The Pickled Chef

My update isn't as much about the food, but the level of customer service. I regularly volunteer at the farmer's market, so I see many of the same people on a weekly basis. Like life, you encounter people of every description and quality.I posted my first review about this vendor at the market last year.During this new season, I was stopped as I was going past by the same woman I had encountered during my 1st visit. If you'd think her attitude had changed, I can assure you that it had not. She immediately attacked me about the review I had left.At no time did she offer to make anything right. Once again, she bragged about how great her products are and that she sells thousands. In addition, she made a concerted effort to make me feel guilty about my review.She asked how I felt about leaving a poor review of a family business.Well, I can assure you that I feel just fine. I believe my reviews are honest and assess my opinions of the products and level of service. She yelled at me that I should have brought the jars back.At that point, I didn't remember if I did or didn't return the bad product. I stated that I thought I had, but she yelled at me that I never returned them. At no time did she ask me any questions or offer any solutions.I was in the business of customer service for many years. I have never fixed the blame. I always strived to fix the problem.She may well do very well at her stand, but there is always room for improvement. From her attitude, everything is perfect in her own world and pleasing customers is the furthest thing from her mind. I have never once seen her stand jammed with an overabundance of customers, as I have seen at many other stands.I don't see it as a product issue, since there are people willing to pay a price for small jars of relishes and jams. I see this as an attitude issue. The woman is not friendly and I don't get a good feeling dealing with her.I don't believe that being combative solves any issues.

Although I have not been at their physical storefront location I've met with "the pickled chef" on a number of occasions during my recent farmer's markets visit.I had purchased three of their popular items, apple bourbon maple jam, raw fermented ginger beet kraut, and pickled red beets. These items have been outstanding. The jam as described has real apple chunks in it and when spread on bread it tastes like an apple pie. Made with quality ingredients including the maple syrup from Paul's family farm it is worth the investment.The kraut is red pink due to the beets but you can taste the pickle in it. It makes a great side dish and will keep in the fridge for some time. My understanding is that it is one of their more popular items.With the markets winding down for the season you can still shop for their products on their website or you can purchase their products at East End food coop or Shenot's farm and market in Wexford. It is my hope to visit their Latrobe brick and mortal location when I'm in the area to stock up on more of their "farm to jar" as they call it products. Even if you are looking for pickles you won't be disappointed.

First encounter with The Pickled Chef was Ligonier's farmers market. Fell in love with his breakfast sandwich- his tomato conserve spread sealed the deal. I've since been to the store in Latrobe to refill my sandwich supply. His food is excellent, try the Reuben too. Disappointment lives on the other end of town.

As a one-time resident of Latrobe, I am sorry to say I didn't visit this place often enough when it was in my own backyard. I did have the chance to enjoy Mother's Day brunch here last year, which I believe was their first tome hosting it. I must say they set the bar incredibly high because everything was fantastic! The love and quality really shines through all of their work. I've also purchased a few pickled goods for my boyfriend who is something of a pickled enthusiast, and we were never disappointed. I'm looking forward to giving this place another visit!

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE!!Don't be put off by the old strip mall parking lot! We stopped in when we were in town for our daughters basketball game. Lunch was absolutely delicious. I had a salad and my husband had the party melt - both were totally YUM. Get the fried pickles and definitely buy a jar of pickles or kim chi to-go. Everything is super fresh from local growers. Owner is a delightful conversationalist.

What a gem! I have grown up coming to this town all my life and I have always loved the local feel of a lot of the restaurants. This one is very unique in that it gives you a farm to table feel with various creations. Their menu changes, but the quality never does. I have been here twice and their food is always phenomenal. Very fresh, very local, very casual. And for the quality of food it is a great price! Don't pass up this gem.

Okay, so without sounding over gushing....WOW!! If you like sauerkraut, you are going to go ape here. A must visit. Personal favorite: Jalapeno Sauerkraut. I need it by the gallon!! Probiotic filled, gut friendly deliciousness!!!

My go to at the Ligonier Country Market on Saturday morning. So enjoy their breakfast sandwiches and great service. Also, their Bloody Mary mix is the best!

Great family, delicious grilled cheese, and perfect pickles! The best place to buy a gift basket filled with local goodies

About two years ago I was at Union Market in DC and bought my dad a bottle of hot sauce from the Pickled Chef as part of his Christmas present. He has not stopped talking about it since! As I'm writing this review almost two years after the purchase of his first bottle, I'm looking at another one (almost empty) sitting on the counter. He loves hot sauce, and has been buying the whiskey barrel aged fermented hot sauce every couple months now. I'm telling you, this man does not stick with any one hot sauce this long, but he has consistently come back to the Pickled Chef and absolutely raved about their hot sauce. He also loves a local, American made product! Thank you for making my dad so happy Chef Greg!