Now that kale farmers are feeling like more of a reality, I felt it was time to start contacting some of the restaurants from my restaurant wish list.
Verjus was up first.
My husband and I missed the Hidden Kitchen wave but landed in Paris just in time for Verjus to open their wine bar and eventual restaurant in the 1st arrondissement. On our first visit this past November, fresh into the Paris food scene, I asked one of the owners, Laura if she as a restaurant owner had ever come across kale.
Her answer was disappointing and not what I wanted to hear. She confirmed what I knew that I already knew. Kale did not exist. She said she knew loads of other people that had searched high and low for it but to no avail. I think this confirmation of no kale from Laura was what really enabled me to move on beyond the mental stage of “I’m going to find kale in Paris,” to the stage of “I’m going to bring kale to Paris.”
Laura and Braden are such a lovely pair and after only one visit to the Verjus wine bar, Laura already remember me and my husband (I’m convinced it’s because he is this silly English man), but their personal touch to Verjus is what makes this place so special.
We returned to the Verjus restaurant in March and after indulging in the fantastic tasting menu, I knew that Verjus could be a prime spot for The Kale Project to introduce kale.
Laura and Braden were the first two people I contact and they were the first to that responded!
Laura’s response: “Kristen, This is awesome. Of course we would be interested!”
And so dear friend of The Kale Project, I am so excited to announce that The Kale Project has their first restaurant supporter of kale… Verjus!
I spent more time talking with Laura and also Braden (who just calls me “the kale girl,” which I totally love) about who they know in the industry, distribution details and insights, who else might be interested in kale and how they are so excited to incorporate it into their menus.
It was just another example that The Kale Project is more than just me. It’s all of you whether you live in Paris or not. It’s Laura and Braden introducing me to their friends and whoever you are introducing The Kale Project to your friend wherever that is a health-food enthusiast.
I’m so excited to share more about Verjus as they help The Kale Project with the kale journey!
Here are fantastic reviews about Verjus: