May, 2007 - Volume 8, Issue 7



Meet Chelsea, Our New Chef



A true local girl, Chelsea Federwitz was born in Sacramento and raised in Newcastle (her grandfather was Newcastle Fire Chief for 40+ years!). As a teenager, her first job ever was working for NP. “When I first started at Newcastle Produce I got excited about food,” says Chelsea. “Being around all the great produce can make you think of great things that you can make and create. I knew from that point that I wanted to attend culinary school.”

Chelsea went on to graduate from Sierra College with honors, and then she completed the Baking and Pastry Program at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. And now she is back where she started.

Jan Thompson could not be happier to welcome Chelsea back. “I am so inspired by her energy, ideas, and creativity,” says Jan. “It is wonderful to work with her as we expand and enhance the store and the deli.”

FARMING IN THE FAMILY
Jan and Chelsea have lots in common, including a family history of farming. “My family came from Portugal and had been fruit farmers in Newcastle for 65 years,” says Chelsea. “At a young age, the importance of freshly grown produce was instilled in me, and it is a way of life.”

After culinary school, Chelsea wanted to return to Newcastle Produce because she recognized what a unique and special operation Jan and Francis have created. “I appreciate the fact that Jan and Francis Thompson strive to make a difference in farming, and they utilize their fresh produce in the store’s deli.”

DELICIOUS VISION
Chelsea is returning to NP at a time when lots of improvements and expansions are underway, including a larger produce case, an expanded deli, a new gourmet cheese case, a new espresso machine and panini press, and the sale of boutique wines.

Chelsea and Jan have been working closely to create a new vision for the NP deli. “We are bringing in tons of new ideas, flavors, and concepts,” explains Chelsea. “I am striving to use high-quality foods and present them at their best. My goals include offering more healthy options, promoting more seasonal and more vegetarian-friendly options, as well as new desserts.”

We encourage you to come in soon, welcome Chelsea back, and taste some of her new creations! We promise you won’t be disappointed.