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Published September 15th, 2010

business briefs

Kellie is busy preparing breakfast flatbreads Photo Linda Gilson

Chicks and Love -Brunch Made to Order At the Orinda Farmers Market

Kellie and Vanda have found the right recipes for the Orinda Farmers Market. They’re breakfast flat breads, tomato and cheese flat breads or very addictive strawberry shortcake, and they are made every Saturday morning by a chef (Kellie) and a designer (Vanda). “Our motivation is to serve food fit for foodies at farmers’ markets,” says Kellie. “We make baked to order, artisan, thin crust flatbread. Our signature flatbread is the ‘Farm Fresh Breakfast.’ Our seasonal specialty is strawberry shortcake. We use only fresh selections of cheeses, meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables that are local, organic and preferably purchased from the farmers at the market.” Vanda brings eggs laid by her own chickens to the market and is happy to share them with customers. The organic flat breads are prepared ahead in their commercial kitchen and they come in all kinds of shapes. The ‘Farm Fresh Breakfast’ flat bread includes fresh parmesan and mozzarella cheese, Aidell’s chicken sausage, chives and olive oil and a sunny side up farm fresh egg on top. (This reporter could not resist trying one – the sensation was crispy and tender, the taste of fresh ingredients perfect for that fall morning in Orinda.) The menu includes vegetarian and meaty options, and sometimes a daily special such as salmon and crème fraiche. Customers come by and order, and during the 10 minutes takes to cook their food they browse the market. “Sue Severson (Orinda City Council member) and I have been working to round out the prepared food offerings at the market, as she envisions a nice brunch destination for community members who may or may not be market shoppers,” says Janice Faust, who manages the Orinda market, “we now have several choices for folks who would like to eat at the market: Tio Santos tamales, La Crepe a Moi (new in August and very popular), and Chicks and Love.” Chicks and Love do parties and catering as well, the Orinda Farmers’ Market is their first business location. Their web site is chicksandlove.com.

Empowering Women

Mechanics Bank, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation present the Empowerment of Women Forum to be held at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 from 5:30pm to 7pm. The Empowerment of Women Forum is designed to appeal to all women and will feature a panel of working women from both the profit and non-profit sectors, who will share their career experiences in the workforce. All women who are currently working and those who are looking to get back in the workforce are encouraged to attend. Professional development resources will also be available. The forum is free to attend and refreshments will be provided. RVSP to Barbara Gilmore at Barbara@lafayettechamber.org.

Infinity Salon Gives Back to Schools, 3449 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette - 299-6782

Infinity Salon of Lafayette is launching a fundraising initiative to benefit high schools in the Lamorinda area. Infinity Salon will donate 50% of the price of a haircut to the high school of the student's attendance; 10% of subsequent haircuts will be donated to the school. This applies to students currently attending Acalanes, Campolindo and Miramonte high schools. Call 925-299-6782 for an extraordinary haircut experience.

Hilton House Expands, 21 Orinda Way, Orinda, 254-1113

Hilton House Consign/Design & Estate Liquidations, Inc. has added a branch to its store. Owner, Cyndi Hilton, invites all to visit the new addition, a few steps from her main location in the same center, which features furniture and accessories. Hilton explained, "We needed the space for all the fabulous items we have to offer, and now both locations are more attractive for our customers."

Futures Explored Raises Money for a Good Cause

3547 Wilkinson Lane, Lafayette, www.futures-explored.org

Futures Explored is a non-profit organization providing life skills and work-related training to adults with developmental disabilities. The Lafayette day program provides training in both work-related and life skills to adults with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Participants may need help in areas of personal or social skills, or in seeking and holding a job, or both. On Sunday, October 3, Futures Explored hosts a Wine Tasting, Silent Auction & Raffle at 3547 Wilkinson Lane. The event, "Cornucopia," will take place from 3:00-5:00pm and will feature some great raffle and auction items. General admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information call Barbara at 925-284-3240 x223 or go to the group's web site (above).

News from the three Chambers of Commerce
Lafayette

- Thursday, September 16, Entrepreneur's Club Meeting at 8:30 p.m.

in the Chamber Conference Room.

- 15th Annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival on Saturday,

September 18 & Sunday, September 19, downtown Lafayette.

Moraga

- Chamber Meeting on Friday September 24th, from 7:30 a.m.

to 9:00 a.m. at the Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive.

- New Date for the Moraga Business Seminar: Tuesday, October 19,

from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Soda Center Saint Mary's College.

The evening program and dinner are sponsored by Mechanics Bank.

All Moraga businesses and Moraga Chamber of Commerce