I am back to reality and finally caught up on everything after my exciting Red Gold Bloggers trip. This was a foodies dream as well as a weekend I will always remember. Red Gold couldn't have been any nicer and they made sure we were pampered and every detail was taken care of. I spent the weekend with six other lovely bloggers. I bonded with these ladies right from the beginning and I couldn't have spent the weekend with better company. The other bloggers were:
Wendy from The Weekend Gourmet
Sherry from Super Exhausted
Cathy from The Dutch Baker’s Daughter
Monica from Red Gold Tomatoes met us at the airport on Friday morning. She was a terrific host and we also had our ride for the weekend waiting for us. It was wonderful to travel in style. The Indiana temperature was warmer than usual but it didn't hurt to be dropped off at the front door wherever we went. We stopped for a view of downtown Indy then we went to our hotel where Theresa from Red Gold was waiting for us with lunch. It was fun getting acquainted with everyone.
Friday night we were treated to dinner at Bonges Tavern. This was the most adorable restaurant and the food was excellent. The best part is that we ate with the Red Gold family. We shared many laughs as well as getting to learn more about the people and their business.
On Saturday we toured the Red Gold ketchup plant. It was really cool to see how the facility makes and packages the ketchup. It was unbelievably clean in there and everyone had to wear hair nets. Aren't we pretty?
We also learned a lot about the canning process and the tomato growers Red Gold uses. Later in the morning, we had a Red Gold taste test. I have to say that their products won my taste buds over every time.
That afternoon, we visited the new Red Gold corporate office. They were still moving in over the weekend. The building has lots of history to it. It is a renovated school building and Brian Reichart, CEO of Red Gold went to grade school there. How cool is that? Selita, his wife and VP of the company did much of the decorating herself. I love that the company is a family owned business. Both their sons, Colt and Beau have a big part in the business also. They are all brilliant and kind people. I loved the pride they had when talking about their company.You could just see their eyes light up and the smiles on their faces. This company has grown to over 1300 employees.
Being such a tomato lover that I am, I adored the lobby of the new building with it's tomato mural. The whole building was beautiful.
Another highlight of Saturday was meeting Linda, Red Gold's home economist. Linda was a terrific host and even cooked both breakfast and lunch for us using Red Gold products. Not only was the food great, but there was always beautiful flowers on the table. I will definitely be trying some of the recipes myself and writing about them in future posts.
After a great day at the Red Gold plant and offices, we were whisked off to the Taste of the NFL for the evening. This was a fabulous event with great food and celebrity sightings. All the money raised went to food banks nationwide. All I can say was WOW! I think these pictures show it all. Thank you Red Gold for a wonderful weekend!
Bloggers arriving at The Taste of the NFL.
The lovely couple, Brian and Selita Reichart.
Yes, that's Ted Allen and no one was chopped!
Cake made by Carlo's Bakery (the Cake Boss)
Had my picture taken with Giants player Bill Ard (from 1986 Superbowl team).
Monica and Theresa from Red Gold. Two beautiful ladies in red!
***Disclosure : Red Gold provided me with this trip where they paid all my travel expenses. As usual, all my opinions are my own.
deb
It was such a fantastic time. I loved spending time with you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we meet up at another event soon. I'll be back in NYC for BlogHer at the beginning of August (hint, hint)
Ramona
What fun!!!!
I'm going to try their ketchup when I find it.
Cool looking salad.
Kate
Sounds like a really rewarding trip!
Beth @ Hungry Happenings
What a wonderful experience for you. Looks like Red Gold took great care of you and your fellow bloggers. I'm curious, how did you get to participate in such an amazing event? Did you win a contest?
Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet)
Love all the pics...hard to believe that just a week ago, I was finalizing my packing and getting ready for one amazing weekend! It was such a pleasure meeting you, Lisa. We make it to NY at least every other year, so I'm sure our paths will cross again...perhaps at Doughnut Plant!!
Angela
That looks like so much fun, and I really do love their products. Sounds like you all had a great time.
Liz
Oh, you guys had a blast! I love the photo of all you dressed up for the big night. And what a great idea for flowers for a casual party. I haven't eaten at Bonge's in a long time...I think it's time to get back. Loved your recap, Lisa!
Lisa @ Snappy Gourmet
What a fabulous trip! So happy for you! Love the tomato mural!
Basilmomma
I love, LOVE this!! What a great time we had and I miss you all already!! I hope to someday be in your neck of the woods and we will SO hang out!!
Have a great weekend,
Heather
Rebeca @ The Average Parent
great post. I had no idea Red Gold was a family-run company. I live in Indiana, so I just might have to start buying their products...except for Ketchup though 🙂
leslie
What an awesome trip! looks like they treated you like celebrities!
Ann
Sounds like a great trip. Funny, I have to read about it here - been so crazy at Jan's. See you Wednesday.
The Food Hunter
What a wonderful experience....so very cool
teresa
so so fun! i've always wanted to attend something like this to rub shoulders with fellow bloggers. what a great experience, thanks for sharing!
Renee
Hi Lisa! I miss you! It was a wonderful weekend and meeting you was definitely a highlight! Great post - great pics! I just wanted to stop in and say hi - hope our paths cross again, sooner than later!!
xoxoxo