Kat's California Salsa

October 19

Been months since I updated my site and many things have gone on.  I injured my ankle in May and have been on salsa hiatus until recently. Missed out on the entire salsa season!  It gave me time to rethink my business and contemplate a REAL business plan.  I am now looking for a business partner or investor to either get this biz moving, or stop altogether.  I recently was mentioned in GRIT Magazine (December issue on-sale now) in an article about the St. Michael's community kitchen with Mary from Greensgrow).  Funny thing - they interviewed me months ago and it just came out now.  I saw the web link, and did not think much of it since it was just a small quote.  Imagine my surprise when I got my copy of the actual magazine and I was in there - 1/2 page picture of me - HOLY CRAP!  I am hoping the article generates interest, because I certainly am re-motivated.  Thank you everyone for your patience and Kat's California Salsa will be back in full salsa swing shortly!  Take good care.

 Kat 

April 14, 2010

First off, Happy 16^th Birthday tomorrow to my beautiful eldest daughter.  You rock.

Now back to business….Holy cow, it has been eons since I have updated this blog!  Haven’t made my salsa in a few weeks, and it depresses the crap out of me.  I am currently stuck in limbo because the Community Kitchen has not been opened yet and I am prevented from making my salsa until it starts being prepared in a certified kitchen.  Seems someone took issue with it being made in my kitchen (understood) and threatened to throw me under the bus (jerk face)…which would seriously thwart my Salsa Biz before it even really starts, so I am taking no chances.  Never knew the salsa biz was so competitive and people are so snarky!  Hell, I am no businesswoman, I just chop tomatoes!  I want this business to be successful, so I am doing this the right way.  There is so much red tape involved and the City certainly takes it’s time when it comes to these things.   I am not going to be able to provide my salsa for the Greensgrow CSA starting next week and that really has my panties in a bunch.  Maybe in a few weeks, we’ll see.  It does give me some time to get my business “ducks” in a row.  Business Licenses, bank accounts, certifications, labels etc.  Thank God I have a husband who is A LOT smarter than I and is much more patient than I as well.  Now if only someone would add about 60 hours to my week, I would be set. 

Keep the positive salsa vibes headed my way and look for a full court press…salsa wise of course.  This is going to be one kick-ass Summer for Kat’s California Salsa.  I can feel it in my bones!

Peace.

Love Kat

PS - look for me in the May issue of Grit Magazine.  They did a big article on Community Kitchens!  Yay! 

February 9, 2010

Well what a crazy few weeks it has been!  The article in The Star came out and I got tons of orders (plus it was Superbowl Sunday too!)  Made over 120 pints!!

http://www.philly.com/community/pa/philadelphia/star/Spicing_up_Fishtown.html

They called me Katherine in the article, but I forgive them this time.  I answer to pretty much anything anyways.  And I was happy that Matt from the Star did not make me look like too much of a troll – so I am thankful for that.  I am really getting excited about the opening of the Community Kitchen in March and all that will bring to the business and to the neighborhood.  I can’t wait to find other places to sell my salsa too.  If anyone has ideas on places you think would be a good fit, don’t hesitate to drop me a line!  I am also looking to get some waterproof labels (round for the containers and small ones to put the ingredients on the sides) and would really like to use a local business.  Keep it in the hood!  Send me any info or links and I would certainly appreciate it!  You know, you guys are what is making this successful and I am so grateful for that.

 Well, salt your walks, make sure you and your family have enough bread, milk, eggs (for the mandatory snowstorm French toast) and don’t forget the salsa and chips!

Seriously, stay safe in this wacky weather and after the storm, shovel your walks, help your neighbors and don’t throw snow in the street.  This has been a public service announcement…

X X O O Kat

January 31, 2010

This afternoon I am being interviewd and photographed by the Fishtown Star for next weeks paper!  How awesome is that?  Good things happening!!!!! 

January 26, 2010

My sweet friend Joe Minarik passed away yesterday.  He will be missed by all.  He was the "cheerleader" of my salsa business and was an integral part of starting it. Rest in Peace Joe. We will miss you terribly.

January 21, 2010

Holy Cow – it has been soooo long since I updated this site!  BAD KAT, BAD!!!  The holidays were crazy and the business has slowed down during the winter months….what is it with people out here.  Don’t you know Salsa is a year round food??? Lol! 

Spring is around the comer and really exciting things are happening!  I will be working closely with Mary at Greensgrow, utilizing their certified kitchen to make product and maybe expanding my line to include a finely chopped version of my salsa….what do you think?  I was thinking of making hot sauce this year out of the billions of habaneros I seem to harvest every year, but then had second thoughts.  The last time I made it the only person who was brave enough to eat it was my friend who grew up in Guadalajara and has “asbestos mouth”.  My husband was acting all cool… “let me try it, it can’t be that hot”…wrong.  He couldn’t taste anything for a week after that…ha!  Maybe a toned down version, who knows.

Anyway I digress; about Greensgrow….I will also be working with Mary to expand the locations you can pick up my salsa in case you don’t live around the hood.  I have also had lots of my family and friends in So Cal asking to have me ship it out there, but that is getting a little ahead of myself!  Someday folks, someday!

Right now, I am taking orders for Superbowl Sunday for peeps in the neighborhood and it will also be available at Cornerstone Market  http://cornerstone-market.com (they have great sandwiches there too – perfect for the big game!!)  Email me, PM me on Facebook or FIshtown.us – however you want.  $5 a pint and if you order more than 5 pints you get a free bag of Scoops (you know you have to eat my salsa with Scoops.  If you don’t that is considered Salsa Sacrilege. )

Anyway, hope everyone had an awesome Holiday season…get ready for the snow.  Farmer’s almanac says we are gonna get slammed come February.  You will be needing a lot of salsa to get through it.  It helps with cabin fever you know.  Really!  

Spring will be here before you know it and there will be salsa in the air!  Or something like that.  Give me some feedback, suggestions, recipes, etc.  Always looking for cool new ideas!

Cheers and Good Vibes,

Kat

October 1, 2009

For me this is the official start of Fall.  My favorite seaon living back East.  In California, Fall meant, well, it meant that occasionally you would need a light sweater with your shorts. Not that I minded, but it is just more FALL out here.  The leaves, the chill, all the fall decorations. Knowing that it is the official start of the holidays for our family - DECORATING SEASON!  Our neighborhood East Kensington/Fishtown is majorly into decorating for any occasion and any season.  One of the very cool things about living in this part of the city. Of course you have to lock down any decorations you put out, but it comes with living in the hood. 

This Saturday I will be participating in the Greensgrown Fall Festival sponsored by Subaru.  They were expecting 1500 people, but Mr. Weatherman is telling us to expect nothing but freakin THUNDERSTORMS.  So I decided to make only half as much as I was going to make. Maybe all the other vendors will buy it...lol.  That's OK.  I need the experience and Mary from Greensgrow is one of the coolest people I know. 

Stop by Greensgrow on Saturday and enjoy all the home grown yumminess.  There will be alot to go around!