tcbusiness.com – Culinary

House of Hope and Inner Truth build client skills through P.I.E. Lab Project

P.I.E., which stands for Positive Integrated Experiences, is a collaboration between House of Hope and The Inner Truth Project to help women build self-esteem and acquire marketable skills. And it results in good pies.

Clients from The Inner Truth Project, the Treasure Coast’s leader in providing therapeutic services to survivors of sexual trauma, have been working and learning in the kitchen at House of Hope’s Elizabeth Lahti Nutrition Center for several weeks under the direction of House of Hope’s Food Distribution Supervisor Andrew Funcke. Along with learning to make pies, they learned business management, customer service and marketing skills to prepare them for employment, and they graduated from the program with certification in Food Safety.

During the project, House of Hope clients were offered the day’s pies for dessert, but the ultimate goal is to turn pie-making skills into a self-sustaining business that can generate funds for the organizations and the pie-makers themselves.

“We’re so proud of these women,” said Mindi Fetterman, executive director of Inner Truth. “They accepted this challenge to find out how very capable they really are, and they succeeded. The benefits of this program go far beyond what can be measured in the pies they’ve learned to make.”

One of the pie-makers, Summer, talks about the new confidence she’s gained from the program after a very troubled time in her life. “I never made a pie or worked in a group, and I thought I couldn’t do it, but I did. It’s changed my life.”

The culinary class is free to Inner Truth clients thanks to grants awarded House of Hope and The Inner Truth Project, including support from private funders through The Community Foundation of Martin - St. Lucie.

“This project has all of the ingredients for a successful program. As an example of social entrepreneurship, it’s a perfect match with our mission to empower the people we serve to build better futures for themselves and their families,” according to House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “We’ve developed great facilities for food preparation over the years, thanks to generous community donors, and we’re glad to share them with Inner Truth. Plus we all love the pies!”

Future classes will include a broader base of clients from both Inner Truth and House of Hope. Pie sales will eventually help generate revenue to sustain the program and provide a great gift to the community — delicious pies, baked with love.

About House of Hope

Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future. The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, and Thrift Shops in South Stuart, Hobe Sound and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Enrichment Centers in Stuart and Jensen Beach offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being. House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Hohmartin, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/houseofhopemc/, and Twitter https://twitter.com/hohmartin.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

May. 4, 2023|

The Treasure Coast MasterChef Competition announces 2023 preliminary and finale events

The Treasure Coast MasterChef competition is excited to announce its 2023 preliminary and finale events, presented by Kyle G’s Restaurants, and taking place at the Indian River State College campus in Vero Beach, FL. The preliminary competition will take place on Wednesday, March 8th and will feature eight talented chefs from across the region.

The preliminary competition will be judged by a panel of locally renowned chefs, who will evaluate the dishes on taste, presentation, and originality. At the end of the event, the top four chefs will advance to the semi-formal finale, held on Wednesday, March 22^nd at the Indian River State College.

At the finale, the top four chefs will present their signature dishes to a panel of expert judges and attending guests. The winning chef will receive a MasterChef Trophy and the coveted title of the 2023 Treasure Coast MasterChef.

"We are thrilled to bring together some of the most talented chefs in the region for this exciting competition," said competition organizer, Thomas Miller. "The Treasure Coast has a thriving culinary scene, and we can't wait to see what these chefs have in store for us."

Both the preliminary and finale competitions are open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the treasurecoastfoodie.com website. Don't miss this opportunity to see some of the best chefs in action and support the local culinary community.

For more information, visit https://treasurecoastfoodie.com/the-treasure-coast-masterchef-competition/

Feb. 16, 2023|

The Dignity Food Truck now operating at Jaycee Park

Dignity Jonathan with Armando-Russell and Brian in window

The Seaside Grill, currently under construction in Jaycee Park in Vero Beach, has had some setbacks in their schedule to re-open for the public who enjoys being at the beach, in the park or taking their daily walks on the boardwalk.

Thanks to the City of Vero Beach and the current owners of the establishment, the popular Dignity Food Truck, owned and operated by The Source in Vero Beach, is parking their Food Truck in the parking lot behind Seaside Grill for the next several months, offering a menu of food and drink that will fill the gap in time until the restaurant re-opens.

“In an effort to help the residents and visitors of Vero Beach who have missed the opportunity to enjoy food nearby one of the best recreational areas along the beach, we have altered our schedule for one of our two Food Trucks to park there from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week,” according to Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source.

While food trucks are not a new phenomenon, The Dignity Food Truck has been filling the need for those looking for made-to-order food close-to-home for several years…both convenient and tasty. They succeed in that by using a google app (download “I Am The Source” from your App Store) to view a menu and order, schedule a pick-up time, pay online, and ultimately go to the Food Truck and simply retrieve their order.

“We are offering an easy alternative for those getting in their cars and driving for food while they are already spending time on the beach, playing with their children in the park or taking their daily walk. Additionally, our location in the parking lot, right behind Seaside Grill, also allows people to drive there for lunch from the Food Truck and enjoy eating in the park under one of the covered picnic areas located there,”Zorbaugh adds.

I am Ministries DBA The Source is a Christian social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service for the homeless since 1995.Founded in Indian River County, the organization serves its homeless neighbors through core programs that include Dining with Dignity-a culinary employability training program, Dignity Catering and Dignity Food Trucks, Dignity Buses-mobile overnight emergency shelters sleeping nearly 40 nightly, Dignity Village-20 affordable housing units, as well as a myriad of programs and services that instill a sense of community. For more information on The Source please visit www.Iamthesource.org. Interested in more information of wanting to book one of the Dignity Food Trucks at your location or special event, call Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, 772-564-0202, Ext. 204.

Jan. 20, 2023|

Treasure Coast extension makes space for food system connections Oct. 11

The Good Food Connections virtual meet up is back. Do you grow a food product you aren’t sure how to market or distribute? Are you a chef looking to add unique local items to your menu? Join us starting Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 5 – 6 p.m. via Zoom.

Good Food Connections meetings are free virtual networking events designed to give all participants of the food system, such as growers, distributors, retailers, food pantries, chefs, school food service and more, the opportunity to make connections that will strengthen our food system. Maybe someone needs your old equipment. Perhaps you can make a great food special with the last of someone’s harvest. Because we are virtual, the opportunity to connect regionally is better.

Each meeting will include a presentation from someone who is part of the food system. It is a chance to learn about their efforts and needs. Past meetings have led to less local food waste, increased food supplies for food banks and even the establishment of a food policy council in a nearby county.

Let the St. Lucie UF/IFAS Extension staff know if you’d like to present during a session about your operation. In the past, we’ve learned about the resources provided by the Treasure Coast Food Bank and House of Hope. We took a virtual tour of Colab Farms in Martin County. We would love to feature a local restaurant or food truck.

Please register in advance to receive the zoom link; there is no fee to participate. All UF/IFAS Extension programs are open to all and the University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Organization. For more information about this event, contact Carol Roberts via email at [email protected] or call 772-462-1895 or co-organizer Yvette Goodiel at [email protected].

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Sep. 27, 2022|

The Grove, Cucina & Wine earns Wine Spectator restaurant award in 2022, third year in a row

The Grove, Cucina & Wine Bar among 3,776 winners; awards program for World’s Best Wine Lists pays tribute to resilience of restaurant industry amid global pandemic

The Grove Pizza Cucina & Wine Bar was honored for the third year in a row for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2022 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine.

“I want to congratulate all 3,169 restaurants that earned one of Wine Spectator’s three awards for their devotion to all things wine,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “These awards not only guide our readers to dining establishments with impressive wine lists and outstanding service but also serve to honor restaurants for their achievements and commitment to maintaining pristine cellars. We are thrilled to reveal our 2022 Dining Guide, which points to places where wine drinkers are warmly welcomed.”

“Luis and I are thrilled to be recognized by the Wine Spectator for our dedication to excellence with our Award of Excellence again in 2022. As long-time Martin County residents, it’s an honor to bring light to our work and dedication to elevating the dining scene and level of hospitality here in Martin County.” -Jen Reyneri, Sommelier and Co-Owner “We recently returned from our Southern Italian culinary research trip to this awesome news, and are excited to share our love for food and wine with our community, guests, and wine club members.” States Co-Owner Luis Reyneri, Advanced Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator.

About The Grove, Pizza Cucina & Wine Bar

Excerpt, Wine Spectator, 8 Piping-Hot Pizza Places with Terrific Wine Lists “Jen and Luis Reyneri, the wife-and-husband owners of the Grove Pizza Cucina & Wine Bar, met 20 years ago in Orlando, Fla. Driven by a passion for wine, the couple spent time living abroad in Europe, visiting a variety of winegrowing regions including Italy, France, Spain and Germany. With some global perspective under their belt, the Reyneris returned to Florida to open their restaurant in 2019, and the Grove earned its first Award of Excellence one year later. Luis oversees the frequently evolving wine list. Chef Ian McCue crafts seasonal Italian dishes plus specialty pizzas with options like chicken pesto and burrata flatbread, using fresh produce brought in daily and sauces made in-house.”

The Grove was established in 2019, but the journey to its inception spans over 20 years and two continents. Husband & wife sommelier team/owner-operators are on mission to carefully curate cuisine & culture by providing world-class hospitality experiences in their small, sleepy beach town. Frequently, guests comment since The Grove came to town, they have escalated the culture through culinary and hospitality as forerunners in this up and coming community. The dynamic duo of Jen and Luis Reyneri met over 20 years ago in Orlando, Florida. Since then, the hospitality industry has taken the Reyneri family, including their two sons, all over the world including a year abroad in Europe studying food and wine. With international experience under their belts, they returned to Las Vegas and later back to their roots and family in South Florida to open The Grove in 2019, going on to win Wine Spectator Award of Excellences in 2020 , 2021 & 2022 and won Diner’s Choice for Best Food through Open Table two years in a row. The Reyneri’s not only pride themselves with excellence in service to their guests with a talented certified culinary team, but in building a strong, family-like team culture where Cuban coffee is served at pre-shift every day. Many employees have celebrated 3 year work anniversaries at The Grove and have been promoted from within. Most recently, the Reyneri’s are expanding their philanthropic outreach with the creation of the Treasure Coast Charity Wine Auction, a newly incorporated 501-C3 with its first events to follow this fall. Follow the Grove online at TheGroveHobeSound.com and on Facebook or Instagram @TheGroveHobeSound

The Grove, Pizza Cucina & Wine has won the AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

Follow the Restaurant Awards on Twitter and Instagram, with hashtag #WSRestaurantAward, and The Grove on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Winners are also profiled in the free Restaurant Awards app, available for iPhone and iPad users. Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue became available to readers July 12.

About Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 15,000 wines each year. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.

Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world’s best wine lists in 1981. There are three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award—with 1,782; 1,290; and 97 winners this year in each respective category.

Aug. 2, 2022|

House of Hope creates edible landscape

Sunflowers and blackberry bushes add color to the edible landscape outside of House of Hope’s administrative offices.

What better place to find fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs than in your own yard? House of Hope staffers challenged themselves to create an edible landscape in the front of the organization’s administrative offices on Dixie Highway, and their efforts are literally bearing fruit.

“We’ve helped to create gardens in other parts of the community and our Growing Hope Farm in Palm City is producing increasing amounts of fresh, nutritious produce for our clients,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “Becoming involved with the edible landscape movement seemed a logical next step for us at our main facility.”

Now, instead of the typical South Florida landscape with greenery that is pretty but not productive, House of Hope’s colorful landscape is peppered with eggplant, lemongrass, mint, blackberries, Barbados cherries, rosemary, oregano, and vibrant sunflowers. The plantings will change with the seasons so there will always be appropriate fruits and vegetables in bloom and ready for harvest.

House of Hope encourages residents, businesses and organizations throughout Martin County to re-evaluate their own landscapes and think creatively about how to establish an edible yard. “An edible landscape has enormous benefits,” Ranieri said. “It’s a great way to counter increasing prices at the grocery store, add quality nutrition to diets, be a good steward to the environment and teach young people about the source of their food.”

Another teaching tool is House of Hope’s Traveling Nutrition Garden. The mobile garden visits schools, community events, and neighborhood gatherings with hands-on information about what grows in South Florida and how to make healthier choices. Groups and organizations can contact House of Hope at 772-286-4673, ext. 1004 to schedule presentations.

Funding for the edible landscape project came from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, along with support from a fund donated in memory of Marnie Abate, one of the original founders of House of Hope and a long-time friend and supporter.

Healthy herbs like mint, rosemary, oregano and lemongrass are available right outside the front door of House of Hope.

About House of Hope

The organization has service centers and thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach. House of Hope’s Enrichment Centers in Golden Gate Center and Jensen Beach offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.

House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram Instagram, and Twitter.

Jul. 20, 2022|

The Cake Lady Cupcake Camp

This story is distributed by Treasure Coast Business, tcbusiness.com, a service for the readers and advertisers of Indian River Magazine. Report news of your business at [email protected].

May. 15, 2018|

Students take home awards in culinary olympics

FORT PIERCE — Showcasing their talents three representatives of the Indian River State College Culinary Institute earned silver and bronze medals at IKA, the international Culinary Olympics held in Erfurt, Germany in October. Every four years, 800 talented chefs from around the world assemble for the touch-notch competition to present their culinary skill […]

Nov. 22, 2016|