A recent shopper describes Artisan’s Palate, Inc. as a company with a heart! And, there’s good reason. This one of a kind gourmet gift shop opened quietly on June 10 but many savvy shoppers have already found this hidden gem. Whether you opt for a guided tour or prefer to use their electronic tablets you are in for a unique and satisfying shopping experience. You will learn that there are currently 17 micro-local artisans that are all from Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet, and these artisans make everything from BBQ sauce, olive oil, biscotti, chocolate bark, fudge, marinades, gluten free cookies and crackers to soaps, candles, t-shirts, greeting cards and nutritional supplements. The remaining hand-crafted and natural items at Artisan’s Palate include coffee, tea, jams, toffee, snacks, dips, sauces and are sourced from a100-mile radius.
The ‘Help Us, Help Them’ campaign pairs one of Artisan’s Palate’s micro-local artisans with a local charity. For example, for the month of August one of their artisans named Chicks with Bark was paired with S.A.F.E. Alternatives for Everyone. A special chocolate bark flavor was designed and when shoppers purchase the S.A.F.E. flavor, Artisan’s Palate gives a percentage of the proceeds back to S.A.F.E. Next month, Rocco’s Biscotti Bakery will be paired with Animal Friends of the Valley and in October they will feature SugarPlum Fudge Petits Fours with Michelle’s Place. The pairing is a key component, Pia Maffei, owner of Artisan’s Palate explains. Each artisan has a reason or heartwarming story behind why they are making that specific item. For example, there really was a Rocco, so come in the shop to learn the story, she says with a cheeky smile.
Artisan’s Palate also has a dedicated location in the shop for the Rose Again Foundation which was conceived by 18 year old high school senior Nathalie Rose Shadle. The foundation’s goal is to open a school and home for orphaned kids in the valley. This all-volunteer organization makes organic laundry detergent that cleans 64 loads of laundry per package and is safe for high efficiency machines. It is available at Artisan’s Palate for $15 with $10 going back to the foundation.
Do you have an event or cause that is near and dear to your heart? Artisan’s Palate offers private shopping events for groups that need help fundraising for their organization or special event. Events are usually held on Sunday’s from 5:00 – 6:30 for up to 25 people. During this private shopping event, 10% of the receipts go directly to the charity or fundraising event. For more details visit this unique retail shop in the Palm Plaza at 26459 Ynez Rd. Suite C in Temecula.