Things Are Looking Up

The last two markets (9^th and 10^th) have been our best yet, and it sure helps to have nice weather. I’m not sure what to make of it all, but after a brutal summer of torrential rain and blistering heat, we have suddenly been blessed with beautiful weather. I am talking ideal, sunny and comfortable in the high 70s, with a breeze and no humidity, not to mention clear skies with some clouds. It’s great, and if the rest of summer is like this, I won’t complain.

The good weather also brings out the people to the market, and who can blame them? The timing of the market is a little tough because it starts a little late for lunch, but too early for supper. However, but the dinner time hour, it can get pretty crazy. You just have to keep this in mind, because the lull that happens right before supper is not only discouraging, but it’s deceptive because if you’re not ready, the dinner time crunch will destroy you. The key is preparation, and that only works if you take a bit of a leap of faith and believe they will come.

Last week was also nice because we had a visit from my Mentor and JDB. They brought the kids with them and hung out. My Mentor tried a falafel for the first time, liking it I think, and had some fries. They also browsed the market before heading back home, but it was nice seeing them. Afterward, as the day progressed, people started to come and did it get busy. It makes a big difference having falafel balls ready to go, but the fries are killing us. I just can’t seem to cook them fast and crispy enough. I can make soggy greasy fries, no problem, but to get that crispy goodness takes really hot oil, and the potatoes really suck the heat out.

It’s something we’re going to have to work on, or ditch the entire enterprise. On a positive note, we sold a bunch of falafels, and we are even building a loyal clientele. It’s nice seeing repeat customers, and you like to think they come to the market to get a falafel. I rather like that idea.

This week we had our tenth market, and it was even better in terms of sales. We definitely work as a team, and I’ve said it before, but we couldn’t do it without the kid’s help. They are an invaluable part of the team. Of course, it helps that we had good weather, and after the customary lull, the people came out to party. What was really nice was that it was busy, but not painfully so. It all boils down to planning and being ready for whatever the market throws at you. The fries are a bit of a disappointment, and we ended up giving some away, but again, it’s a work in progress, and I think we can figure this out.

All in all we are lucky to have two good weeks. Here’s to hoping that the rest of the summer is as nice.

Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks to Mary Lockman for the pic.