After a few hours of working on bakery stuff indoors during what felt like a hurricane, Matt and I finally decided to borrow umbrellas from the concierge and walk downtown. The wind was so bad (I hear 40+ mph!) that my umbrella flipped inside out! We eventually did something hilarious together: we got manicures! My nails were in horrible shape and Matt decided to go for a hand massage himself.
On our walk home, we stumbled upon an old timey candy store!! The kind of bins and bins of candy selections – a Willy Wonka dream.
Seeing as I am reminiscing all-things-childhood these days, I had to stop in and bought a few nibbles of my favorite childhood candies: sour patch kids, gummi bears, toasted marshmallow Jelly Belly and raspberries! The Reese’s was Matt’s! It has been years since I’ve had a fun mixed bag of candy like this – and it tasted even better than I remember! My palate is so weird these days!
We dressed up for dinner and went to the hotel bar to enjoy a cocktail before the evening:
Manhattan for Matt, Grey Goose for Karen and a Lemon Drop for me!
Lemon Drop meaning a lemonade mixture (lemon juice and simple syrup) in a martini glass. Tastes just as good as the alcoholic version!
Dinner and the awards ceremony tonight was held in the famous Crown Ballroom – check out the crown lights!
We had a seated dinner of salads
Rolls
Table poured wine (I had a few sips, but I had to tell the server to stop filling the glass at my seat or Matt would end up too tipsy!)
I often request the vegetarian dish at big catered events like this for meat quality purposes and because there are often more veggies involved in the veg dish (often, not always!) Tonight’s was roasted cauliflower over mashed potatoes. Is “Protein-free” a new diet!? I kid. But some beans would have been nice.
It tasted great, but Matt’s beef was actually really good, so we traded 1/3 for 1/3.
Dessert was FAB!! A rich chocolate column with raspberry and whipped cream!
And I’m 3 for 3 on decaf coffee with meals today! Fancy.
The evening concluded with the exciting awards event. Stores across the country are recognized for sales volume, sales growth and the coveted Phenomenal Bread Awards. And one special store wins the honor of Strong & Exciting Bakery of the year.
First year stores send in a loaf each month that gets blindly taste-tested with all the others among the GH staff (who are about as sophisticated in bread quality tasting as it gets!)
Since we decided to open a bakery 3 years ago and signed our franchise agreement, Matt told a few of the staff that he was shooting high for the Phenomenal Bread Award his first year, which has never been done.
But Matt has a very special talent for baking, and we became the first first-year store to ever win the Young Bakery Phenomenal Bread Award!!
It was his dream come true ; )
But like the sign says, the crew deserves most of the credit! A huge congrats to Sponge + Dough guys Nathan and Alex, Baker John and the outstanding Kneading Crew for their great work making these phenomenal loaves!!!
Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark! says
It looks like a great night! Congratulations on the award!
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
Wow! Matt got his Oscar moment too!!!
Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl says
Congratulations to Matt, you, and the store staff for quite the award! Makes for an awesome SD trip despite the cool and windy (I swear, last week we had 80 degree weather). Like the polish you got on the manicure, too!
Yay! Kudos. So happy for you guys.
Khushboo Thadani says
Given all the bread Matt kneads, I am sure that massage was well deserved! And alcoholic or not, drinking out of a margarita glasses is always more fun! Congrats to you all for the award- it’s nice to see hard work being recognised!
Kathi says
Congratulations to all of you on your award! That is so exciting!!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Congrats on your award!
“Is “Protein-free” a new diet!?” — I was thinking the same thing. you just NEVER know what you’re going to get when you say “vegetarian dinner entree” in certain settings. It usually means fettuccine al fredo or some kind of noodles & cheese sauce, in my experience. Or the always lovely, iceberg lettuce salad 🙂
The weather today was HORRIBLE. I was running this morning, thinking…poor Kath came all this way, to feel like she’s in…a hurricane! Stay WARM!
erica says
congratulations!!!
and i love that matt got a manicure ;p
lena says
Congrats on the award!
Crina says
Congratulations ! I am so happy for you guys, you really deserve the award ! Best wishes from Romania 😀
Robyn @ Blueberries and Oats says
Congratulations!!!
At least your vegetarian entree had vegetables! I always get stuck with a ton of pasta and cheese…=/
Sandra says
Congrats Kath, Matt, Karen and all your staff – a great year for you guys, enjoy!!!
elocin says
Congratulations on that award. That’s really great.
Mom says
Congratulations to Matt and to the store folks too. VERY EXCITING!!!!!!!!!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
Wow! That’s an awesome award in the first year of the bakery. Can I ask what type of loaf he made for the contest?
KathEats says
The tastings are always done on Honey Whole Wheat. Nearly every bakery makes it and it’s the gold standard
[email protected] Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Wow! What an honor! Congrats on the award!
Elisabeth says
Congratulations, Matt, Kath, Karen and all of your employees! 😉
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Congrats, Matt!! You did it! Yay 🙂
That veggie option is pitiful, LOL! Justttt veggies? OMG! Too funny.
Lea says
Ooo, congratulations on the award! So exciting–was it a particular loaf that won, or just the bread in general??
KathEats says
Honey Whole Wheat is the standard
Lea says
THAT is even more exciting! Y’all won up against the same type of bread–that’s so impressive!
Simply Life says
congratulations! well-deserved!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
What an honor… congrats! I have tried to get Brandon to get a manicure a few times but he refuses. I keep telling him it will just make your nail shape/cuticles look nicer… nothing girly of course! He still refuses…. 🙂
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
Aww you guys totally deserved that award! I’ve loved watching you guys start your own GHBC.
Donna says
Congratulations on the award! You guys are awesome!
Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says
Congrats on the award!!!! I am far away and have never tried your bread but I can only imagine that it is incredible 🙂
Stephanie @ Legally Blinde says
That’s so awesome about the Phenomenal Bread Award – congratulations!! What a great accomplishment. PS You’ve got my sweet tooth going between the sour patch kids and that chocolate column!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Awesome…congradulations! What a great year you are having! Goes to show…setting goals and going for them really can come true! Fantastic! You set a great example for all with dreams of their own!
kristen @ verbs and vignettes says
congratulations!!
i have that no-protein issue a lot sometimes. when i traveled for work last year, to an incredible hotel in orlando, they had no idea how to feed me (as a vegetarian). it was only-vegetables sometimes, and a little bit of starch other times. i ended up getting really sick from the no-food/no-sleep combo.
this year, it was much better. the wyndham made really delicious foods for me, like vegetable lasagne. …and i slept.
Becca says
My biggest pet peeve. A vegetarian does not ONLY eat vegetables. They don’t replace meat with just vegetables.
Erin says
Aww, congrats on the bakery! Good thing Matt got his nails done before he received the award 😉
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Yay!! Congrats to you guys for such an awesome award!
Hillary says
Congrats to you guys! What a great step in the right direction!
trillingslied says
Oh, congratulations!!! That’s so exciting for you & Matt. The bit about the manicures had me giggling too… (first-time commenter; I’ve been reading for quite awhile and really enjoy your blog – the way you create such healthy, delicious-looking meals, even with all the craziness of pregnancy, is totally inspiring)
KathEats says
Thanks for your first comment!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Congrats on the award! 🙂 That is such a wonderful accomplishment for the two of you and your bakery! All of that food looks incredible especially the dessert! That is the best part of any meal in my opinion.
Tracy says
Congratulations!
pam c says
Congrats on the award
Kim says
Congrats! GH DOES have some pretty phenomenal bread! : )
Cait's Plate says
AH! CONGRATS!!! That’s so exciting!!
I think I just grew more fond of Matt from this post – a man that’s willing to get manicures AND can bake great bread?! You’ve got a keeper there for sure!
And I TOTALLY got sucked into.that same candy store while I was there! Haha – that’s too funny. Great minds think alike I guess! 😉
Roxanne says
“MAN”icure shouldn’t this be for MEN only anyways? LOL
I like men who do “feminine” stuff and show it off to the entire world! They’re REAL men who aren’t afraid of what people think.
Manicures/massages are not only for women, Matt makes a good point: Men who work with their hands, like a baker or a cleaner should get pampered once in a while! They deserve it!
Congratulations and I hope that award gets put in a glass case in the baker lobby so everyone can see what dedicated and exceptional bakers you have there!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
Congratulations on the award!! That is fantastic!
Lee says
I got a manicure with my husband once and for some reason, they convinced him to get clear polish on his nails.
KathEats says
Hahaha!
Caitlin says
love old-time candy shops. they always remind me of my great grandpa who used to take my sister and I to an orchard to pick fruit, then to an amish candy store. great memories 🙂
congrats on the well-deserved award as well.
[email protected] Sinfully Nutritious says
The last time I was out to eat, I ordered the vegan version of the salad entree. They slapped a piece of wet tofu on top and charged my $25.00 for the plate! That is why I eat at home for 99.9% of my meals! 🙂
Patty @ Foodie and the Beatz says
I’m such a sap, I got choked up reading about you guys winning the award. Awesome job, congrats!
KathEats says
🙂
Kayla says
Congratulations! That is such exciting news and such a honor. You guys deserve it! 🙂
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Congrats on the award! And I’m surprised about their vegetarian option… Although I did know someone who for her wedding offered entrees of fish, chicken, or steak, and then thought having potatoes would be enough for the vegetarians… Haha good thing I eat meat.
Michaela says
congrats, that is fab 🙂
(and I was wondering about the protein-diet, too… sometimes it really suprises me what I get served as a vegan. Makes me want to go into the kitchen and show them how to do it right ;))
Rachel says
Oooh, I’ve been on a huge lemon drop kick lately. I add fresh strawberry puree to them, and it’s like summertime in a martini glass!
Congrats on the award!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
Congrats on the award- Great Harvest looks like a really awesome company to work for! I love companies that give thanks to their hard-working employees and treat them well!
katie @KatieDid says
That is SOOO exciting, I’m really happy for you and the crew! And to think you get to eat this award winning bread on the daily!
Lindsay @ Running the Windy City says
Congrats!! That’s very exciting!
alex says
Aaaaaa so excited!
KathEats says
Wheeee!
Mom says
Go Alex!
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says
Congrats to you, Matt and your whole store! Wish I lived near your Great Harvest do I could eat phenomenal bread too! 🙂
Alaina says
Congratulations on the award!! You guys seem to be doing a great job with your store! 🙂
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Congrats on the award!
I hate when a “vegetarian” dish is carbs and cheese!
Chris says
Yippee Matt, Kath and staff of GH! Congrats on your phenomenal bread – my Bob was the guy requesting sourdough all the time. Did you say what kind of loaf won the award, and I hope you will be selling it this week 🙂 ps I hate to say, but yesterday it almost hit 70 and sunny, go figure!
KathEats says
Honey Whole Wheat! And BANANA to Cville!
Chris says
Hehe! I know, In my other life I was a Cali girl just like the Beach Boys said! So sorry about the weather out there, but you’ll love seeing all the yellow daffodils when you get home. Robins and blue birds are back too.
Amanda says
I echo the congrats on the award! What an accomplishment! And I echo your lament on the weather–we’re expecting a foot of snow today 🙁 PS, what’s the name of the nail color you got? I’m totally loving it!
KathEats says
I never look at the names of the colors!
Nicole says
Congrats! How exciting! I think we have two GH locations in my city, but the one closest to me is no way near as cool as the one you guys are running. You guys seem to offer way more products.
I’m so jealous of your coffee consumption, even if it’s decaf! I tried switching over to decaf, but I’m finding the smell of coffee to be one of my “aversions,” which is such a bummer. Hopefully that clears up in time for iced coffee season!
Alex says
Congratulations on the award! I’m a bread fanatic and have a plethora of bakeries from which to choose here in NYC. However, I am always drooling over your GH loaves/goodies and wish I had a location near me. When yare you going to start selling them (in addition to the granola) on OpenSky 🙂 ?
KathEats says
You’re in luck! You must have missed the announcements because we have a sale going right now: https://opensky.com/katheats/product/great-harvest-cville-cluster-3-pack
[email protected] says
Congrats!!!! I remember Matt saying he was aiming for that award. I had no doubt GH Cville would win it.
Ashley @ Cooking for John says
Congrats to you all! That award is absolutely adorable! 🙂
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
Wowza! You guys are on a roll! (pun intended!) But that dinner of yours looks rather light – ha!
[email protected] says
Congratulations!!!!! That’s so awesome and it looks like you two had a ton of fun!!
Joanne says
Congratulations to Matt and staff. Way to go!
You guys should think about the CA Raisin Bread Contest. The applications are out now.
If you can’t find the form on line, let me know and I’ll send you the application package.
Molly says
Congrats on the award!!!
Sara says
Congrats!!
Jennifer says
Congratulations!!!
Silvia @ skinny jeans food says
Congrats on the Phenomenal Bread award! that’s HUGE!
clare @ fittingitallin says
Congrats Kath! (And Matt!)
And also, the no protein thing is my biggest vegetarian pet peeve. It’s like restaurants think vegetarians ONLY eat vegetables.
Jasper Naomi @ crunchylittlebites says
do you like black licorice at all Kath? I used to be ADDICTED!
KathEats says
Yes!
Jasper Naomi @ crunchylittlebites says
you have brilliant taste just sayin’ Kath 😀
Angel7 says
YAY!!! Congratulations, Matt, Kath, & Cville GH Staff 🙂 That is an amazing accomplishment to win something like that your first year–you can tell that Matt is really excited by the smile on his face in the picture of you and him! Whoever kneads the best and most bread wins 🙂 Celebrate your achievement! Cheers!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Andrea @FrSeed2Stomach says
congratulations!
Katharina says
Congrats to the Cville staff! Do all Great Harvests follow the same recipes? I’ve never been to one or heard of it before I found your blog, but I know food at other chain restaurants usually tastes the same at all locations. I’m guessing if there is a contest,it must be different at Great Harvest!
Linda says
Congratulations on your award winning bread & crew!
sue says
Congrats to all of you! How exciting! Wish we had your kind of bakery by us! Must tell you I have done english smocking for many years and love it. I noticed it on you and your sister’s dresses a few postings back. I live in Calif. and it is fairly unknown back here. I’m thinking… your little one will have some darling outfits! Enjoy the rest of your trip and your great reward! You must have a great team.
Trishelle says
Kath, my husband is a vegetarian and we consistently scratch our heads at some place’s attempts to create vegetarian dishes. Seriously, where is the protein?!
So happy for you, Matt and your store’s award! This year is looking pretty spectacular for you guys 😀
faith says
Congrats Matt!!!! Not that I’m surprised :), his high standards are exceptional!
Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy says
Congrats on the award!
Becca says
“First year stores send in a loaf each month…”
“…shooting high for the Phenomenal Bread Award his first year, which has never been done”.
“…the first first-year store to ever win the Young Bakery Phenomenal Bread Award!!”
Sorry, Kath, but I am really confused what the award is… is the award for first year stores or can any store win it?
KathEats says
Sorry it’s complicated!
First year stores and other young stores (I think under 2-3 years) all send it bread. Usually an older store has the highest score, but we got it being 8 months old. (But we also tied with an older store)
Becca says
Thanks for explaining. I forgot you’re only 8 months old …that’s even more awesome!
~Christy @ wonderofallthings says
Well done, you guys! Glad to hear it 🙂 Congrats!!
Stephanie Hobbs says
Kath, that is so awesome! Congratulations! What a huge honor!! You’ll definitely have to display that award, maybe even make a neat poster about it!
Jules @ La Petite Maison Verte says
Wow, congratulations! What an honor! It makes me wish I lived closer to your bakery so I could try your “award-winning” bread 🙂
Paige @ Healthy Hits the Spot says
I feel like I just read about a night at the Oscars, but with bread! Congrats! That’s really exciting! Also, that dessert looks heavenly!
Kate says
Congratulations guys!! Just the other day I found myself reading and wondering if there would be awards at this meeting because I knew, IF there were awards, YOU guys would win! I’ve never tasted your bread, but I just knew…you guys are the award-winning type:-) Congrats again!
Christena says
Congrats! I also think it is classy that you acknowledged your employees by name in this post. It sounds like you guys are doing a good job and have a great team! Just wish I could order some Popeye bread and Savannah bars online! 🙂
Julie says
Way to go! Keep baking that phenomenal bread!
modernworkinggirl says
Wow ! Congrats!
[email protected] says
I’m not surprised at you winning the award! Just LOOKING at your baked goods makes me want to move to Cville,just to eat at the bakery everyday. Congrats to ‘Matt’s’ baby!
Looks like your nail polish matches your Toms 😀 Love it
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
how wonderful!!! CONGRATS!
Lauren says
WOWWWWWW!!!!! You guys would be the first ever! I actually gasped lol. CONGRATS!!!! 😀
Zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
CONGRATULATIONS to Matt and all the bakers. How thrilling. Love your photo of the 3 cocktail glasses 🙂
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Congrats to you guys + your staff for the award! What an amazing accomplishment for your first year! 😀
Sarah Leigh says
That is so awesome! It’s nice to get recognition for hard work 🙂
[email protected] says
Congratulations to you all on the win! 😀
Leila @ Spinach and Skittles says
Congrats on the awesome award!
jaycie says
Wow, congrats to Matt for his bread award! He is such a hard worker! You are looking so pregnant these days! My hips and thighs got big too at first! how exciting for both of you! congrats! yay!
KathEats says
Jaycie!! I think that’s on the list of “things not to say to a pregnant woman!!”
Macrae says
Hehe- that made me laugh Kath. You are doing great and nothing so trivial will matter when you’re little one arrives, you are taking care of yourself for them 🙂 They are a gift beyond gifts!
Chetney (Czesia Lives) says
Congratulations!!!!
Janet says
Congrats to all of you!
Stella says
Congratulations! Way to Reach for the Stars! What award is Matt eyeing for next year? 🙂
Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie says
I love these bread awards! Whole grain lovin’ 🙂
SkinnyRunner says
thats where my wedding reception was in that room!