Tabitha Stroup of Friend In Cheeses Jam Co. was voted best food artisan.
“I’m super honored, tripped out and blown away,” says the creative jam and condiment maker. “I think the attraction for the public is that I am guided by Mother Nature and believe in representing, protecting and supporting what comes from this region.”
Stroup has been a professional chef for 22 years, including a stint at the now-closed Theo’s in Soquel—a garden restaurant that was ahead of its time. She started her Santa Cruz-based company just two years ago and has gained a loyal following for amazing flavors that include Forbidden Fruit Marmalade spiced up with a hint of ghost chile and Salted Watermelon.
Runners up were: Kendra Baker of The Penny Ice Creamery and Kristen and Lynette Cederquist of Serendipity Saucy Spreads.
About the author
Deborah Luhrman is publisher and editor of Edible Monterey Bay. A lifelong journalist, she has reported from around the globe, but now prefers covering our flourishing local food scene and growing her own vegetables in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
