Bambino’s Baby Food rang in the New Year by expanding the availability of its product line at retail and foodservice locations in Alaska. Carrs-Safeway, a unit of Boise, Idaho-headquartered Albertsons, is now carrying the company’s frozen meals for infants and toddlers at its supermarket outlets throughout “The Last Frontier,” while the 49th State Brewing Co. restaurant in Anchorage has added three items to the menu especially for its youngest diners.
The organic and natural baby meal additions at the eatery are Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Bisque (featuring wild-caught salmon, carrots, onions, extra virgin olive oil, sweet potato and brown rice), Chicken with Veggies (chicken, carrots, celery and organic barley), and Vegetable Stew with Filet Mignon (organic filet mignon, carrots, celery, onions, cold pressed olive oil and barley). Created especially for little ones ranging from five months to three years of age, each offering is presented in Bambino’s patent pending frozen star shape to be enjoyed as a popsicle-like treat (ideal for teething babies), or melted and served as a soup.
“It’s great to partner with such an innovative, Alaskan-grown company, and it’s a natural fit,” said David McCarthy, co-owner of 49th Brewing Co., who likens his food and drink establishments to local “community centers.” The menu for big kids and adults spotlights Halibut Tacos, Seafood Mac ’n Cheese, Baja Steak Salad and other brewpub favorites.
This munchkin is all smiles when dining on Bambino’s Hungry Munchkin. In addition to being served as a textured meal or puree, the star-shaped frozen product may be consumed popsicle-style.Meanwhile, on the retail front, Karl Schroeder of Albertsons commented: “We are excited to offer Bambino’s and support a family-established, woman-owned business. The meals are approved for purchase under the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), making them easily accessible to low-income families.”
Bambino’s uses whole food ingredients in all its recipes. The tasty offerings are suitable for each age and stage of early human life and beyond. This includes adults with swallowing and digestive disorders, stroke survivors, cancer recovery and gastric bypass patients.
“This baby food company is no ordinary company,” said Judy Brady, former State of Alaska Commissioner. “Its unique drive comes from Zoi Maroudas, founder and chief executive officer of Bambino’s. Her medical education, experience in food production and agriculture, together with a will to do good, has continually proven to be innovative and successful.”
In 2015 the Baylor University graduate, former medical researcher and Mediterranean diet expert crossed into the baby food business to address food allergies and create meals with protein, grain and vegetables especially formulated for babies. Bambino’s lengthening line, which includes noodle dishes in and addition to salmon, halibut, chicken, beef and vegetable fare, breakfast cereal and cookies, will soon be found in the freezer cases and cabinets of mainland USA retail stores in Seattle, Austin and New York.
Zoi Maroudas (center) celebrates the addition of thee Bambino’s Baby Food offerings to the 49th State Brewing Co. restaurant menu with Executive Chef Thomas W. Chapin (right) and Sous Chef Daniel E. Shier.Commenting on the entry into the foodservice sector, Maroudas remarked: “This has been a dream of mine for some time. Anywhere I traveled, I noticed parents including myself would always have to bring food from home. Our mission and purpose is to help families grow healthy and strong with pure clean food that simplifies kitchen preparation, making more time available for family fun. Restaurant menus now have a new category with Bambino’s Baby Food.”
Bambino’s sources organic vegetables from Alaska’s glacier aquifer-fed, pesticide-free, nutrient-rich soils. No additives, fillers or preservatives are part of any formulation. The company sells products directly to consumers through an online platform as well as via Amazon, retail outlets, and now the 49th State Brewing Co.
Bambino’s Baby Food has grown significantly since its inception, prompting the opening of a more efficient manufacturing facility and storefront in Anchorage to keep up with demand for a successful range that has been broadened with the addition fruit offerings. Additionally, the company has worked in partnership with allergists to create a cookie proven to desensitize high-risk infants to peanut allergies. Indeed, its Peanut Mani has won rave reviews from parents and allergists. – Reported by John Saulnier
