Vittles

Do you like or like, like him?

Meryl — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:08:14 +0000

Like was a big word in 5th grade. If you said you liked someone, it could mean that you were a couple. It could also just mean you thought they were pretty o.k. Brands on Facebook have a lot in common with those scrappy 5th grade boys from Wilson Elementary. They’ll do anything to get you to notice them. You may even like them, but how do they know if you like them, like them?

The best indicator if fans “like you, like you” (as we said back in the day), is if they interact and respond on your platforms. In other words, that boy who sits behind you pulls your pigtail, yup, that’s a “like you, like you”. Positive, negative, whatever it is, comments and interaction means that someone who’s out there really cares. As we all mature, learning to communicate those feelings just becomes natural.

Market like it Matters

Meryl — Tue, 17 May 2011 20:20:41 +0000

Vittles has always been all about getting the “right foods” to market. So when Bill Niman approached us to work on his new BN Ranch logo and tagline, we naturally jumped at the opportunity. Yes, that’s right, the pioneer of modern meats is at it again. He’s got his own rules and isn’t letting random industry terms get in his way.

The bottom line is that Bill is all about making every bite matter. Eating less, enjoying more. He actually considers the earth, his animals and the whole dining experience. Does this make him organic? Not necessarily. Natural, probably– but he’s not too fond of that overused word. Most of all, he wants carnivorous consumers to realize that their choices make a difference. Eat like it matters–and we can all get behind that!

Forecasting Grain

Meryl — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:28:14 +0000

After months, maybe years of hard work and dedication, Village Harvest is finally launching it’s new frozen whole grain line. Wahoo! Some say QR codes are the game changer of the times, we say think again. These whole grain mixes–that include ingredients like farro, wheatberries, red rice and quinoa–are taking the mystery out of cooking otherwise esoteric healthy foods and making them easier than boiling pasta. The big question (as with QR codes) is will consumers know what to do with them? Of course they will!

Only in this case, no apps, downloads, digital video cameras, ipads or other handheld devices are required. As long as you know how to rip open the package, pour in a bowl and press the microwave button, you’re in! Dole it out on the side of some grilled chicken, steamed veggies, or I don’t know, a hot dog if you’re so inclined. Toss these grains in a stir fry or pasta dish instead of white rice or plain ol’ pasta. The thing is, this line provides such a quick and simple way to add health and variety the average family meal that it’s a no brainer. That said, if you must download a suggestion to get you started, Village Harvest’s QR’s (quick recipes) are yours for the making.

Full Time Foodies

Tammy — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:11:54 +0000

L to R: Meryl Bennan, Tammy Deane, Pat Shea, Tammy Potter

We likeee.

Tammy — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:03:11 +0000

The leading producers of baby carrots have hired Miami-based ad agency, Crispin Porter + Bogusky to make the healthful lunch standard appear “extreme” and “sexy.” Read the article here.

Favorite Foodie Quotes

Tammy — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:18:12 +0000

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. ~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story

Whole Foods CEO: Healthy food is affordable necessity

Tammy — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:36:14 +0000

Time flies when you’re running one of the world’s most profitable grocery chains. Whole Foods, the organic and natural foods supermarket trendsetter, turns 30 on Sept. 20.
It has been widely imitated in style and concept. Its pricing has garnered it the pop culture nickname “Whole Paycheck.” The relatively tiny chain, which has 300 units in 38 states, has had a cultural impact more akin to that of Starbucks, which has more than 11,000 U.S. locations.
Yet, last year, in one of its most challenging years ever, Whole Foods (WFMI) still posted sales of $8 billion. It is about to roll out three much-watched health and wellness programs at stores in the next year. USA TODAY marketing reporter Bruce Horovitz talks with co-founder, cosmic thinker and conservative hippie John Mackey, 57, about his company’s past three decades and the next. The interview is edited for length and clarity.

Some books to nibble on

Tammy — Mon, 31 May 2010 07:29:55 +0000

If you have already chewed up M.F.K. Fisher, Elizabeth David and Wendell Berry, and perhaps Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, try food politics with Michael Pollan’s noble works. Try The One Straw Revolution: an Introduction to Natural Farming by Masanobu Fokouka. I also love Oishinbo, one of the seven-volume Japanese manga recently released in the US. Written by Tetsu Karinya and illustrated by Akira Hanasaki, Oshinbo (“the Gourmet”) it chronicles the adventures of young Shiro Yamaoka as he eats his way across Japan to create “The Ultimate Menu” .

Turkey shoot

Tammy — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:28:20 +0000

When I was a girl, in rural Virginia, I was always upset to learn that my father was going to a “turkey shoot.” My imagined version of this event dealt with the shooting of live turkeys, maybe in cages. In reality, a turkey shoot is a contest where participants shoot at paper targets and win frozen turkeys. In my life a turkey shoot is a full day of preparing, futzing, styling, adjusting, dusting, lighting, picking at with tweezers and such, eventually culminating in the final click of the shutter. Noonish, overwhelmed with the sight and smells, we also had these Plainville Turkey Burgers for lunch. They were satisfying and delicious with lots of fresh salad piled atop a warm whole wheat bun. I forgot the pickles. Shoot.

The Whole Truth behind Whole foods

Tammy — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:18:06 +0000

In this month’s The New Yorker, Nick Paumgarten has published a well written summary of the life and times of John Mackey, CEO and controversial co-founder of Whole Foods. His views may surprise you, and his approach is definitely one to learn from, even if that means what “not to do”. Check it out at http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/01/04/100104fa_fact_paumgarten