October 18, 2007

I am real excited that about the new Manero's Chopped Salad we have added to the menu. One of the criticisms that I receive most is that the salads at Manero's are too plain. I agree, however, there is a reason for that. Adding many of the common "garden salad" ingredients throws-off the taste of the Gorgonzola salad, which is the predominant choice of our guests. Anyway, now there is an option. It is one of my personal favorites as it is extremely healthy and full of flavor. Give it a try on your next visit.

Thanks to my friends Mr. and Mrs. Fiorito who had this great looking chef's hat special ordered for me. It is reminiscent of the trademark hat donned by Nick Manero on most nights in Greenwich, Connecticut.

We had Mr. Milam in last night, he's the new owner of Milam's Market. He seems like a real nice guy and he is going to try to build on what Mr. Mazzochi established in Stuart. The Manero's dressing is currently available at Milam's Market and will be back at Stuart Fine Foods of Palm City soon.

I have watched the Stuart Fine Foods situation with a great deal of interest. I am reminded of the difficult time we had getting open and established several years ago, after a great deal of success in WPB. And let me just say that most of that was my fault. I can't imagine going through that with an Outback in my immediate area and another Outback opening next door a few months after we opened - especially in such a small market. We were fortunate in that regard, and have established great consistency since that time. Just this week I learned that one of our fine local purveyors supplies all of the produce to an area shelter at no cost. We are talking about several hundred dollars per week! I'll never complain about the price of lemons again and they have solidified their position in my mind as my provider of choice. On top of the fine products and service, they are involved in making the community better by sharing a little bit of their good fortune. I think Stuart Fine Foods is the same way, at least they have been. I know that when the schools, churches and charities need something they go to the local businesses first. Try to get a donation from a chain or corporate store. The first question you are likely to get is how much publicity will we get? Yeah, they will let you sell cookies in thier parking lot to go along with store purchases from China and Mexico. Next time you're at the BIG MART or the NATIONAL CHAIN RESTAURANT see if they offer staff benefits, or buy local products, how much of what you are paying them contributes to the quality of life in our area? Anyway to me its worth it to spend an extra dime or drive a mile further to deal with a local small business who offers comparable, or better, products and service. Often the local business can provide special products and services that just are not profitable enough for MR. BIG. It almost always makes the community better and I don't want to have to accept whatever the BIG GUY wants to sell, or how they want to treat me, when they are the only ones left.

JM

October 14, 2007

I can't get this Al Gore - Peace Prize thing out of my mind. I don't know much about Al, even though he was our VP for eight years. Can't these guys be more productive? I know they break ties in the Senate and "advise" the president, but what else do they do? Let them pick up a broom and sweep up around the White House when things are slow. Or send them to New Orleans or other critical spots as needed. Anyway, nothing against Al Gore and the important work he's doing in fighting global warming and pollution, etc. But it is very telling when the best candidate for peace is not involved in resolving conflict between human beings. Certainly there are wars, tyrants, injustices and plain old bad blood. Where are all the peacemakers? Enjoying the great outdoors?

JM

Let the musing begin

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