Pick of the Crop – Limeades and More

Ken Spero is the Big Squeeze behind Limeades and More. You simply cannot quench your parched throat in any better way than with one of his shaken, not stirred beverages. Choose between the straight up Limeade, Lemon-Limeade or Lemonade. It may sound simple, but to have thirst-quenching Limeade, you have to have the best ingredients.

Filtered water, ice made with filtered water, freshest citrus and pure sugar are the crucial items. Although, he can make them with an artificial sweetener if you so desire. Ken is very exacting about his process, down to the rubber mallet that helps him gently nudge his ice cubes away from each other. Although this started as a side-line, he is now squeezing away all Saturday morning at Forest Hill Park and Wednesday evenings at Souther of the James.

Ken has always had the bug for retail business. His first food gig was selling meat. He morphed in his career to then having a windshield repair business. This supplemental side-line business has brought him through his second year of business. He got the basics from a friend who brought him on as help at some of her larger events and circumstances allowed him to start his own little squeeze operation.

I asked Ken what one of the take-aways from our chat from him should be and he said, “Respect the learning curve.” No matter what someone tries to do, in order to do it excellently, a learning curve must take place. He has risen to the top of the curve and is now feeling a lot of pride and satisfaction with the business. Being at the market, he says, provides a simply positive atmosphere. Everyone helps each other out so that all boats rise in high tide.

Some evenings you will find salted peanuts or cubed watermelon available at his booth. What happens when the leaves begin to fall and Limeade is not one’s first choice? He transitions over to a mulled cider to warm the toes. So, he has his seasonal menu in place.

Limeade goes great with a burrito or a burger or meatballs or gumbo. Match them up!!!

See you Wednesday!!!

Souther of the James runs on Wednesdays 3 PM – 8 PM at 4910 Forest Hill Ave (23225). Your list of vendors.

Previous Picks of the Crop

Pick of the Crop is written by Trish Morrison.
Originally from Illinois where she was pioneering with Food Co-ops and Farmer’s Markets in the Chicago suburbs, Trish now lives in the neighborhood near Westover Hills Elementary School. A city dweller by week, weekends she travels to Lunenburg County working on an agricultural venture with her son. She enjoys the blend of art, agriculture, music and muse, you can find at a Farmers’ Market and hopes it comes through in her interview style of writing.