“I need to make room for a second dishwasher,” states Jackie Davison. Her one-year-old business, The Potluck Kitchen Studio, is getting busier.
“Last year was awkward, like a baby crawling. Now we’re starting to walk,” Davison explains happily. “This year I have my calendar set until October, and some events are sold out.”
“I grew up on a simple, meat-and-potatoes diet. My parents probably thought I would live on frozen dinners for the rest of my life,” she recalls, smiling.
Things turned out very differently for her. Food became her passion.
Davison’s experiences as an exchange student in Mexico sparked her interest in different cuisines. She has also visited Denmark and found new ideas there. The many restaurants in Seattle gave her exposure to the possibilities of making meals an event.
“After college, 20 years ago, I started a dinner club. We had different themes, taking turns being the hostess and everyone bringing something. It was fun.”
Her principle with The Potluck Kitchen Studio is the same: fun. Bring friends and meet new ones while you cook and learn.
Davison feels it was a blessing in disguise to have ended up in Anacortes. When her employer in Bellingham downsized, she ended up jobless. It took her a while to figure out what to do next. After some soul-searching and talking to her husband, it dawned on her: food. She was naturally interested in nutrition.
The two-year Culinary program at Skagit Valley College was the next step. It was hard work, but Davison now feels well prepared to be an instructor and business owner in the world of cuisine. She is a Certified Culinarian (CC).
“I did an internship at the Island Hospital and developed some nice connections. My experience at one of the casino kitchens wasn’t as good. I actually lost weight and my appetite during that time,” she recalls.
“I don’t consider myself a chef,” Davison points out. “I’m a cooking instructor. I’d like to help others live better by showing them how to eat better.”
It wasn’t easy to find the right location for her studio. Most available kitchens in town were not suitable to be classrooms. Finally she discovered her current location on 910 11th Street, north of Safeway. It fit her budget and overall vision.
“This place was full of equipment. The owner moved within 48 hours, and I started a 4-month renovation. It wasn’t easy. The contractors had other jobs going on, too. And at one point there was a hurricane on the east coast, which delayed my flooring delivery. The interior design is my own accomplishment.”
The space is divided into three sections, painted in appetizing, warm colors. The green-hued front area is roomy and well equipped with counters and sinks for the lessons. In the middle is the more industrial section with refrigerators, baker’s racks and the single dishwasher waiting for its companion. The soft orange dining room is in the back, along with Davison’s small office space.
“It’s really important to have your spouse’s support in an undertaking like this,” Davison points out. Her husband of 5 years, Mark Lawrence, owns the “Simply Yards” landscape company and understands the pressures involved.
“During my past, initial year, I think the Paella night was a great success. I’ll do that again. The Korean barbeque was another hit, and Thai food is always popular,” Davison reminisces. “I’ve probably given a dozen classes in Thai cooking.”
She has had several return customers. Even groups want to come back.
“There is a boating couple from L.A. that has taken 6 classes here. I invited them to my house for dinner, as well. They’re our friends now.”
Some businesses have indicated interest in The Potluck Kitchen Studio for team-building exercises. Davison is open to ideas, and is constantly coming up with new ones of her own.
She is looking forward the upcoming “Paint, Sip and Savor Night”, co-hosted by local artist Terry MacDonald. Participants get a painting lesson while enjoying wine and the company. Trawlerfest will be an opportunity to participate in, as well as Transition Fidalgo activities. Davison is planning on culinary adventures, as well, both locally and maybe to the Walla Walla wine country. She is also enthusiastic about offering classes for kids. Creativity is her keyword.
Davison tries to keep the ingredients as local as possible. She shops at the nearby grocery stores and at the Farmers Market.
“Last year I did a session with shopping at the Farmers Market first and then cooking. It was great. It’s in the plans for this year, too,” she envisions.
Davison had hoped to team up with local farmers. She thought it might be a workable idea to have them drop off the pre-ordered produce boxes at her kitchen. People could have picked them up and even received instruction on how to prepare some of those vegetables. She didn’t get it started last year, but it’s still on her mind.
“I like to partner with the locals. All through this past year, I have met lots of nice people, both customers and entrepreneurs. I want to help make Anacortes a great place to live,” she explains, her face lighting up with enthusiasm.
“There is no routine day. I have my to-do list, but things happen. Sometimes I work a 14-hour day, other times it’s really quiet. It’s a roller-coaster.”
To balance her time in the kitchen, Davison likes to hike, bike, boat and kayak. Her trim frame is proof that we can enjoy food and still stay in shape. The Monday morning Breakfast/Walkfast sessions are encouragement for everyone to enjoy healthy sustenance and exercise.
“I don’t like eating out. It’s just as quick to fix the meal at home. In our house, it’s not allowed to buy salad dressing. It’s so easy to make, four ingredients or less. After all, who wants to eat carrageenan and the other odd things they put into commercial dressings?
Davison feels it’s important to keep up with food-related issues. Reading biographies of chefs, trade magazines and meeting other food enthusiasts adds to her existing knowledge. She is constantly creating new ways of inspiring a healthy and fun approach to nutrition.
“My husband couldn’t believe I wanted to take a cookbook for vacation reading,” she chuckles.
The Potluck Kitchen Studio is located at 910 11th St., Anacortes
You can contact Jackie Davison by calling (360) 393-2844.