REVIEW: RawDaddy Debuts Today at Concord Farmer's Market

March 2, 2010

Hi everyone,

Those of you who know (of) me well recognize my strong preference for high-water-content, low-fat foods. You well know that I typically avoid nuts, seeds, oils, salt, spices, garlic, onion, etc. This is indeed so. Still, I do like to know what's going on in the RF world, and I do enjoy supporting those who have the courage and even audacity to set forth and create a new RF business. So every now and again, I try something that is not part of my routine/program. So it is today.

I didn't really need any food, I just went over to the Concord market to explore RawDaddy's cuisine. And although it is quite strong for my palette, not something I personally would eat with great frequency, I believe it will be a most welcome resource for most raw fooders. Here's why ...

1. Jim Hall, the owner/proprietor, runs the booth himself, at least for now. I found him to be kind, friendly, very generous with samples, and something I particularly appreciate, comfortably intelligent. By this, I mean he comes across as quite intelligent, but without even a hint of the pretense I have experienced in many other raw (and other) establishments I shall not here name. I felt comfortable and even happy in his presence, and I offer this as an expression of uncommon gratitude.

2. Unlike most "gourmet" raw food, Jimmi's cuisine comes across as, well, food. So often, I have tried this or that "gourmet" raw dish, only to find myself overwhelmed by too much of something (garlic, onion, salt) and underwhelmed by this nagging taste and odor that arises from too much reliance upon sprouted grains and legumes. Honestly, blech!!! I have rarely enjoyed any of this stuff, even before I chose a more 80/10/10 approach and my senses of taste and smell came fully back online.

RawDaddy's food contrasts oh SO favorably in this regard. Jim has learned how to prepare and present foods so that they look, feel, taste, and smell ... yes, all 4 of these senses are involved ... like FOOD.Everything I sampled looked enticing, felt good in my mouth, tasted great (I tried to put myself into my old, pre-811 palette to make this determination), and smelled wonderful. An excellent job!

3. One more point. If you've ever eaten in a raw food restaurant, you've likely waited ... and waited ... and waited to receive your food. Not so here. Jimmi has thoughtfully worked out his food prep so that samples are ready in seconds, full servings within a minute or two per item. Jimmi perceives his own business, in part, as raw fast food, so this is crucial to his sustained success. Well done!

4. I didn't ask about details this first visit, but from our brief conversation and a quick look at Jimmi's web site, my impression is that Jimmi maintains a strong preference for organic, where available, and a serious awareness about environmental concerns across the board. A regular, stand-up citizen ... Bravo!

So if you eat a very pure diet, al la 80/10/10 or the like, without any salt, oils, spices, onion, garlic, etc., this may be more for your friends than for you. I mean this ... it IS for your friends. For everyone else, a big "thumbs up".

Best to all,

Elchanan

PS: To my knowledge, this is a raw, vegan establishment.

PPS: To my knowledge, RawDaddy only does FMs at this time. I didn't ask about catering and the like, but I'm going to venture a guess that Jimmi would be quite interested and accommodating.

PPPS: Jimmi uses agave in some recipies. Just a heads-up for those purists among us who recognize that agave nectars are not raw or who otherwise abstain. Just read the ingredient lists, in plain view for every item, and avoid those with agave. This shouldn't stop you at all from enjoying Jimmi's fine cuisine.

PPPPS: I have no affiliation with this man or his business, just met them both today. This very positive review really is just that. :) E

Jimmi Jam [jamjimmi]Monday, March 01, 2010 10:34 PMSF LIVING; SBRF[sFLivingFoods] Concord Farmer's Market

Just wanted to let everyone know, starting tomorrow, RawDaddy will be in the East Bay at the Concord Farmer's Market on Tuesday's from 10am-2pm. If you're in the area, come by and say hi, and enjoy a flaxseed stuffed cone.JJH

James J. HallPresident and CEORawDaddy, IncCourageous Choices, Amazing Outcomes.650-280-9412http://www.rawdaddyfoods.comhttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed & id=615412733#/group.php?gid=55423706940 & ref=tshttp://twitter.com/rawdaddyhttp://www.yelp.com/biz/rawdaddys-fun-cone-food-palo-alto