Pellegrino Table, a micro-market specializing in spreads, breads, baked and dried goods, officially launched with an Open House in Vero Beach, FL. The response was overall positive and encouraging for the burgeoning small business owners, Bethanne Pellegrino and Jenny Laffien. A mother and daughter, well-acquainted partners in the kitchen, came about this venture in a curious way.
After years of hemming and hawing and ideating about starting a food-centric business, the daughter took the reins. Without telling her mother, Mrs. Laffien sought support from friends and family to lay the ground work for Pellegrino Table only telling her mother when the idea of an Open House was decided worthy of perusal. Mrs. Pellegrino was pleased with the idea.
The Open House was quickly put together, in a matter of a mere three weeks, but lacked nothing in vision or execution. It was well attended with a steady trickle of friends and neighbors and members of the Vero Beach community from 5:30 to 7:30 in the evening.
A long table was methodically set with perfect little rows of mini granola cups atop homemade yogurt, chocolate biscotti, pistachio biscotti and sesame honey cookies. Three different varieties of scones — white chocolate cranberry, currant, and chocolate chip — sat snug in a basket. Beside them, a trifle of scones sat snug accoutrements: a brightly flavored Georgia peach jam, simply whipped cream, and a fragrant and zesty lemon curd. On the opposite side of the table labeled “Savory”, another trifle of basil pesto, roasted tomatoes, and Garlic Rosemary Olive oil set the tone and were surrounded by delicious bites. A pizza featuring the fresh pesto, two types of pasta , three different types of dipping bread, a bowl of freshly made ricotta, a basket of focaccia and a variety of cheeses.
Guests sampled and savored the variety of products, all slated to be marketed for sale on the coming months. (Pellegrino Table features one product every month. The month of July features pesto.) Many found themselves at the product table where jars of the pesto, peach jam, olive oil and lemons curd were on display for sale and carefully packaged in product bags alongside ingredient cards.
On their way out, guests were also gifted a favor which included a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, a business card and an information card for the micro-markets ordering process. Like many micro-business like the more popular micro-bakery, Pellegrino Table has a scheduled ordering window to allow for ample time for preparing orders. Order must be placed by Monday evening in the Vero Beach area through Instagram, Facebook, or a provided phone number. Customers can pick up their orders on Thursday from one of two locations. There is an option for delivery but with a small $5 delivery fee.
It was a successful first event, and it’s likely there will be more like it to come.
Follow: @pellegrinotableverobeach on Instagram!
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