By: Barb Magee | June 02 2010

Greetings from TLD headquarters in beautiful Southern Oregon! As founder of The Local Dish, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you to a place designed with you in mind.  If you’re one of our loyal fans, thanks for sticking with us while we work behind the scenes to design new features, like the community pages, where you can meet and talk with others where you live, show off your food photos and videos, get help finding that one ingredient you need, or learn tricks for growing the best tomatoes in your area. The concept of eating local is being shaped in cities and towns across America and TLD is the place to discover what is unique in every region.

Besides launching the community, we’re starting off the summer season with Your Favorite Picnic giveaway…a cool picnic basket stocked with locally made products that will give one lucky winner a sampling of regional flavors from around the country.

Are you someone who loves exploring your community for new cafes, restaurants, food shops? Is there a new chef in town that you think the world should know about? I’m like that, too! With a curiosity (no, my cat is still here!) for what’s new in my area, I ventured out last week and discovered new places where my favorite foods can be found. Short on time (think 18 hour days!) I often need to resort to convenience to get a meal on the table.  So, here’s my current list of pantry must-haves.

Nettie’s Vanilla Syrup (when only breakfast for dinner will do!)

Rogue Creamery Fresh Ricotta Cheese (from that blue cheese award-winning cheesemonger)

Pennington Farms Razzle Dazzle Berry Jam (regularly found at my farmers market)

Il Forniao Pizza Dough (from Downtown Market Company)

Uh, oh! I guess if all else fails, dessert pizza might be on the menu tonight?

What is your recent best find? Join or start your city group and tell your neighbors all about it! Be a voice for your city …there’s a place at the table for you. I look forward to Breaking Bread with you!