Business Writeup by Tanya Outridge

A brand new whole food store has opened in Little Main Street, Palmwoods, and owner, Tash Foulkes, is excited to bring locally grown produce and delicious, seasonal food to her customers.

“Fresh, seasonal and sustainable food has been my passion for my entire career,” Tash said.  “And the Palmwoods community are incredibly welcoming of this concept.”

With 30 years experience as a chef under her belt, Tash has very definite ideas about sourcing fresh produce and ingredients.

“I was fortunate to have worked in the UK alongside Jamie Oliver in his restaurant, Fifteen, many years ago,” said Tash.

“He was, and still is, all about using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and that experience has definitely informed my own cooking style. The simple fact is that seasonal, locally grown produce is better for us, and the added bonus is that it tastes better as well.”

With the opening of Palmwoods Providore in late April, Tash has brought together a small but carefully curated range of fresh fruit, veggies, eggs, honey, 10 Acres sourdough bread, locally roasted Vintage Black coffee, dry goods, pantry staples, skin care products, giftware, homewares and frozen takeaway meals.

The fresh food cabinet will have a range of mouth watering sweet and savoury meals, which will change daily.

“One of the best things about having Palmwoods Providore is the conversations I get to have with my suppliers and customers,” she said. “I have always worked in extremely hectic kitchens, under a huge amount of pressure. But now I have the time to source more local producers of spray free produce. I get to be in the kitchen making beautiful food, and still have the time to chat with people about nutrition and food. It actually feeds the soul.”

• Palmwoods Providore is at Shop 1/10 Little Main Street, Palmwoods. It is open from Tuesday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, and Saturday from 8am to 2pm.