The Emporium Welcomes New Chef

    Loretta Foreman, owner of The Emporium on Joor Road, acknowledges the Lord's hand in bringing Shane Smith to her establishment.  "I'd advertised for a "creative lunch cook"and he responded that he really wanted to be part of my vision."  Shane, a chef with 20 years of experience in the food industry, says "I am passionate about cooking.  I really want this to work.  I want to be a part of it, to get in on the ground floor and create something great."

    Shane hails from Bend, Oregon, located at the foot of the Cascade Mountains.  Bend is a resort town known for its skiing, white water rafting, and great restaurants.  He cut his culinary teeth at Mars Bistro, learning the ropes.  "I started working there to help pay for college, then I realized that cooking was what I really wanted to do!"  From Bend, he moved to Sacramento, and spent several years working as Randall Selland's Chef de Cuisine at the demo house restaurant The Kitchen.  Then he travelled to Los Angeles and worked for "The LIttle Red Schoolhouse" teaching students cooking techniques and gardening skills while working for a premier caterer.  "The school of hard knocks," he says with a smile.  Locally, he has worked for Oak Lodge Catering and Maxwell's Market.

    Shane calls his culinary style "local-vore", meaning he uses whatever he can find locally to create an ever-changing menu featuring seasonal recipes.  "I do all my shopping myself, from vegetables and fruits at local Farmers' Markets to selecting all proteins.  It's all about freshness, it has got to be fresh for me.  I literally inspect personally everything that goes on our menu."  Shane plans on raising his own herbs at The Emporium.  Shane says his menu focusses on Modern American recipes using regional products.  His "winter menu" in use at present features Roasted Beet Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, and varieties of homemade soups.  Shane shares, "I have specials every day that change often according to what I find in the markets."  All of his meats he prepares himself, roasting turkey and pork on the bone to create Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Turkey and Fontina Paninis.  He uses the stock to create his soups.  "I am passionate about my job.  It's all about the customer.  If they're happy, I'm ecstatic.  I love to go out and discuss menu items with our patrons, I enjoy that interaction."  He has already met with great response.  His Fried Green Tomatoes, a special of the day, are in such demand that he has decided to make them a menu fixture.  Loretta volunteers, "They are crispy, topped with a special sauce and shrimp, and are the best you will find anywhere in Central!" 

    Sampling his Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, one is immediately struck by the presentation: golden cubes of squash glow against the bed of fresh greens, intermingled with walnuts and cranberries and sprinkled with Parmesan.  Then the warm apple cider vinaigrette dressing assails your nostrils and your mouth starts watering.  The combination of smooth squash, crunchy nuts, and tender greens is a delight.  "My motto, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'," Shane declares, "I focus on healthy cuisine, most items on my menu are low calorie.  Know what you're putting in your body.  It all starts with good, healthy ingredients."

    The Emporium is open for lunch Wednesday thru Saturday, from 11-2.  Saturday Brunch is from 10-12, with plans to expand it to Sundays. No reservations are needed.  Loretta's famous Tea Room is again in operation, and requires reservations.  "We're holding a Valentine's Tea with a focus on a Father/Daughter Tea and a Mother/Son Tea.  This will be held the Saturday before Valentine's Day, with seating at 2:00 and 4:00.  Reservations are required."

    The Emporium is also planning to be open for dinner in the near future, kicking off this plan with a special multi-course Romantic Valentine's Dinner requiring reservations.  Come and experience the calm and quiet atmosphere The Emporium has come to be known for.  While you're there, have fun looking for treasures among the many artisans and merchants who exhibit their wares there.  Looking for a place for your business?  Contact Loretta!

    The Emporium. 10443 Joor Rd., 261-2363.  TheEmporiumCentral.com