The Artisan Issue

By Lauren Titus / Photography By | Last Updated October 08, 2018
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artisan tools for the kitchen
Look for local artisans when shopping for kitchen tools.

"Everywhere I go, I always look for creative entrepreneurs, whether it's artisans and craftsmen, small farmers and gardeners, or restaurateurs who use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I admire the courage and self-reliance it takes to start your own business and make it succeed."

– Martha Stewart

What’s old is new again, as the resurgence of interest in artisan businesses suggests. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the majority of consumer products were created by skilled workers at small businesses. Lately it seems we are returning to that model, with a preponderance of handcrafted products found in local shops, restaurants and farmers’ markets. While artisan may have become a buzzword in marketing and advertising (even McDonald’s has jumped on the bandwagon and sells an artisan chicken sandwich), due to a variety of cultural, economic and social factors, there is a growing consumer demand for small batch food, drink and household items handmade by artisans.

This desire to seek out handcrafted items is not surprising in an age where we ask where our food comes from and how it was produced. When we buy a product from an artisan, we see the hands that shaped the ceramic cup or measured out the ingredients in the hot sauce or a loaf of bread. A connection is made, and whenever we use that product, we are reminded of a place, a story, a person.

This issue is a celebration of our local artisan businesses and the role they play in our community. We explore the reasons why we are seeing a renaissance of artisan offerings in the food and drink world, and consider the importance of farmers’ markets as incubators for those businesses. We profile local food entrepreneurs and their ongoing desire to pursue their dreams, even as they adjust their business models for long-term sustainability. Want to stock your kitchen with locally made tools and accessories? Use the list we compiled to add beauty and functionality to meal-time chores.

Although it falls toward the end of the year, September signifies the beginning for Edible Northeast Florida, as it is the month our first issue was published. This year marks our third anniversary, and we would like to extend our gratitude to our loyal readers, subscribers and contributors who have helped make the past three years so enriching. Much appreciation also goes to our advertisers, whose support enables us to provide this community platform for the discussion and celebration of our local food system.

Thanks to all of you who share our vision and commitment to local. We’d love to hear about your adventures discovering artisan businesses throughout the region. Be sure to tag us @edibleneflorida.

 

Lauren TitusEditor

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STORIES & RECIPES FROM THE ARTISAN ISSUE

Artisans Craft a New Economy

making ravioli
A resurgence in handcrafted products takes hold in Northeast Florida.

The Right Cut

A new wave of artisan butcher shops are connecting consumers and farmers again.

A Guide to Finding Locally Made Kitchen Tools

artisan kitchen tools
It's easy to support local artisans when it comes to sourcing kitchen tools.

Cultivating a Micro Farm at Sawgrass Marriott Resort

Chef Matt Sanchez
Chef Matt Sanchez has big plans for the future.

Sweet Potatoes: A Super Southern Staple

sweet potatoes
Part of the morning glory family of plants, sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable that can be used in a wide range of dishes besides the familiar Thanksgiving side dish. Plus, the greens are...

Chef's Round Table: Artisan Bakers at Coffee Shops

bakers from local coffee shops
We gathered artisan bakers from some of the region’s coffee shops to talk about creating pastries in the age of social media and specialty diets.

From Popsicles to Cocktails: How to Survive as a Food Entrepreneur

bottles of camp craft cocktails
For food entrepreneurs, creating small batch artisan products such as baked goods, preserves or specialty mustards is a relatively low-cost...

Sheet Pan Broiled Fish

broiled fish with seasonal vegetables
Turn this recipe into an ever-changing dinner based on fish and produce available seasonally at the market.

Chicken Cutlets with Tomato Gravy

chicken cutlet with tomato gravy
If you can find sweet potato greens at the farmers’ market, try those in place of kale or spinach. Leftover gravy goes great on biscuits.

Jax Bread Co: Artisan Bakery on the Southside

Jax Bread co makes artisan bread and other pastries.
There's nothing like the aroma of fresh baked bread.

Pane Siciliano

pane sisiliano
To ensure best results when making bread, ingredients should be measured by weight. Kitchen scales can be found at grocery stores and wherever small appliances are sold.

Artisan Bitters: Cocktail Alchemy from Bark, Root and Leaf

bitters bottles
Bitters are becoming as crafty as the cocktails they enhance.
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