[Sca-cooks] Akim's back

[ringofkings at mindspring.com]

Stefan wrote (April 23):

Several years ago Akim started a medieval site called the Cumberland  
Centre. I've lost touch these last few years with just what the  
status of the site is, so Akim, I'd love to hear about what has been  
going on there. For at least several years I remember that he was  
welcoming folks to stop by on the way to Gulf Wars. Unfortunately for  
us, we are coming from the west and the Cumberland Centre is east of  
Gulf Wars. I, for one, appreciate the generosity and hospitality though.

Also Akim, have you finally managed to eat your way through that  
stash of supplies you created for the expected Y2K disaster? :-)


Well, finally I have updated my computer and somehow I now can post to the
list.  Miracles happen.  Yes, Cumberland Centre is still an active entity.
SCA events are held here from February through November.  There was a lovely 
cooking collegium here back in February and there is a big gathering of brewers 
and vintners scheduled for May 12.  We are currently preparing to build a pavilion
for forging as we now have 3 forges.  Our largest gathering (1300+) still was the
SCA Border Raids war two summers ago.  For those gentles unfamiliar with the
Centre, check out our website at cumberlandcentre.org.

As to the Y2K stash, yes I have.  There were many instances where SCA individuals
had suffered personal disasters (fires, floods, unemployment, etc.) and seemed worthy
reciprints of a portion of my stored bounty.  I still have however box after box
of things like ammunition and clothing.

As to SCA-COOKS related subjects, I have discovered in the small town closest to
the Centre, a very useful source of culinary oddiments.  In Lewisberg, TN,
I now frequent a dumpy looking discount grocery/emporium that regularly astounds
me with rock bottom priced goodies.  I suppose I am building a new Y2K stash I
laughingly call MY2K (MY 2000 pounds of goodies).  Apparently, this is an
establishment run by a family that gets overstock and unsold stuff from all over
the country and out of business inventory.  Usually places like this only get
out-of-use dated edibles, but 90% of what I see is within date and very cheap.
What blows me away is the quality of these bargains.  Incidentally, I generally
buy ALL of the most delectable stuff.  I suppose being a rather unsophisticated
country town means that most of the store customers can not pronounce, much less
have a clue about some of these foodstuffs.  regrettably, I have missed out
getting some truly great bargains in the quantities I would like.  Here is a
listing of some of the goodies I found this month:

Kasilof Fish Co. Wild Alaska Smoked Sockeye Salmon (24 oz. box) exp. Nov2011 $8.00
Gia Russa Mushroom Bruschetta Topping (10 oz.) $.79
Gaea  Sitia, Crete D.O.P. Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil (17 oz.) $1.25
Somerdale Double Devon Cream (5.6 oz. jar)  $1.25
Fisher Chef' Naturals Pine Nuts (2 oz. pkg.) $.59
Better Than Bouillon Lobster Base (8 oz. jar) $1.25
Lindt Lindor Truffles (5.1 oz. bag) $1.29
Guylian Belgian Truffles (4.3 oz. box) $1.29

All kinds of Dickenson's preserves like Boysenberry, Cascade Mountain Red 
Raspberry $.79-$1.25.

There is a very large selection of exotic flavored basalmic vinigars, hot
sauces, international foods, etc..  Of course, you find what is available
when you get there; there is no restocking of items on a regular basis.
It's strictly luck of the draw.

For a small town in rural Tennessee, this kind of store was rather unexpected.
On the other hand, I am not aware of anything like it (affordably) in nearby
Nashville.  Have others on the list discovered similar stores that they frequent
for exotic dainties?  I suspect that they remain quiet secrets if they do.

Akim Yaroslavich