Tyler Florence is Smokin' Hot!

Mom and I went to Atlanta this past weekend to do the buying for fall and the holidays. Yep, it's kinda weird buying peppermint and snowball stuff in the middle July when it's hot and humid but that's what the retail industry does.

Anyhow, I digress. Tyler Florence was one of the main attractions at the show (as they call it). He did an hour long cooking demonstration with lots of questions and answers, followed by a book signing. I took lots of pictures, none of which do him justice. Not only is he handsome, he is very funny and extremely friendly and personable! What a neat guy!

He has new cook book out called "Tyler's Ultimate" from which he made these recipes:

- Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Salsa Verde

- Roasted Potato Salad

Mom and I were lucky enough to get a copy signed by him and chat for a quick minute. He's been very busy lately ... in addition to the TV and cookbook thing, he's gotten married, had a baby and has another one on the way and, he's opened a retail cooking store in Mill Valley, CA.

Check out his site: http://www.tylerflorence.com/main.html

Here's some of the photos I took:

Check us out in Lake Norman Magazine!

So, after being selected as the best "Gourmet cooking supply shop" by Charlotte Magazine, we had to tell someone. So we told Lake Norman Magazine ... and they printed a little blurb on us!

Here's what they had to say about us:

"Kitchen shop named area’s best

Gourmet on the Run in Mooresville’s Morrison Plantation has been named Best Gourmet Cooking Supply Shop by Charlotte Magazine. The store was recognized for its eclectic collection of gourmet food, wine, kitchen gadgets and other must have accessories for cooking and entertaining.

The shop is owned by mother-and-daughter team Silvia Rodriguez and Linda Butt. Rodriguez manages the day-to-day operations, and Butt handles the food and wine side of the business, which includes cooking classes and wine tastings.

For more information, visit www.gourmetontherun.com or call 704-696-0030. "

They used my photo with Mom's name. Here's a link to the write-up:http://www.surfthelake.com/2008/200807-84.html

Charlotte Magazine Best of the Best Award!

I know it. I'm a terrible blogger. I'm not consistent ... I promise to be better!

I hope everyone is having a terrific summer! Our summer got off to a very nice start. Much to our surprise, Charlotte Magazine selected us as the best "Gourmet cooking supply shop" in this year's Best of the Best (BoB) awards which was printed in the May 2008 issue.

Here's what they had to say about us:
"There's more to Mooresville than NASCAR. Family owned and full of products any kitchen would welcome, Gourmet on the Run has an eclectic variety of accessories (love the heavy-duty measuring cups and adorable polka dot martini glasses), appliances, party ware (grab the Village Dip Chiller), and ingredients for every type of chef. The recently remodeled in-store demo kitchen is home to cooking classes and wine tastings ($15-$40), on most Saturdays."

Here's a link to the article: http://www.charlottemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3071&Itemid=406

The Ankle Biters

For months now you've heard Mom and I talk about the puppies, especially how cute and mischievous they are. Here's how we spent this afternoon!
http://www.gourmetontherun.com/images/Dog_Days_of_Summer.pdf

What Goes With Easter Ham? Cooking Class

Where can I find culinary lavender?
You can order culinary lavender from my friend Trina's website: http://www.havenhilllavender.com/

She has lots of great lavender products including lavender honey! YUM!

If you need it in a hurry try the Home Economist in Davidson.

Cab Ride Around the World Wine Tasting

Date: March 27th, 2008

Wines Tasted:

1. France: Chateau le Grand Verdus 2003
2. Argentina: Felipe Rutini 2004
3. Australia: Elderton Barossa 2003 (rated 90 points by Wine Spectator)
4. Chile: Conosur Vision 2006
5. South Africa: Stark Conde 2005 (rated 90 points by Wine Spectator)
6. Napa: Chappellet Mountain Cuvee 2005
   

Iron Chef: Battle Superbowl Man Food

We started off the year with a charitable event - a cooking class to raise money for the Dove House, a safe house for abused children located in Statesville.

Over dinner with our familes one night between Christmas and New Year's, John Browning, a neighbor and long time customer and I were discussing our favorite dip recipes. Since there were beers involved, it didn't take too long before a challenge was issued. While we still can't agree on just who challenged who, that night we did agree to fashion the class after Iron Chef. We would have one hour to prepare our favorite dip and chili recipes. Even though we did not have a "secret ingredient" as the real Iron Chef's do, totally by coincidence we both used Hormel Chil (no beans) in our dip recipes.

We held the battle at the store on January 26th, a week before Super Bowl and had about 20 old and new friends participate. John wowed the crowd with his Dog Food Dip which he served in mini tortilla shells and went all gourmet by making his own chili powder and using a pressure cooker to soften his stew beef. I underestimated my challenger and made my favorite queso dip which I served with Fritos Scoops and did a spicy chili with ground beef.

Once the results were in, our chilis tied but the crowd preferred John's dip over mine. So with Battle Super Bowl Man Food, John has the advantage ... at least until the next battle!

Here are some of the pictures from the event which we raised $360!
http://www.gourmetontherun.com/images/Super_Bowl_Man_Food.pdf

Thanks to all for supporting the Dove House and for helping us have a great time!

We're Legal!

And have been for the past 3 weeks. We finally passed final inspection on January 22nd. After waiting for so long for that last little step, I have to say the moment wasn't all that I expected ... the inspector didn't even come out to the store and update the little orange card ... he passed it online! Ha!