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As I was putting the final touches to our kitchen at Picado Mexican Pantry, I was getting some glass jars and filling them with dry chilies. I used to do this at the market to show people what they look like and how they smell. It always worked well and it helped people decide if the chili they were buying was right for what they needed it for.
While labelling the jars, I also realised a very important thing, when in the market, I was there all the time, here in the shop, which opens six days of the week, I may not. I think that what sets us apart from other outlets is the expertise attached to our shop and I do not want to lose that. I curate everything we sell, I use the ingredients all the time and I am able to chat with both the new and the experienced cook of Mexican food about every single ingredient we sell. I've made all the mistakes and I've eaten Mexican food all my life. So all of a sudden, labeling the jars as 'ancho' or 'guajillo' wasn't enought anymore.
As many of you know, I work for an Irish charity called Localise, a not-for-profit youth and community development organisation, it's the job I've had the longest. It's a job you can hardly find fault with or a chance to get bored in, and of all the jobs I've ever had, this is the one I've found most satisfaction in. I get paid to do good. Everyday I go to work, I am fortunate enough to witness the selflessness of volunteering and the hundres and thousands of volunteers who make the third sector in Ireland work.
So when Clare (An American in Ireland) contacted me with an idea to do some volunteer cooking for charity, I of course say yes. We were invited to cook a lunch/dinner shift in a fantastic community cafe managed by CrossCare staff and volunteers.
Clare got involved with CrossCare through her payjob with Kellogg's UK, which donates breakfast cereals to the charity's food bank. Among other things, the food bank supplies ingredients to three community cafes in Dublin. These cafes provide a much needed meal service for individuals and families who find themselves unable to afford a proper meal or who are too weak and/or sick to fend for themselves. I've been in soup kitchens and housing facilities for the homeless many, many times, so I had this certain expectation of the place.
