Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Back to basics

Over the weekend I watched the documentary Ingredients.  It is a documentary about, you guessed it, the ingredients in the foods we eat, and as a direct result, the foods we are in essence creating a demand for.   Think about it, stores aren't going to stock foods that people do not want to buy, so if we keep buying foods that are bad for us, they have no reason to change their inventory.   



Ingredients does a great job of informing viewers, in a positive way, of their message---some documentaries can be a bit too alarmist for me and it takes the pleasure out of an evening of movie going/watching.   Interviews with real farmers who are harvesting crops when they are in season, breaking bread with their workers,  having a respect for the land, etc. pepper this film and just make you want to run out and stick your hands in the dirt.


As a small business owner, I prefer to support small businesses with any purchase that I can.  It makes the transaction so much more personal, while enhancing the community at large.   I have become close with my fish mongers, my produce folks, etc. and as a result I can trust the foods that I am preparing for BISCo. customers and my family.   I am not just a scan across the checkout counter, I am a face and a person.  


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One way that we can all support our farmers is to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).   You pre-pay for your allotment of produce and then pick it up at a designated location each week.   I was really pleased to learn that Queens, NY has an abundance of offerings for CSAs.   You can find a CSA near you here.    CSAs are a great way to support farmers and develop a relationship with the people growing your food. There is something old-school about it--making your meals out of what is in season, using fresh ingredients that flavor your meal in a much more impactful way, and it also forces you to experiment with new foods that you may never have picked up on your own.    It can seem expensive upfront but typically turns out to be about $20 per week.   You know what they say, you are what you eat! 


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I have joined the Stoneledge Farm CSA that starts in June and I will do my best to give weekly updates on what is included and how I use it.  I am eagerly anticipating this experience and the new faces that I will get to know.   


Do you belong to a CSA or shop at farmer's markets?  If so, how has your experience been? 


Cheers,
Craig
www.blockislandseafood.com

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!


Friday, February 10, 2012

BISCo. Baby

Check out this cutie in his BISCo. gear! Baby O does a great job representing BISCo. on the west coast.   




Looking for baby gear from BISCo.? Check out our shop

Cheers! 
Craig 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Block Island Seafood Co. is offering cooking demonstration prix fix packages for Valentine's Day.  Treat your loved one, or a group of friends, to dinner at home.   

Guys, gather some of your friends (who you know haven't shopped yet, either) and make plans for a double, triple, quadrupole date.  Your special someone will love it! 




If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.  All menus are customizable.   


Cheers, 
Craig 
www.blockislandseafood.com 


P.S.  You know what they say about oysters, right?

Monday, February 6, 2012

Newport, RI - The Mooring



This past weekend BISCo. took a trip to Rhode Island and it was just what the doctor ordered.   One of the many delights of the weekend included a visit to The Mooring in Newport.   After a nice scenic drive looking at some rather large homes, we treated ourselves to drinks and nibbles at The Mooring.  The design was clean, nautical, and classic and the bartenders were honest, helpful, and friendly.   I knew it would be a good spot once I walked through the door. 




Our group shared a delicious local cheese plate (with real honeycomb--a first for me),  calamari with banana peppers and olives, and a bag of doughnuts which were lobster, crab, and shrimp fritters with chipotle-maple aïoli.   There wasn't a morsel left.   The clam chowder was perfectly creamy and hearty.   Drinks were great and my company couldn't have been beat.  The view of the water wasn't bad either.  


If you are ever in Newport I recommend a stop here.  









Cheers, 
Craig 
www.blockislandseafood.com 

About Me

My photo
Block Island Seafood Company (BISCO) helps fellow seafood enthusiasts enjoy the gifts of summer in their own homes all year long. BISCO will leave your family and friends with a memorable experience beyond the traditional catered gathering by providing a dynamic chef and extraordinary cuisine. Block Island, RI (41°09'N 71°33'W) is a small island that sits in the Atlantic Ocean between Rhode Island and Montauk Point, NY. For many years it has been a vacation spot for me and my family, and now I’d like to bring Block Island to your dinner table.