When we started Real Food in 2007 there was no real plan or end goal, other than to keep our family fed for a year, which we did (thank you, Ed & Ada).
There was a point when I thought the business wouldn’t survive, but it did (thank you, mom). In 2009 we started serving lunch, with marketing help from our biggest cheerleader (thank you, Page) and it was good—really good. We met an eclectic and colorful group of people from every corner of Orange and beyond. The next eleven, jam-packed years flew by.
Through it all I had an incredible partner (thank you, Sarah—thank you, thank you) and together we made many friends, made many sandwiches and, I think, made many people happy. The biggest thank you goes to all those people who kept coming back for more. Your support allowed us to do what we love (and to feed our family).
Seventeen years is a long time, though, and I’m ready to try something new. I have accepted the executive chef position at the Market at Grelen and will begin work there on February 1. I'm looking forward to new menus and ready-made foods, some great ice cream, and acres of fresh fruits and vegetables. A lot of real food.
It's been a blast...
Paul & Sarah