Gilt Taste Launches With Beta Online Marketplace

Highlights from the currently live marketplace include the American Paddlefish Celebration Package, which bundles the briny California caviar with French blinis, Bellwether Farms' crème frâiche and mother of pearl spoons; an assortment of Afghani side dishes from Bolani East and West; and adorable, ladybug-inspired ganache from Philadalphia husband & wife chocolatiers John and Kira.

Ruth Reichl, former New York Times food critic and Gilt Taste's Editoral Advisor, describes the magazine in her welcome statement as a radical venture. On one hand it's a showcase for the artisanal products that talented bakers, butchers, candy and cheese-makers are now crafting all over the country. It's a place to meet a new generation of farmers, the men and women who are tilling the land in sustainable ways, saving seeds and raising happy animals. It is a celebration of food, mostly American... [but] we don't just want to sell you great products-we want to tell you the stories of the people who create them and inspire you with delicious new ways to use them.

Among these stories is an investigative piece about the potential impact that fracking - the controversial gas-drilling practice - could have on the food supply. On a lighter note, you will find a story about cooking broccoli stalks Iron Chef style and a recipe for Salt and Sugar-cured asparagus.

Gilt Taste is supported solely by sales; there is no advertising on the site. A recent IBTimes article discussed the valuation of Gilt Groupe, Inc. after a considerable infusion of capital from outside investors.