We Did It !

This month marks the beginning of our fourth year in business at Out of the Blue. It is amazing how time flies when you are having so much fun. My life has always been filled with talented and unique people and fortunately that lucky streak held for me when it came to opening this shop. Please indulge me a moment while I thank a group of special people that made it all come together for us.

Denise Wright: Truly one of a kind. When I met Denise I asked if she could deliver architectural renderings of a complete kitchen in under 24 hours. She said,"sure." I should have asked for something harder, but I am sure she could have done that too, so I guess it didn't matter. Not only did Denise design the kitchen, she designed the entire look of the shop from the lighting to our red door counter. Thanks Denise- for all the laughs, wine notes, ideas, and even the Barry White records!

Tommye Sigerfoos: Yes, there really is a Tommye Sigerfoos...and guess what? She is married to Tom Sigerfoos! Now, you know I could not make this stuff up right? Anyway, our original web presence, our cool faux painting in the kitchen, and our history of hiring beautiful and talented people started right at the beginning. Tommye hasn't worked here in years, but I think she still has her keys!

Sheri Berry: Something else I will always be grateful to Denise for is introducing Sheri to Out of the Blue. Not one day has gone by that Sheri and I haven't cracked up laughing about something. Not only is Sheri so much fun to be around, she has the wonderful ability to make everyone feel welcome and such a part of what we are about.

Sarah Cole: Sarah stepped up to the plate the day she started, filing the holes that Tommye and Denise left when they moved on to other opportunities. It was a relief for me not to panic outwardly during that transition because that was when we began filming a TV show in the shop.

Enter Hans Rueffert: Food Network star and Food Guru of North Georgia. I met Hans and that was it. The Chef and the entire film crew of Cameraman Hiutt Rabel, Adam Chastain, Chad Crowe and the Studio Monkey became my little brothers. Every Monday we would crank up the Capresso Coffee Center and make lattes, laughter and a HUGE mess that I had to clean up! It wasn't long before Hans realized my favorite cooking shows had no cooking!! Sushi please.
It also wasn't long before Hans, ETC and Out of the Blue won three Telly Awards for Hans Cooks the World. A huge honor and an opportunity that sent Hans to the next level- a bigger kitchen, a live audience and his own television show on Georgia Public Broadcasting. Good work Hansi...thanks for the press.

Spinning off Hans cooking show brought local Chef Libby Stewart into our shop. Trained in France, and the East Coast of the U.S. Libby is the original Slow Food Movement of the region. Libby has made us a must stop shop for goats cheese and great cooking classes and her latest successful effort is the start-up of a Farmers Market right here in Blue Ridge. I am proud to know you Libby-way to go!

Dave Mason and Bill Slater: The two greatest wine reps in the Georgia market. Being a self taught oenophile, these two guys took me around the world in wine so I was able to bring obscure offerings from almost every country right to your table in Blue Ridge. It matters to us to deliver the extraordinary to share in your family via the celebration of wine and food. These two gentlemen have helped us do that.Here's to you both!

In a beautiful shop like Out of the Blue, you need an artist on staff that understands color, design and style. Enter Susan Van Veld-sweet and sophisticated (although not so much as the name implies) Susan keeps the shop at the peak of daily compliments as the most beautiful and unusual in the area. Always going the extra mile, her passion for life is reflected all around her.We are grateful to share the light.

Always last but never least, thank you Linda for everything you have encouraged me to do to accomplish what we have over the last 18 years. Because of all you do for me, I am able to enjoy every aspect of this opportunity we call Out of the Blue.

Thanks to you all.

Sarah

Spring Arrivals

As most of you know, every January Linda and I attend the International Fancy Food Show to stay current with all the new products and trends in the specialty food industry. It is always enlightening and interesting, plus it is the best opportunity to meet the actual creators of many of the unique products we stock.

Our focus has always been small companies with award winning products, made in small batches with the best ingredients available...our philosophy and way of living for over 20 years. That is why it was so puzzling for us to find the NEW trend in the industry is GREEN and ORGANIC!? Huh??

This serves as a reminder to us that Big Business is like a lumbering giant, and small business is fast moving and ever-changing to meet the needs of an interested and educated customer base.It is our constant commitments at Out of the Blue to always offer you the very best products we can find, as well as bet the first in our area to find them.

Having said that, it is with great pleasure we finally announce the arrival of some of our favorite picks of this winter's food show...two new wine confits from France as well as Spongata and Balsamic Creamas direct from Italy. These delicious products make wonderful parings with fruits, hard cheeses, sauces and desserts. Stop by on any Saturday and sample some with us.

Salut !

Worldly Classes

We started our 2008 cooking classes with an all out Irish themed menu and it was fantastic! I never knew Irish food could be so amazing, but I guess living on the Emerald Isle can be inspiration for some of the world's best comfort foods because that is just what Chef Judith MacLoughlin prepared for her class. Four courses starting with Cashel Blue Cheese Souffles topped with warm bacon dressing over mixed greens and traditional Irish Soda Bread. Then an entree of hearty beef stew slow simmered with Guinness Stout (gotta get that stout in there somehow) served over chive mashed potatoes. If that wasn't enough, we had Irish Cream Chocolate Trifles and Irish Coffee for dessert. It was Irish through and through and it was great!

Our next class will take us even farther around the globe to Asia, where one-time Sushi Chef, Libby Stewart will be rolling away with SUSHI-the Art of Asia. This class is back by popular demand, so if you weren't fortunate enough to be in last years over-sold class, be sure to make this one! You will leave knowing how to select the freshest fish as well as make the beautiful ceremonious presentations Asian food is famous for....and did I mention delicious and healthy? Join us.


Salut !

A new year, a new blog....

When an idea is born from passion, it never seems like work. It takes on a life of its' own.

I have always been fortunate to enjoy my work because it revolves around people and I somehow manage to surround myself with all the interesting ones.

My love of the area and the desire to move back to a small town was the seed for Out of the Blue. I had to create a place for myself in this town, so out of my passion for entertaining, sustainable living and just having fun, a business was born.

More of an experience than a store, Out of the Blue offers the finest gourmet foods in the area accompanied with award-winning wines from all over the world. We also feature a free tasting every Saturday of selected artisan cheeses, breads and other delicacies. Sign up for one of our famous cooking classes taught by professional chefs in our very own in-store kitchen. Our kitchen is surrounded by hand-painted ceramics from Italy and beautiful, functional table linens from France that are a feast for the eyes. You will appreciate the difference when you experience the dedication to quality and high level of customer service offered at Out of the Blue. It almost feels like coming home.

As we begin our fourth year, it is time to better inform you about all the healthy opportunities and offerings we have in our little shop. We just returned from the International Fancy Food Show in San Diego. You need to know the latest trends and offerings we saw there.

Our cooking classes have started up again.. Also, our wine selection is constantly changing and you absolutely want to know about that !

So tune into our blog and find it here.

Salute !

A new year, a new blog...

Our new blog will keep you up to date with what's going on at Out of The Blue.
From new wines to new classes, you'll be able to find it out here!