Introducing Baby Food: The Countdown to the Burlingame Farmers Market

So it’s finally here…  I started Little City Kitchen Co. in June 2010 never fully realizing that it would take me nine more months to sell a single item.  And here we are, two tiny little days before my big debut at the Burlingame Farmers Market, and I can barely contain myself.

My dear friend Dennis from Coco Delice asked me yesterday if I was nervous.  Without thinking, I answered with a resounding “No”.  Totally true, I’m not nervous…however, doing something the first time isn’t my favorite thing.  I confess the only thing that’s really been on my mind is how much of an idiot I’m going to look like putting my tent up the first time (subsequently I’ll be practicing that this weekend in my driveway).

Cooking Demo and Discussion

Let’s start first with a special shout out to my new friends at the Mt. Diablo Mothers Group.  I led a baby food discussion and cooking demo on Monday and man-oh-man, we had some fun in the kitchen.  I had planned on a one-hour demo, but these gals were full of great questions.  I consider myself passionate about food, kids, and teaching…so when I can combine all three, I’m like a kid in a candy store.  I had a ton of fun ladies, so thanks for your participation and great energy!

Permit me…to now sell in San Mateo Co.

As my long-term readers know, the whole permit process has been a constant uphill battle.  You have to figure out which agency to call, then who to talk to, then what questions to ask (because heaven forbid the health departments volunteer information), and then if you’re lucky, you can meet the requirements needed to get your permit to sell.  Not easy!

But I finally seem to be getting the hang of it.  I walked into the San Mateo health department with all the necessary information…and guess what…I walked out with a permit to sell in the county – score!  It’s such a relief to know what is expected, and I’m finally starting to feel like I’m not such a rookie.

Back in the Kitchen

Aside from a few private orders or creating new recipes, I really haven’t been in the kitchen regularly since the Baby Tasters in October.  I joked with my landlord that I’m like the best roommate ever because I’m never there!

This week I got back in the kitchen and whipped up all the goodies to sell on Sunday: Golden beets with dill, sweet potato & coconut brown rice, and Cuban black beans with plantains, mango & coconut. Made an effort to keep it simple this week and went with my easy-to-make, proven recipes.  Mmmmm…

People have asked me how much I plan to bring to the first market…  I’m only going to have about 30-35 packs of food to start and see how it goes.  I have no idea what to expect!  In my perfect ideal world, the Burlingame peeps will be super-excited about the food and I sell out quickly… Fingers crossed.

And here we go…wish me luck!  Full report on how it goes next week.


9 Comments to “Introducing Baby Food: The Countdown to the Burlingame Farmers Market”

  1. Emilie (a.k.a. your cousin) says:

    Hey :) I don’t know why, but my curiosity is focused on presentation and packaging. Will you take photos of your food packs?

  2. Samantha Seto says:

    Good Luck Jill!!! Have fun out there too! :)

  3. Marty Robinson says:

    You WILL do great Jill! Good luck and keep enthusiastic! Love reading about your thoughts.

  4. Sabra says:

    Are you a member of the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce?

  5. Lisa says:

    Above are some good points Jill like take pictures or have someone take a few and join the Chamber of Commerce. I won’t wish you good luck because you always do well, have tons of fun and sell out of all you bring. Give a shout out to your sister for making you a great banner! I L-O-V-E YOU honey! Mom

  6. Wendy says:

    Go kick some butt! Hey you never know, maybe it’ll be like The Back Up Plan and you’ll meet the man of your dreams to help you setup your tent. :)

  7. Rebecca says:

    Great news, Jill! Congratulations on this awesome next step, and have fun. Love Burlingame, and with all those wealthy people combined with your talent you will probably sell out and have them begging for more!

  8. MaLanie says:

    So excited for your ‘maiden’ voyage my friend–you will do great!

  9. Gigi Siemsen says:

    Ya, I’m thinking all these Mom’s your meeting need to set you up with some of their husbands friends…starte networking…..LOL….

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