I’m thrilled to kick off the new year with a story I’ve been following since 2019, when the concept for the commercial kitchen moved through the much-missed bizMIX accelerator program. Since then, Andrea Abedi, owner and chef of The Temptress and former partner at Rasa Juice Bar/Ayurveda, has partnered up with business savvy high school pal (Santa Fe High) Hilary Kilpatric (a former Guatemala-based Peace Corp volunteer who went on to spend two years in Laos working with women artisans to help expand their economic opportunities) to take action on Andrea’s initial vision and transform the former Desert Academy campus on Camino Alire to The Kitchen Table, a commercial kitchen fully outfitted to serve as an affordable, accessible resource for caterers, food truck operators, private chefs, farmers and other aspiring food entrepreneurs.

 When the Santa Fe New Mexican published “Commercial kitchen coming to former Desert Academy campus” back in Feb 2021, Andrea and Hilary had anticipated opening in the fall (like, months ago), as they’d already earned the special-use permit from the city to move ahead at the former school in Jan 2021. Still, it took nearly a year to get the construction plans finalized and the building permit approved, which finally happened late last month, in Dec 2021.  

 Now, if you think this would’ve dampened the spirits of these sensational Santa Fe natives, you’re wrong. The enthusiasm Andrea and Hilary exude is contagious! They’re thrilled to start construction this month (Jan 2022) and will continue working tirelessly in hopes of opening their doors this summer. And while we can’t wait for you to join us next month to hear more of Hilary and Andrea’s story, be sure to head to The Kitchen Table to sign up for updates via their newsletter.

 And where will we gather for this very special Story Time? We’re heading back to Jean Cocteau Cinema, our community’s eclectic movie house, full bar and special events venue owned by George RR Martin. Originally opened in 1976, the space changed hands a couple of times before going dark in 2006. Lucky for us, George purchased the theater and reopened its doors in 2013. The famous owner has some of the greatest folks in town working to keep making the space and its surroundings better for our community each and every year. Just ask Andrea, as she designed and dished out meals for the wildly popular “Dinner and a Movie” events at Jean Cocteau back before Covid times and we can look forward to those events coming back to the historic venue sometime this year.

So much to look forward to in 2022, including seeing you on February 3rd, when you’ll mosey on into the cinema’s lobby sometime between 6:30 and 7 PM, grab a drink and get to schmoozing before we head into the theater space to settle in for a stellar Story Time at 7 PM. Can’t wait to see you there!