Luna Mercado closed

[Robin Garr]

Looks like Michelle wasn't kidding about the company being on the ropes in that unfortunate little exchange a couple of months back.

One of their commercial customers tells me that Luna Mercado went out of business without notice last week, clients learning of the decision only when the week's deliveries failed to appear.

I'm told that the owners are looking for someone to buy the name, recipes, etc.

No joy here ... always sorry to see the failure of another independent local food business.

I'll miss their Wasabi Dragon spread.

Looks like its time for me to go shopping and try to get as much of the stuff I like as I can.

[Robin Garr]

Looks like its time for me to go shopping and try to get as much of the stuff I like as I can.

Why not try making your own? Although I certainly considered Luna Mercado's products excellent and almost inhaled a tub of Pecan Gouda that I once bought for review, it's really not rocket science to replicate them at home, and frankly, that's why I rarely purchased the products even though I liked them.

Assuming you're enough of a home cook to handle creating recipes and visualizing flavor, all you need is a little cheese, a little cream, some judiciously selected spices and seasonings, and a Cuisinart or even a big bowl and spoon, and you're set to go.

It was more of a joke. I use the razz emoticon when I joke.

I actually do get the ingredients list and make my own cause dropping 5 dollars for a tiny tub is well you know. It usually takes a couple of tries to get the measurements correct but it works....eventually. Except one thing of theirs, I havent been able to get close enough.

the products will still be on te market!!!

[Robin Garr]

the products will still be on the market!!!

Tell us more! What's the story? This vendor was quite sure the company was belly-up, failed to make its deliveries and was gone-zo.

I would like to comment on the closing of our business. First of all, every single one of our customers, to my knowledge, has been notified in an appropriate fashion. The secretiveness surrounding the change of hands is typical in any, and almost all, cases where a business is changing hands. Yes, we have turned over production to another business and the name Luna Mercato (spelled Mercato (Italian) not Mercado (Spanish) will resume in the Louisville marketplace. For those pathetic gossip mongers wondering, yes, we have struggled, as many small businesses do, over the past 5 and a half years. However, our decision to remove ourselves from the business is the result of a new business venture we are pursuing in a non-food related industry. We would like to thank everyone in Lousiville for all their support through the years and we will sincerely miss all those we have met as a result of this business venture.
I would also like to state, for the record, that exact reproduction of our product would be nearly impossible unless you are a scientist and can chemically breakdown the ingredients list. There is one special step that we take that makes the spreads what they are....and that is a secret!

[Robin Garr]

pathetic gossip mongers

I know you're hurting, Ed, and we're sorry to see this happen. But that's not a very classy way to sign off.

You spell Mercato I spell Mercado, Mercato, Mercado. Let's call the whole thing off.

Ed, I am always satisfied with "close enough" in regards to recipes. I will say that it has been a difficult challenge but it's not unbreakable. I still can't crack the med goat cheese code. Which happens to be my favorite, so that one will have to be bought. But I will get it hahahahah!

Also Ed, sorry about the business but why do I get the feeling that while reading your message there is a big middle finger pointed omnidirectionaly from your source?

I'm beyond worrying about being "classy" at this point. The rumor mill that is often generated here is hurtful and harmful in many ways, especially to those who put all their heart and souls into their dreams. It is easy for someone to stand by and pass judgement and say hurtful things, but no one can understand the strife and hardship that owning your own business can present. Yes the rewards are great, and I personally have no regrets, but it just makes me sick to see people so ready to jump at an opportunity to speak out about something they have no knowledge or experience in dealing with. But then again, thats life huh?
Fairwell Louisville!

Ed, I'm sorry but I think you're just being a little bitter about this place. That thread regarding your business was kinda harsh, but that's an extreme exception. To say that the "rumor mill that is often generated here is hurtful and harmful" is entirely unfair.

And to be honest I'd never tried your products before, but AFTER that thread I gave it a try, and it was great. I imagine I'm not the only one in a position like that so it wasn't all bad.

Sorry it didn't work out for you. I hope your next business venture, as you say it is non-food related, is one that is not usually so open to public criticism.

This thread makes me sad, sad, sad. I have witnessed first hand how Ed and his wife, Jennifer, have emptied their hearts, souls, wallets, and health into this venture for many years. I would never have the courage to attempt it. The Vaughns have been a true asset to the Louisville community, dining and otherwise, and will be greatly missed.

On another note: Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread - mmmm....

I think after the last Luna Mercato thread, Ed has every right to be defensive about people who only want to speak ill of his business. He has had to put up with certain individuals slandering his name and the name of his business. I think being defensive is understandable. It is quite unfortunately often the case that people don't speak up about a product until they have a negative issue with it. However, several of you have expressed lately that you love Luna Mercato's product, and I'm sure it is quite appreciated.

My two cents:

Ed and Jennifer Vaughn have made a consistently excellent product over the years, have worked harder than any people I know, and have supported other local business as well. They have put their ENTIRE lives into the business for several years, with little to gain but for the love of what they are producing and the appreciation of their customers. They trudged on through difficult times, and have finally decided to take another path in their lives. Their product has won awards, but the highest standard for their product to meet was their own.

Also, having worked in production for them in the past, I can guarantee no one can precisely duplicate their recipe or flavors. There are many nuances to developing these products, and they have taken years to formulate them. Yeah, it's easy to mix up some Gouda cheese, seasonings and pecans, but it certainly won't be the same tried and tested high quality, perfectly balanced spread you've been able to purchase.

i guess i stand corrected. oops