By Katie Curley
Sarah Pike stands in the kitchen of the Masonic Hall in Newburyport, surrounded by industrial stainless-steel appliances as she labels cartons of meatballs with her signature "Good Tastes" stickers.
"Most people start to think about what to have for dinner at 4 in the afternoon," Pike said. "Then it's a mad rush."
It wasn't long ago that Pike herself used to feel she had no choice but to heat frozen foods or order take-out for her family. About a year ago, the working mom who was constantly struggling with getting healthy food on the table in a timely manner decided she could offer a service to local families. And Good Tastes Kitchen was born.
Pike launched her food-delivery service targeted at busy moms, dads and professionals in April. Her business aims to provide them with healthy and affordable preassembled "dinner kits" as well as side dishes and desserts. But what sets it apart from others is the convenience factor — she offers to bring your order right to your house, office or one of several other area locations.
All that's left for families to do is heat or bake their orders, following the easy-to-follow instructions Pike supplies with each item.
"It's super easy," said Pike, who, based on the response from customers, is already thinking about expanding.
As families on-the-go search for options beyond the drive-through window and eating out at dinner time, businesses that provide nutritious, homemade alternatives are gaining in popularity.
Debbie and Michael Finochiaro opened their small carry-out business, Off the Hook, on Route 110 in Salisbury last month. Already, they have developed a regular clientele among people who have no time to make dinner, but still crave a home-cooked meal. Their menu includes stir fries, homemade chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, and the shop specialty, chicken Parmesan. While they specialize in Italian cuisine, they also have Japanese, Mexican and American dishes available for pickup as well.
"Working people don't have time to cook. That is kind of the idea," Debbie Finochiaro said. "You're off the hook."
Similarly, at Carry Out Cafe and Guiseppe's in Newburyport and elsewhere, meals that can be taken from the counter to the table with just some light preparation are in high demand. Both Carry Out and Guiseppe's also have seating available for those who prefer to dine out. But at Carry Out, the bulk of the orders, including an extensive salad bar, are made to go.
For Pike, the launch of Good Tastes Kitchen has brought her full circle. Born and raised in Newburyport, Pike left for several years in the 1980s when her parents moved the family to an organic farm in Maine.
"It was before organic farming was cool and I hated picking vegetables," Pike said. "I'm one of six children, so I went to the kitchen and started cooking. I had a good audience; my family ate anything."
Little did Pike know the fresh ingredients she was taking for granted in Maine would serve as the most important part of her future business.
"I had great ingredients and I didn't even realize it at the time," she said. "I learned early though, a few great ingredients can make a great meal."
Several cooking classes over the years helped Pike refine her kitchen skills, giving the part-time marketing consultant the tools she would need to put her idea for a food-delivery service into action.
The Good Tastes menu boasts healthy food that Pike would make for her own family. She has partnered with local farmers from places such as the Community Supported Agriculture Program at First Parish Church in Newbury in an effort to incorporate seasonal produce into her dishes From Panko-encrusted chicken tenders with barbecue sauce to Mahogany Chicken with chimichurri sauce, Pike says there is something for every taste, including a macaroni and cheese that's a safe bet for kids.
But the gourmet flavors don't stop at entrees. Pike offers sides such as orzo salad and desserts that include molten chocolate cakes and a monthly variety of cookie dough that can be stored in the freezer and baked before play dates or book club meetings.
"I feel like I'm really helping people," Pike said. "I organize and take all the prep work out so people can take all the credit and put a nutritious meal on the table."
Local mom Meghan Kinsey, who has placed several orders with Pike over the last few weeks, said that while she's been impressed with the presentation, she especially values the freshness of the meals. Kinsey has also ordered a "Stork Supper" for a friend who just had a baby. The package included all the tools to create a relaxing, fast dinner, and came with three meals, fresh flowers and frozen cookie dough.
New mother Annelise Grant, a weekly Good Tastes customer, finds the ease of delivery and quality, healthy foods drawing her back for seconds. Both Grant, a senior public relations specialist in Boston who often travels to New York City on business day trips, and her husband commute to work. And with a new baby at home, going out to dinner isn't an option.
"We try to cook as much as we can at home, but sometimes we get home late or we're too tired," she said. "That's why 'Tastes' are so perfect for us to keep on hand and have a normal dinner without having to call out for pizza."
Grant said Pike's business fills a niche.
"Everyone tries to eat healthy, but when short for time ... it's nice to have these things and see the ingredients and know what's going into it," she said.
For stay-at-home moms and dads, Pike will bring orders right to the front door. Her Good Tastes van is also a fixture on Wednesday nights at the commuter rail station in Newburyport, where people can pick up their dinners on their way home from work. Pike will make arrangements to deliver meals to other locations as well.
"I'm giving people the gift of more time with their families. That layer of it has been great for me," she said. "People can also feel like chefs. It's empowering to them."
Tasty shortcuts
Sarah Pike of Good Tastes Kitchen offers these tips to simplify meal time:
r Substitute seasoned stuffing mix for plain bread crumbs when making meat loaf. It's a speedy way to give it a little extra flavor.
r Turn leftover mashed potatoes into potato pancakes. Add seasoning, such as rosemary, to the mashed potatoes and fry in butter, olive oil or vegetable oil.
r Pesto freezes well in an ice cube tray. Cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to keep the nice green color.
r Use chicken, beef or vegetable broth to cook rice. The rice will have a nice flavor and many claim it produces more tender rice than if cooked with plain water.
r Toss that jar of celery seed from '76. Most dried herbs lose their potency after six months. Buy small quantities and rotate frequently with new jars.
r To get the most juice from a lemon, first prick the skin with a fork and then place it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.
r Keep the kitchen sink full of soapy water. As you work, toss utensils, spoons and whisks into the sink for easy cleanup.
Good Tastes Kitchen
r How: Order online at www.Good-Tastes.com or call 978-518-5300
r When: Pick up at several local locations, including Wednesday nights at the Newburyport commuter rail station; home delivery arranged by request.
r Cost: Varies depending on the meal and how many it serves. Small meals serve two to three people; large meals serve four to six. Average price range from $10 to $30.
Off The Hook
r Where: 50 Elm St. (Route 110), Salisbury
r When: Lunch and dinner pick-up hours Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
r Cost: Most meals, which serve two to three people, are $15 to $20. Soups, salads, sauces and sweets also available. Beer and wine selection will soon be available.
