Farm to Pharma Catering Event at Sickles Market

For those of us who have been Sickle-ized, it is difficult to believe that some people do not know about Sickles Market, Little Silver. But it's true. Some poor souls have never had the Zen-like experience of driving through the park, past the berry patch tended by Mr. Sickles, who is 81 this year and fit as a fiddle - you cannot stop a farmer from farming, ever - then further still, behind the baseball field and into the parking lot bordered by beautiful flowers. It is there hidden from all the chaos where the garden center and specialty food market waits to be discovered. Sickles Market - celebrating its 100th birthday this year - draws devout gardeners and foodies of all levels to it like pilgrims to a sacred site. They know that the gem of a business is stocked with all the absolute best goodies from peat moss to foie gras. There's always something new to discover there. I've worked as a public relations and marketing consultant to Bob Sickles for several years now, and I'm still uncovering new products and services at Sickles Market.

One of my goals is to create more public awareness about Sickles Market. Did you know that Sickles offers catered lunches with delivery to local businesses? Only a few at this time use this excellent service. To change that we recently held a tasting event specifically for pharmaceutical reps who entertain a lot. We invited them to come sample Sickles Market's catering services and gift baskets. The first photo is owner Bob Sickles, on the left with Dan Irvine, my step son (isn't he handsome?) and one of Forest Pharmaceuticals top sales reps too.

Dan knows about Sickles Market because I introduced him years ago and he loves good food. He's a big fan of my cooking and we are always discussing favorite foods, wines and restaurants. But he was unaware that Sickles offered catering and delivery service. It seemed only natural to bring Dan and some of his very busy colleagues to Sickles Market to check out the goods. Sickles staff - ever ready and professional - helped make the event informative and delicious. Laura created some super marketing materials, Kathy put some gift baskets together and Dave cooked up some delicious food. That's Dave in the second photo. You might recognize him from the deli counter.

There were sandwich wraps, vegetable Cole slaw, spinach salad, pulled pork sandwiches, lasagna and eggplant rolatini. What makes Sickles prepared foods stand out from other deli counters is the high quality produce and products that are readily available to Chef Kevin and his crew.

That's a pan of eggplant rollatini, one of my favorites. Doesn't that look good enough to eat?! It sure was. The dish was made of thin slices of eggplant covered with a delicate layer of tasty bread crumbs, stuffed with with velvety smooth ricotta and topped off with a robust marinara sauce. Believe me all the food was beautiful but the seven reps that were Sickles guests were sure easy on the eyes too. I always like to be in the company of young adults who work hard and experience success. It's what is so right about our country. Their enthusiasm for new expereinces and their solid kinships in a highly competive business world give me so much hope for our nation's future. Now, they have a new resource in Sickles Market to help enhance and reward their social and professional lives.