Oftentimes as we turn our calendars to a new year, we take time to reflect and think back on the journey of the past year.
For this year especially, that reflection takes on particular importance.
Throughout the year, we’ve pivoted, altered plans and discovered new ways of doing everyday activities. We’ve faced struggles--some as a community, others may be more specific to our situation. Yet even in all the hurt, frustration and discomfort, we’ve found reasons to celebrate and develop new ways to come alongside you in sharing the joy and delight of healthy, home cooking.
As we get ready to welcome in a new year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect, remember and celebrate some of the significant moments of the year that was 2020.
March - Kids’ Food Basket Fundraiser
While March sparked some dramatic changes in how we went to school and to work, it also was the start of our “Delicious Decade” fundraiser. In celebration of our Holland Fustini’s store turning 10 years, we partnered with Kids’ Food Basket to raise support for kids in our very own community. Kids’ Food Basket works to provide healthy and wholesome meals to children in need so they can thrive.
Starting March 1st all the way through May 31st, for every bottle sold, Fustini’s donated $1 to the work and mission of Kids’ Food Basket. As tasting rooms were closed for a time, people also donated through online orders and through a Facebook fundraiser.
Read more about this “Delicious Decade” fundraiser with Kids’ Food Basket in our blog article.
April - Remembering Andy Stewart
In April, our hearts broke to hear of the sudden passing of our corporate chef, Andy Stewart. From leading cooking classes to offering inspiring suggestions for store guests to enjoying time at work alongside other staff, Andy has left a legacy at Fustini’s that won’t be forgotten.
Here’s what Fustini’s owner and brother-in-law of Andy said in a previous e-news:
His laughter, stories, friendship and kindness will truly be missed. He has inspired countless staff, class attendees and those just passing through our kitchen with suggestions and encouragement to 'do what works best for you.'
Here we share a quick Q&A with Andy as he shares his love for cooking. You can also check out our tribute video to our beloved chef on our YouTube channel.
May - Friday’s With Fustini’s
With tasting rooms closed, Fustini’s was eager to explore new opportunities to connect with the Fustini’s family all from home. With social media at the ready, our Fustini’s team turned to a weekly Facebook Live segment, titled “Fridays With Fustini’s”. Each week featured a couple of Fustini’s team members welcoming guests in to try out some new recipes perfect for the season. Most often, you could find Denise Walburg, director of marketing, and Fustini’s owners Jim Milligan cooking up a new dish, each from their own kitchens.
Themes of these fun and lively segments included all things asparagus, Italian dishes, summer favorites, peach recipes and much more. You can check out all these Friday’s With Fustini’s features on our YouTube channel.
June - Food Gatherer’s Fundraiser
This year, we had not one, but two Fustini’s stores reach their 10-year anniversary. Our Ann Arbor’s “Delicious Decade” celebration featured a fundraiser to support the work of Food Gatherers, which provides access to wholesome food and addresses the causes of hunger in the community. With Fustini’s focus on healthy cooking and wholesome ingredients, they were eager to partner with an organization that makes a difference in the community.
For this fundraiser, Fustini’s also donated $1 for every bottle sold to support Food Gatherers.. You can read more about Ann Arbor’s “Delicious Decade” in this blog article.
July - Agrodolce Launch
As the summer continued, Fustini’s launched a brand new product line. This set of four Agrodolce products included flavors of Shiitake Mushroom, Rosemary Garlic, Ginger Lime and Habanero Agave. An agrodolce blends the flavors of sweet and sour to create a bold yet versatile add-in that can brighten up your dish. It’s easy to use and fun to experiment with new ideas.
You can learn more about this vibrant vinegar product in this blog article.
August - New Fresh Crush Oils
Typically, when Fustini’s launches a new fresh crush olive oil line, our own Fustini’s team will have a direct hand in selecting the exact blend that will be sold on store shelves. This year, because of travel restrictions, Fustini’s teamed up with Paul Vossen, a top expert in the field of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. His expertise and experience helped to bring the single varietal blend you’ll find today.
September - Virtual Tasting
As our tasting rooms continued to face limitations, Fustini’s sought to bring to olive oil tasting experience to people at home. In September, Fustini’s launched Virtual Tasting sessions. In these interactive and live conversations, guests could order to receive their own package of extra virgin olive oil samples. Then, they’d tune into the live event to taste their oils just like the experts. They’d explore flavor notes, learn the description words and grow in their knowledge of all things olive oil. You can learn more about these olive oil tastings in this blog article and see our calendar to join an upcoming virtual tasting event.
October - Virtual Cooking Classes
Throughout the year was a trend of switching in-person events and gatherings into an alternative virtual option to protect our own health and that of those around us. One of the most exciting launches Fustini’s was able to realize in the year 2020 was Virtual Cooking Classes. Just like in an in-person cooking class from Fustini’s School of Cooking, guests can follow along with the guest chef in preparing some delicious dishes. Once you sign up, you’ll be sent a class prep kit that shares the ingredients you’ll need to have on-hand during your cooking class. With the versatility of class themes and the ability to cook alongside those in your own home, these virtual options continue to entice and excite experienced foodies and new cooks. Learn more about these virtual cooking classes in this blog article and check out our calendar for upcoming classes to sign up.
What’s Next in 2021
The year of 2020 may go down in history for a lot of reasons. Yet through each challenge and pain encountered, we sought ways to adapt, celebrate and share in the joy of cooking. Whatever the future holds, joy can be found in hobbies like cooking and entertaining with family and friends.