David Tomberlin, co-founder of Well Dressed Food
My lifelong love of great food and entertaining is part of my experience growing up in the South. Eating and socializing were a big part of our tradition, and I had the good fortune to be surrounded by great cooks and lots of natural, locally grown food. To this day I recall picking pecans and figs in my grandmother’s yard and helping her transform them into delicious pies, preserves and rich, flavorful snacks.
Even as a child, I loved to explore the kitchen and all its wonders. Like many other aspiring cooks at the time, I learned from Julia Child on television and then experimented with different foods and recipes, including the Adirondack Crunchy Granola offered today. As soon as I was on my own, I expanded my culinary skills and continued to surround myself with people who were passionate about food and entertaining.
While living in Atlanta, my circle of friends hosted dinners nearly every night of the week. We tested new recipes on each other and had great fun in the process. Several friends worked for an Atlanta-based cooking show host and another owned a catering business. Helping out wherever possible, I realized how much I loved working with food and helping people have a good time.
So, after twenty years in the corporate world, mostly in real estate, I decided it was time for a change. My partner and I chose to follow our dreams of working with food and entertaining and Well Dressed Food was born.
Russ Cronin, co-founder of Well Dressed Food
Russ is a true foodie and a creative cook. His attachment to the Adirondacks goes back three generations, when his family settled in Tupper Lake. A rich history of culinary service in the region forms the basis for his love of food and entertaining.
Russ brings his background in corporate banking and finance to manage the financial side of the business. He also makes a perfect latte and an amazing Chicken Picatta.
About Well Dressed Food
The Adirondack Park is a unique, beautiful place. It’s about six million acres, and you may be surprised to learn that the Park is the largest publicly protected natural area in the country… greater in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Park combined!
The weather is harsh for a good part of the year, but the environment is absolutely pristine. Huge forest preserves are constitutionally protected as “forever wild” and other areas have been minimally developed for outdoor recreation such as fishing, boating, hiking, skiing and ice fishing. Interestingly, only 130,000 people live within the park’s six million acres. Yet despite this sparse population, there are many warm, wonderful people and communities that are now considered part of our extended family. And what a wonderful family it is! Entertaining and sharing our food with family and friends, whether on the porch at our camp, picnicking the lake, or in front a roaring winter fire inspire the atmosphere and offerings you’ll find at the store.
We’ve discovered many small, family-owned growers and producers of pure, high-quality foods in the North Country. These artisans share our passion for food and producing quality products. The goal of Well Dressed Food is to support these local enterprises and share their wonderful products with everyone. Our recipes use local ingredients wherever possible, and we are constantly expanding our offerings to include unique products that reflect the rich history and natural wonder of the region.
Well Dressed Food offers the very best of the North Country, the United States and the World for your shopping, dining and entertaining pleasure. Come join the adventure!