The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Arts and Crafts Market # 3

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Arts and Crafts Market # 3

For this past Market day, I've baked the same breads I often bake For all preceding Arts and crafts markets: A Rye , A Whole Wheat multigrain, and a country White loaf.  For This market ,however, I've baked all three of them. a 7 Kg. worth of Rye dough, 5.5 Kg. Worth of Whole wheat multigrain, and 5kg. worth of Tartine’s Sesame bread dough; yielding a total dough of 17.5 Kg!  All bread was baked in three consecutive days, and none were frozen. Phew!

The day began at the registration desk , followed by a random table draw. I was seated in a far corner on the ground floor this time. I prepared the table for display, and readied myself for the big day. Immediately, I began preparing samplers for customers who’d like to have a taste of my breads. I had a chocolate vendor to my left, and a jewelry designer to my right; all were friendly and courteous.

Customers began to show up on my table, and many were interested in Artisan bread. Occasionally, some would ask if I had gluten free breads, in fact, many here appear to have gluten intolerance. I think I might have to learn how to make GF breads soon. A German gentleman accompanied by his family has also shown a good deal of interest in Artisan breads; notably Rye. I quote him saying: “mmm, this is really authentic!”, as he chewed down a piece of the 80% rye bread. That was heartwarming.  A Georgian lady picked up some Rye bread and a Russian, too. I told the latter that I bake Borodinsky bread, and she gasped with a smile cheerfully : OHH, really?!! Apparently, I struck a nerve there. Most eastern European expats living in the region yearn for their bread back home.

Old clients tracked me down, of course, and nailed their share of bread. By the end of the Market day, I had half a boule of sesame bread left that was eventually sold to a neighboring vendor. Had I more loaves left, I would have been sold out too, but this is the maximum capacity my oven can handle.

So, that was it! The Market day drew to an end, so i packed my gear and left. Despite the back ache that persisted throughout the day, I felt a soothing sense of satisfaction and achievement that kept my spirit up. 

Khalid

 

 

 

Comments

Isand66's picture
Isand66

Congrats!  Looks like you are starting to pick up some momentum with your markets and as soon as you can get yourself a bigger oven there will be no stopping you.  I see you may have to add a Bordinsky to the mix!

Regards,
ian

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Currently, i'm borrowing my mom's larger mixer. I'll have to buy a second hand larger one soon.

Thank, Ian!

Khalid

golgi70's picture
golgi70

Table looks great.  Your comin a long way.  If the demand comes maybe you could find a commercial kitchen to rent for a day and produce more in the same time.  

Cheers and Well Done

Josh

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Oh, i wish i could find one!

Thank, Josh!

Khalid

dabrownman's picture
dabrownman

I can see one in your future!  It all looks so well done and

Happy baking Khalid.  

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thanks, DA!

I hope that happens soon. 

Khalid

trailrunner's picture
trailrunner

Congratulations on a successful market. You are progressing with each one and have built on and expanded your client base. Well done !  And polling your clients for what they want and attempting to meet that demand is exceptional salesman ship. You are definitely in the right 2nd career :)  c

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thanks for the generous words, Caroline!

I wish i could make a career out of this.

Khalid

 

 

emkay's picture
emkay

Congratulations on a good day at the market!

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thanks, emkay!

Khalid

wassisname's picture
wassisname

Well done, Khalid!  It's great to hear that you are getting such a good response and selling all you can bake.  With all the care and skill that goes into your loaves it is no wonder people are impressed!  All the best.

Marcus

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thanks, Marcus!

Artisan baking is a craft, one has to be somewhat meticulous with the details ;)

Khalid

bakingbadly's picture
bakingbadly

Way to go, Khalid! Very happy for you. 

Similarly, my breads has lit up the faces of many European expats where I live. Some of them have gone without sourdough for years. I can't imagine myself going through that... 

I hope you have business cards prepared. I've a feeling people will want to keep in touch with you. 

Best of luck,

Zita

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thank you , Zita!

I have been distributing business cards to my customers, and to public at the market.

Best of luck to you , too :)

Khalid

breadforfun's picture
breadforfun

Very nice job, Khalid.  It looks like you have figured out the timing of the various bakes to work to your advantage.  You've got a good sampling of many different types of breads there and the response sounds very encouraging. 

-Brad

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thanks, Brad!

It sure pays off to bake for a crowd; you learn tons!

All the best,

Khalid

varda's picture
varda

Hi Khalid,   Looks great, and many parallels with what's been happening with me.   Must post.   Congratulations on your success!  -Varda

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thanks, Varda! 

I'd love to hear all about it! We all do.

Khalid