fall

It's getting to that time of year when I get obsessed with the season's flavors- ginger, pumpkin, apple, nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin... mostly pumpkin. Pumpkin coffee, muffins, pancakes, cookies, cupcakes, even just toasted pumpkin seeds. It's the time of year when I start thinking about how to incorporate the seasonal flavors that I love into Saus. I know I posted about this this time last year, but I get unreasonably excited.

While we are cracking down on getting everything done to open- contractors, electricians, plumbers, decorators... I let my mind wander and start planning next year's fall menu. Just call it forward thinking!

And since fall reminds me that winter is just around the corner, I start thinking about my favorite winter flavors as well.

Since my team will read this post and know I'm not working on things I'm supposed to be working on, know that my next post will be updating you on all the practical and current things I need to do. At least I made some productive phone calls today...

Signs

Who would have thought that acquiring a sign for your business is a lot of work? I recently met with Bryn from Boston Sign Co. to start planning for our signage. He asked when we anticipated opening. I told him maybe late January or February. He replied that I was calling him just in time! Four months to complete a sign? Jeeeez. He said that he has had folks call him a couple weeks before opening for a sign....a feat that is practically impossible.

So here is the sign process: 1. Meet at location where measurements are taken and a general assessment of the exterior is made. 2. Render preliminary drawings. 3. Visit sign studio and get an idea of materials, etc. 4. Final drawings are made. 5. Submit drawings to Boston Redevelopment Authority - must be approved by them. 6. If rejected, back to the drawing board, if approved 7. Submit drawings to Inspectional Services Dept. for a sign permit. 8. Have sign(s) installed.

So the next time you are in the market for a sign, start early.

just smell this!

There are times I don't write because there is nothing to say. Other times it's because I have so much to say, but more to do. This is one of those times. My to-do list has been never-ending and there was no time to write. Which I regret because I've been working on some really fun things.

The other day, Chin and I toured a local wholesaler that we are considering buying from. First we were shown the produce level. It was a giant chilled warehouse filled to the ceiling with fresh produce. We had to keep out of the way of those driving trolley things with lifts.

Then we were taken up to the spices and specialty cheese level, where I fell in love. Not only do I want to shop there all the time for my own personal use, Chin and I met the most enthusiastic employee there. He was in love with food and his job and everything. He gave us the most whirlwind tour of the cheese room-- having us smell, touch and dream of the possibilities. Then he moved us through the spices, telling us where he got them from, how he tracked down the rare and the exotic. Again we were smelling, dreaming... It was fantastic. I wish we had brought our chef. It would have turned into an amazing brainstorm.