Jennifer Cote, Neighbor

Husband Tom and I established The New Deli in Pinole in 1985. Leasing a space at the fairly new Del Monte Center, we carved out our niche, supplying the locals with homemade, healthy foods (even the almost-unheard-of vegetarian choices). We got a warm reception from those growing weary of the fast food strip at the other end of town. Back when most nearby neighborhoods were fields, a trailer was centered in front of our plaza (housing the plaza developer's office); the main middle section of the Del Monte Center wasn't even built yet. But we managed to stay busy- we certainly had no competition!

Years passed as our kids (literally "born" into the business) grew into adulthood. We enjoyed the school plays, soccer games, and other community events offered to families in our city. A new generation has risen up; the teens who worked with us over 25 years ago are well into raising families of their own, and our grandchildren are learning some food business basics behind-the-scenes (like where the Martinelli's apple juice is stocked).

With a nationally published cookbook under my belt, and my recipe website in place at pccuisine.com (standing for "Pinole California Cuisine), I can be a resource for home cooks. When the home cook can't make it into The New Deli, that is!