FOLIO
Jacksonville’s culinary scene is super hot right now, and the latest project from one of our city’s rising stars is helping to further our city’s recognition as a destination for great food. Local baker and celebrity-chef-in-the-making, Calli Webb (better known as Calli Marie), recently launched an ambitious Kickstarter campaign to fund the printing of her cookbook on coffee shop-inspired baking for the home cook. With just a few weeks left, the project is very near its goal and has attracted contributors from around the world including the UK, Germany, Australia and Singapore.
The hardcover book will feature gorgeous photography and easy-to-follow recipes for the baked goods and menu items found at BREW Five Points where Calli works as Food Program Manager. While working there as a barista, she pitched the idea of building up a small kitchen to begin baking in house a little lover a year ago. Since that time, Calli’s modest food program has evolved into one of Jacksonville’s hottest brunch tickets (pro tip: you can get brunch any day of the week until 2pm).
The book’s title comes from Calli’s Instagram handle, which currently boasts over 26,000 followers and features well-edited and carefully curated photos of her culinary adventures, beautifully decorated cakes with a rustic edge, and gatherings with friends. It’s these very gatherings that inspired her to write the book, hoping to empower and encourage others to bake for their friends and loved ones, creating a sense of community centered around delicious food.
Cari Sanchez-Potter of The Legend Series, a pop-up dining event that features local celebrity chefs and takes place at surprise locations, is heading up the project. As former General Manager of Intuition Ale Works, Cari has experience when it comes to putting together cookbooks as she has done with the successful Cooking With Intuition and most recently, The Chef’s Canvas, a collection of recipes from local chefs inspired by works in the The Cummer Museum’s permanent collection. This, however, is the first book she’s worked on that features a single chef.
Rewards for contributing to the campaign include the book itself, private baking lessons, office caterings, and a private backyard Argentine asado hosted by Sanchez-Potter and Chef Scott Schwartz of 29 South. The campaign ends on May 21st, so go to Kickstarter.com, search Calli Marie BAKES, and contribute today to make this project become a reality. Follow Calli on Instagram at @callimariebakes and @brewfivepoints.
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