3 days till we’re open!!!
We have menu boards, artfully decorated by Matt
And drinks! Nutritiously ordered by me! (Honest Tea, Izze, Sparkles, compostable water bottle, Stonyfield)
And then this was noticed. Flat tire.
What is crazy is that I was running errands in the CAR after arriving to the bakery (needed to get heavy stuff from the grocery store) and I kept thinking my CAR had a flat tire! Either I haven’t been driving much or the road was just really bumpy. I get back from the store and check the tires. They all looked fine.
Then 20 minutes later Matt pointed out my bike tire. Are we soul mates or what!?! [my bike, not matt 😉 ]
This literally broke my heart – thinking of going all week without my commuter bike and having to get it repaired. Even if I knew how to repair it, we didn’t have the right tubing and the bike store was closed. I literally felt like a part of me was broken!
I had an iced coffee [decaf] to cheer me up
Soon enough we cleaned up and wrapped up and headed home, bike in the back seat.
Matt was in a cookin’ mood and when I described my vision for dinner he told me to cheer up on the porch while he put it together.
I sipped a Lemon Mint Spritzer on the porch! (Matt joined me once dinner was baking)
2/3 sparkling water, 1/3 bottled lemonade (a bakery sample) plus a slice of lemon and garden mint
SO refreshing!
And the most perfect Memorial Day weather ever!
Apparently Matt had a vision of my vision!
The highlight was tempeh, which I marinated in Dr. Pete’s Coffee Balsamic Marinade all afternoon.
This is the same company who makes my beloved Praline Mustard Glaze and we’re hoping for a killer OpenSky deal on these flavors in the next few weeks!
The coffee marinade was AWESOME!! It gave the tempeh a dark, roasted taste that was almost sweet + caramely on the chew. The tempeh was baked in its marinade for about 20 minutes in the oven and served over garden-fresh lettuce along with sautéed bacon and cremini mushrooms. YUM!!
Also show-stopping: roasted Virginia blue potatoes!! I could never have another French fry in my life and just live on these and be perfectly content.
Hot off the farmer’s market racks. They were roasted for 40 minutes at 400* and rubbed in olive oil, salt and liquid smoke (a new find that I have been reading about for years but have not yet formed an opinion of since it wasn’t very detectable in the ‘taters, precious)
For dessert, we had watermelon – but it was bad!! Not rotten bad, just mealy bad. So sad!!
After dinner, I was still sniffling over my bike problem when DR. HUFFMAN arrived!!! He may be an excellent chiropractor, but I think he needs to add bike tire adjustments to his list of services. He fixed my bike!!! Thanks so much Tate, we owe you more than mealy watermelon!!
Time for my nightly freezing cold shower and some book time. It’s not officially summer yet so no matter how hot it gets, we have a mental block against the air conditioning!
[Although if you saw how many bugs have gathered on our porch you might think again…]
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
The bakery is looks so official! It looks like you could be open now – great job you guys. 🙂
Coffee marinade sounds fantastic. Looking forward to the Open Sky.
Esse says
Wow, this has been so exciting watching your journey to your opening! At last – did you wonder when it would come? Best Wishes!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
“Even if I knew how to repair it, we didn’t have the right tubing and the bike store was closed. I literally felt like a part of me was broken!”
Kath, I am sooo sorry but thank goodness you got it repaired.
When you have kids (perhaps one day) and you get a flat tire in your jogging stroller and you’re on an island (or not) and all your want to do is run/walk/workout if you dont have a jogging stroller that works with tires that are inflated, the buck stops there. It’s SUCH a handicapping feeling to get a flat tire in anything…stroller, bike, car, etc. Gah! But at least you got it fixed. I’ve had two flats..THIS WEEK!
Sorry to ramble when i really want to say that marinade…omg, I WANT IT! Coffee balsamic and Praline Mustard Glaze…be still, my heart.
Stay cool!
Morgan @ moments of mmm says
Wow the bakery looks amazing! 🙂 Congrats again and again.
Just sliced open a watermelon tonight as well and it was no good! The middle was very mushy and not very juicy. What’s up with that?!
kaila @ healthy helper! says
That meal looks fan-freakin-tastic!!! I love those marinade flavors…WOW! Coffee balsamic!?!?! YES! And I love the blue potatoes!
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
I give you mad props. We’ve been using the AC since…March? haha…well, we blame being on the 4th floor of the condo, it gets really warm!!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I’m glad you were able to get your bike fixed!
Those purple potatoes are so pretty — roasted potatoes with ketchup is something I could eat every day and never get sick of it!
Kim @ Spoonful of Sass says
Kudos to you for not turning the air conditioner on! Ours came on when it hit the 90’s. I didn’t want to do it, but I’m happier and more well rested because of it!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Dinner looks amazing! I miss tempeh. The potatoes…YUM! I can’t believe it’s opening week! I am so excited for you guys!
Darcy @ She Sings at the Table says
Is that a Spice Girls reference I see in the post title ? 🙂 That marinade sounds really interesting–I’ve been kind of a wimp about trying tempeh since I tried it for the first time and wasn’t impressed….but I’m thinking with some different flavors I could maybe get into it.
Congrats on the almost-ready bakery! It looks fantastic.
KathEats says
Yep!! Spice Girls indeed
Maria says
yay for no aircondition ^^ for me as a european, it was a shock to come here and being cold all the time ^^ I am happy for you having nice weather, and I am so excited ’bout the bakery! wish I would live closer! all the best for you!
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food says
Everything is looking AMAZING! 🙂 The opening is going to be such a huge success! 🙂
Love the look of that marinated tempeh. Coffee marinade is such an awesome idea!
So glad you’re bike is all fixed, you’re a biking inspiration! 🙂
CheezyK says
Hmmm, have just been looking at the map trying to work out how to add Charlottesville to our proposed (one day in the future …) trip to the USA – your bakery makes it look to be worth the extra kms on its own but the restaurants and scenery you post definitely add to the argument.
Will keep a close eye out for the Dr Pete’s offer, those marinades sound delicious!
Mary Frances says
…and it’s only a couple of hours away from our nation’s capital, Washington, DC!
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet says
Yay! So glad your bike is fixed 🙂 The Huffman family has so many tricks up their sleeves!
The menu boards look awesome and I love the handwritten touch.
I’ve never had Virginia Blue Potatoes before, so I’ll be sure to add them to my list of things to try when I’m in town!
Jess @ atasteofconfidence says
Good luck with the opening!!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
Dinner looks AWESOME, and so glad you got your bike fixed!
Khushboo says
The boards look great- I always think blackboards add such a nice touch in restaurants! Will Matt be changing the text weekly or daily?
KathEats says
Probably only weekly
Alyssa says
I LOVE tempeh! We usually do ours BBQ style 🙂
staceyhealthylife says
Glad your bike got fixed. I know how frustrating that can be and that’s the last thing you need right now.
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
ooooh I am so very excited for you both re the bakery opening!!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i’ve gotta remember to marinade my tempeh – i’m sure it makes a huge difference
Baking 'n' Books says
It tastes so good. I admit – I’ve only bought the “pre-marinated”…but it’s good – Sesame and Garlic! Who knows what other ingredients are in there though…;)
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
The bakery looks amazing! I love seeing the progress!
Chloe (South Beach Girl) says
Hooray for Tate! Your drink case looks awesome – can’t wait to see what happens at the grand opening!
E says
Good for you for skipping the air! Unfortunately our AC’s been going for a while now. I work nights & it gets way too hot in the house during the day to sleep, especially since our house gets no good breeze in through the windows (no cross ventilation).
Alaina says
The store is looking so good!!
Is cooking tempeh similar to cooking tofu?
KathEats says
They’re kind of similar, but not too much. Like the similarity of pork and chicken
Hannah says
So so so so so so exciting! SQUEE!
Marina says
Boards look great!
Whenever something happenes to my bike, I get really sad and upset, so I sympathize with you :))
glad it was fixed soon!
Gasem says
here is how to fix a bike tire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFXewhx3BE
it takes 10 minutes. you can get a tube and repair kit at sears with the tire levers. If you don’t have the tire levers you can use the handles of old spoons or an old spatula do not use a screw driver you can also patch the tube which adds another 5 minutes
Now you have the powa to fish and eat for a lifetime
KathEats says
We didn’t have the tube or repair kit, but I ordered one to have on hand
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Aw, so glad you got your bike fixed! My dad totally fixes my bike problems. I need to learn before I move out 🙂
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Cold showers have been my best friend all week long!
Yay for handy friends!
Lenna says
Coffee marinade and lemond pear dressing sound awesome! I wish we had such a creative and original things here!:)
Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East says
The bakery looks so great! Wish I was closer to come see it in person and try some of your wonderful breads!
Glad your bike is fixed!
haya says
a biking PSA: everyone should carry a spare tube, a multitool and some tire levers (don’t bother with a repair kit. they are too fiddly, don’t work most of the time and are not really worth the hassle). doesn’t take up much space in a pocket of your bike bag and a flat will never slow you down (or strand you)!!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
TOO funny that you both had some sort of flat.. glad the bike is all set to go.. and think that the board..and drink collection looks absolutely wonderful! Great job on EVERYTHING that you have done!
Christine @ Burning It Off says
The bakery looks great. I love that we’ve been able to watch it develop from day to day. Can’t wait to read about the opening when it happens!
Sportsgirl says
How unfortunate! I must say though that repairing an inner tube is pretty easy.
Unlike a poster above, I have had great success and longevity from repairing my bicycle inner tubes. It is fiddly but doesn’t take too long.
Katie says
Glad your bike got fixed! 🙂 We have a mental block against our AC also!! No matter how hot it gets, too… Then when I go to other people’s homes in the summer time that use AC, I’m always freezing!!
Lauren says
Glad your bike was fixed! I felt the same way when my treadmill broke for a few days. It’s sad to see our beloved machines not working properly!
Karen says
The marinade looks wonderful…must try that method w/ my favorite fig balsamic and tempeh.
I share your sentiments re. air conditioning…I just feel my best in fresh, tropical air and have been known to go an entire summer without turning my AC on. True, I live in a high rise w/ great breezes, but still…
Nice art work, Matt! Have fun basking in the glory of this long term project finally coming to fruition! (Whee!)
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
Sorry about your bike tire. 🙁 Boo
And blue potatoes?? I’ve never heard of them, but they look awesome. Are they like new potatoes?
KathEats says
Yup!
greenbean says
what’s up with the cold showers? i’ve read about the benefits, so i’m curious if that’s why you take them. i’ve tried it, but couldn’t get over the initial shock.
KathEats says
There’s really no benefit unless you live in 90 degree weather without air conditioning like us! They just cool me off before bed. I don’t make them COLD cold, just not hot
Mary Frances says
Actually, there are some health benefits from taking an ‘ice bath’ for five minutes, but not longer, which can help with aches and pains and reduces inflamation.
Molly @ RDexposed says
Coffee marinade? Pass it on over!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
The bakery is looking incredible – you must be so excited to see all of your hard work pay off!
Hope says
Those menu boards look great! 🙂
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf says
Ugh, I wish I could go without the air conditioner until the summer officially started, but I’m pretty sure we’d all die of heatstroke before the summer solstice. It’s been in triple digits the last few days, and we’re under a supernatural drought!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
The bakery is looking so good! Glad you got your bike fixed. When stuff like that happens it completely stresses me out until it’s fixed otherwise it’s just hanging over your head the whole time.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I’m glad your bike was able to be fixed. Going a week without it would have sucked!
Katie says
The store looks great! Congratulations!
Marya says
Bet those blue potatoes have a higher nutrition content than their white counterparts. They look delish! And I’m inspired to try some tempeh now.
Emily Nelson says
Liquid smoke is gross.
Being a foodie, I’d assume you know about the best kept secret of smoked paprika? La Chinata is the best. It is wonderful in everything from roasted potatoes to guacamole.
If you don’t have some, I’ll bring it to you as a happy store opening.
KathEats says
Yes, we use smoked paprika all the time.
But if Mamapea loves Liquid Smoke, then I will love it somehow too!
Jenn@slim-shoppin says
So excited about your opening! Everything looks great. I wonder if that marinade is a regional thing, I”ve never heard of it – but I love the look of the coffee marinade!
Glad you got your biked fixed, I have a bike in my garage in the same condition – I have no idea how to fix it, but never seem to get a chance to get to the bike shop.
Have fun this week!
Kate says
The cafe is stunning! What a beautiful environment for enjoying fresh foods. Thought I might suggest a few simple summer sides for you…these feature peaches. Enjoy and good luck with the store launch!
http://bread-n-chocolate.blogspot.com/2011/05/everythings-just-peachy.html
Meagan says
We had watermelon too! I bought a medium sized seedless one at the store. It had a mealy texture, but the flavor was spot on (yeah, I know, how’s that possible?) so I couldn’t really classify it as bad. And I still can’t wait to eat more. Kath, maybe we should make watermelon smoothies!
KathEats says
Smoothies would be a great idea
Sabina says
yup, no more french fries for me. i far prefer oven roasted or grilled potato (and sweet potato) sticks. 🙂
britt says
the bakery is coming together beautifully! love the signs 🙂
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
Yayy congrats!! Opening is soo close!
Jessie Groszkowski says
The bakery looks amazing!!! You & Matt have done an awesome job! We’ll be thinking of you both this week and please feel free to reach out to us for ANYTHING! Way to go:)
Angel7 says
Great array of drinks!
I have never had Roasted Virginia Blue Potatoes. They look really good! If they are as good as french fries–which I love french fries–then I would love them!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
amyjogo says
I had a mealy watermelon last week but the flavor was so good, I didn’t mind. I just froze half overnight then the next day, I blended the frozen with the thawed and made a sorbet. PERFECT for the 100 degree weather we’ve been having in Fort Worth.
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
Dinner looks SO freakin good!!!
Christena says
I LOVE liquid smoke. I have never tried it on vegetables, only meat. It is great on BBQ.
Lauren @ MRS says
It’s looking so great, I can’t believe it’s only a few blinks away. The menu board looks pretty sweet. Good luck to you guys!
Katie @ Real Food Katie's Way says
I bought a watermelon last week and had the same experience which really saddened me because I ANXIOUSLY wait watermelon season…What a turnoff! But I will press on in my hunt for a great tasting melon 😉
Those marinades sound incredible!!
Jennifer says
I am marinating my Tempeh right now in the Coffee marinade (bought it off your Open Sky offer!). What temperature do you bake it at? I will probably do 350 degrees if I don’t hear from you…
KathEats says
I stir-fried mine! But I’d bake at 350* (you were right!) for 20-30 minutes?
Jennifer says
Woo hoo! Thanks!!