The Cast of Characters - Part 1

Great news. Construction on our new space - a "small scale remodel" the building department defines it as - is set to begin next week. The ball is at the top of the hill and I am about to give it a shove to start it rolling. Just in case you don't know the whole story let me step back a few paces and fill you in.

I gave you the short version of my life to this point a few posts ago. Quickly I will span the gap from 2003 to last month.

When I finished culinary school I came back from New York entirely inspired to create everything possible within the pastry/dessert realm and BLU Culinary Arts, LLC was born.  You can read a little bit more about those days here and here . For the past 4+ years had been learning/experimenting/refining/enjoying life surrounded by sugar and butter but came to a realization.  Our business, while growing, lacked some focus. Fun no doubt it was and is, but my partner Scott and I began feeling the need to narrow our scope. Maybe, in fact, we didn't need to make every kind of dessert known to the free world, but instead we could focus on the things we enjoyed most (which fortunately coincided with the things our customers and clients enjoyed most) - coffee, chocolates, and cakes. This idea, this distillate ,this grand plan = BLU Boy Chocolate Cafe and Cakery. More about that another day.

For now I want you to know who has helped us get to this point - the first nail is about to be hammered and our "small scale remodel" will begin.

As most of you know we are thrilled to be part of the  Buskirk Chumley Theater space. Danielle McClelland and the board of the BCT have been  a pleasure to work with and nearly as enthusiastic as me to see this  project get underway. We are fortunate to be so close to a great stage, full of creative energy and excitement.

Originally I had envisioned creating the plans for my little boutique of chocolate and caffeine all by myself. I bought a sketch pad, a ruler ,and some new No. 2 pencils. How hard could that be, I thought. Well, with much urging from Scott and a few of the wisest of my friends I abandoned that idea when I realized I had 550 sq. ft. of space to work with and the space would have to be organized with the precision of a Swiss watch. In short, I needed some help! But tell me this. How do you go to a complete stranger, reveal your deepest most personal vision, and hope they get it? Kirkwood Design Studio is the answer (812-331-0255). Specifically, architects Ernesto Casteñeda and Mary Krupinski. I just can't say enough great things about them. They made my travels into the world of design and finding an enthusiastic contractor first class. Sincere, honest people with experience.

Bids came back this week and I am really excited to have on board as general contractors Hagemeyer and Co, Inc. (812-327-0309). Dave Hagemeyer and his son who have worked one some of the most successful restaurants in Bloomington will be leading the rest of the craftsman team made up of Jim Britton of Price Electric (812-339-9769) and the staff of Jurgen's Plumbing (812-824-6152).

There you have it. Some new additions to the BLU Boys' team. If you are passing by, stick your head in to welcome them and cheer them on!