all is well.
Take care,
Lisa