Hearty congratulations to Petaluma born-and-raised Amber and Jim Balshaw at Preferred Sonoma Caterers - Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce, Sheraton Hotel and the Argus Courier's 2010 Small Business of the Year Award Winners.
Having tasted Amber's delicious offerings at many a Southern Sonoma County event and written about Preferred Sonoma Caterers on numerous occasions within the context of local food and entertainment features, I had never had the pleasure of meeting her in person before the award ceremony at the Sheraton, last evening.
Introduced to me by mutual friend, Karen Nau, Amber shared that she writes an Everything Culinary blog chock full of seasonal recipes, a locavore's delight considering the source.
Top on my to-bake list are Amber's Double Dutch Brownies. I've always said that it's all about the chocolate and Amber's recipe holds no hostages in that department.
The Small Business of the Year Award was presented during this year's Community Awards of Excellence which included awards to Service Person of the Year, Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year, Excellence in Education, Agriculture, Service to Seniors, Service to Youth, Large Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
If ever there is a tear-jerker of a major community event, this one is it. It's my top pick for a freelance assignment each year for the Argus Courier and my full article on the award ceremony will be in the newspaper next Thursday!
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