In Conversation with Alayne White & Jackie Lane

It is an honor to work together in collaboration with other local business owners who have figured out how to survive as a small business in our world. Here are some notes from my recent conversation with two woman who I admire and am so happy to work with on an upcoming event at the shop.

I have known Alayne White for several years. She’s a rockstar. She owns and operates a skin care salon in Bristol called Alayne White, and she supports this community like no one else I know. She is an ambassador for local independent businesses. I first knew Alayne as a client of the wine shop, but very quickly she became much more than that. She is a friend, and she inspires me to up my game both personally and professionally on a regular basis. Her recent book, entitle Life Cycling is compilation of her personal essays about all aspects of her life. It is honest account of Alayne’s life, and you will laugh and cry as you read her. Her voice is strong, and her story is compelling.

It makes sense that she would help me kick off the collaboration series at The Wine Forum because we share an entrepreneurial spirit and all the challenges that accompany that “gift.” So it was a natural fit when she suggested that we join forces with another Badass Boss, Jackie Lane of Pulse Gym.

Jackie opened her gym with a mission to support people in their personal fitness and health goals. Her business model offers a unique opportunity to succeed and stay committed to a lifestyle of fitness, and it is nothing shy of inspirational!

Jackie is a big believer in a work hard/play hard life balance that involves lots of exercise, lots of activity, and lots of relaxing downtime with beautiful bottles of wine! Something we all agree on!

She is hoping to share the openness of her gym. “I would love for more of our community not to just think of us as a hard-core bootcamp Gym! While we do have our hard-core community are trainers love all levels of Fitness and welcome everyone and are willing to help with modifications as needed!” Her spirit of inclusion is commendable, and something we all share.

How to get out there the idea that all levels of interest are welcome to workout, buy a bottle, or begin a wellness program? Well, we decided to join forces with like minded businesses owners and have a fun event!

We all have a spirit of perseverance that small business owners share, without it, you don’t survive. People talk about COVID as if it were a thing of the past. It is just one of the many challenging moments that we have all encountered and survived because we were creative and strong headed, for better or worse. The list of difficult professional moments is long, and there is no sense in naming them all, as devoted entrepreneurs we choose to list instead our ideas and what we love about our jobs and our businesses.

What I love about their businesses is something I love about my own. We want to share ideas, strategies, inspiration with our clients. Alayne and Jackie both help people feel better about themselves and they motivate people to take better care of themselves. Sometimes they even do it for them! This is something we all are fortunate to share, a local following of people who believe us and what we do. Now, we want to introduce you to each other.

Working together helps us harness our creative power and offer to our collective customer base a fun, interactive evening that will inspire and make you smile.

I hope you are inspired to strike a balance—work out, relax, and interact!

Cheers, Maria

What's in Your Pantry?

In his recent cookbook No-Recipe Recipes, Sam Sifton reminds his readers that we don’t need a recipe, but “you do need a pantry.” I was reminded of his playful advice when I very happily completed the construction of my kitchen in our small New York apartment with my partner, Steven, who happens to be an exceptional home cook and an accomplished architect. He designed a beautiful kitchen, and it is time to fill the pantry.

I can’t remember a time when I had an entirely empty pantry just awaiting all the products that I love. For a retailer like me, who loves to cook, this is a dream. I mean, I love to cook, but I also love to forage for the very best products I can find. I have loved to “play shop” since I can remember. Organizing the kitchen drawer was always fun for me (yes, I am a proud food & wine nerd). Seems natural I would own a specialty food shop, but I digress. I sat in my kitchen making a list of items I need, and I realized, I was writing a “Pantry List.”

I admittedly, feel some responsibility to fill this pantry in such a way that it illustrates to Steven my gratitude for this beautiful space in which we will cook, laugh, eat, and dance. I also want to encourage him to let go of the recipe, freeing himself to just cook, as Sam Sifton suggests. The items in the pantry should ignite a creative impulse. To do so necessitates a solid pantry. What is that? Well, here is my list. It is not all inclusive, but it is a good start. With this list, you can always assemble something delicious and nourishing.

It is my intention to provide most of these basic ingredients at the Gourmet, so all you need to do is visit the local Grower’s Market and grab the fresh stuff!

On the Shelf—Flour, Sugar, and baking powder

Canned Fish—tuna, anchovies

Dried Fruit & Nuts

Pasta, Rice & Grains, Bullion, Dried Beans

Oils & Vinegars

Salt & Pepper

Dried Herbs & Spices

Green Peppercorns

Canned Tomato & Paste

Condiments—Dijon mustard, Grainy mustard, Harissa, Tahini, Cornichons, Capers, Olives

Bread—stale and fresh

In the Fridge—Butter, Eggs, Cheese, Plain Yogurt

Cured Meats— Bacon, Prosciutto, Pancetta

Vegetables—Carrots, Celery, Potatoes, Onions, Garlic, Shallots, leeks

Lemons & Limes (the second is more for the G&T while I cook)

In the Freezer—Peas, Stock, Yeast, and Tortellini

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Now that we have the list of ingredients, how do we begin to cook without recipes? Find out in my next Eat Blog Post & Join us at the Pantry Classes at the shop!

Eat Drink & Think,

Maria

Just a few examples of meals that were created from one ingredient…