More on Pacific Northwest Farmers Markets

July 8, 2013

In our June 17 post, we updated you on the summer schedule at the venerable Pike Place Market.

In today’s post, we are sharing the good news about other farmers markets in the Pacific Northwest.

Pybus Public Market, Wenatchee, Washington

Pybus public market

After more than a year of dreaming, planning and construction, Pybus Public Market, located at 3 North Worthen, Wenatchee, opened its doors to the public in its inaugural debut (soft opening) on Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 a.m.

The building was built in the late 1940s, and brings together a part of the Wenatchee Valley’s history. . .and a glimpse of its future. Opening weekend included a number of festive events, including the lighting of the large red neon “Public Market” sign that is so reminiscent of the Pike Place Market’s eponymous sign.

Since opening weekend, Pybus Market has been open seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Berries photo

Vancouver, British Columbia, Farmers Markets

Vancouver’s annual farmers markets – typically beginning mid-May and running through late October – are more than just a great place to shop; they’re also a terrific source of food education and a great way to meet the colorful characters of Vancouver’s vibrant food community.

Kitsilano Farmers Market

May 12 to October 20 (Sundays, 10am – 2pm)

With nearly 50 vendors offering an array of organic and conventional foods, shoppers can get their hands on Fraser Valley honey, organic coffee, gluten-free cakes and crackers, freshly baked breads, biodynamic berries and handmade crafts. It’s also the perfect spot to grab some goodies for a picnic on nearby Kitsilano Beach.

West End Farmers Market

June 1 to October 19 (Saturdays, 9am – 2pm)

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood (walking distance from a number of downtown Vancouver hotels), this quaint market offers high-quality produce, pastries, cheeses, honey and more. For a full day of fun, shoppers can combine a visit to the market with a round of shopping on nearby Robson Street.

Main Street Station Farmers Market

June 5 to October 2 (Wednesdays, 3pm – 7pm)

Nearly 40 vendors line up alongside Thornton Park selling goods like pure maple syrup, natural sausages, wild-caught salmon and handmade soaps. Those who want to carry on their shopping streak can continue along Main Street and browse the area’s trendy boutique shops, or stop by Campagnolo restaurant for a delectable market-inspired menu feature created by executive chef Robert Belcham (available Wednesday nights).

Granville Island Farmers Market

Beginning June 6 (Thursdays, 9am – 3pm)

The Granville Island Farmers’ Market offers everything from handmade artisan cheeses to all-natural gourmet sauces. After working up an appetite, shoppers can choose from more than 70 eateries scattered throughout the island, or stop for mouthwatering fish and chips at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf.

Lonsdale Quay Artisans Farmers Market

May 4 to October 26 (Saturdays, 10am – 3pm)

Located just 10 minutes via SeaBus from Vancouver’s downtown core, the Lonsdale Quay Farmers’ Market brings together some of Vancouver’s best jam makers, honey gatherers, salsa mixers, bread bakers and crafters. It’s also the perfect pit stop to grab a snack en route to the North Shore’s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain.

My Summer Vacation, Part II: Favorite Market Shots

July 1, 2013

One of the joys of my life is visiting and taking food shots at farmers markets when we are traveling.

Below are the best of the best from our recent Seabourn cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, to London.

Look at the shots and read the captions and relive some of my favorite moments vicariously!

Fresh seafood display in Rouen, France

Fresh seafood display in Rouen, France

 

Pheasant salami and other charcuterie at Bordeaux, France farmers market

Pheasant salami and other charcuterie at Bordeaux, France farmers market

Tomatoes at farmers market in Bordeaux, France

Tomatoes at farmers market in Bordeaux, France

Giant artichokes at farmers market in Bordeaux, France

Giant artichokes at farmers market in Bordeaux, France

Fresh seafood display in Rouen, France

Fresh seafood display in Rouen, France

Fresh seafood display in Rouen, france

Fresh seafood display in Rouen, france

White asparagus at the farmers market in Bordeaux, France

White asparagus at the farmers market in Bordeaux, France

My Summer Vacation: Best Dishes Lisbon to London

June 24, 2013

 

Shrimp cocktail on the seabourn quest

In May, we enjoyed 18 days out of the office taking a Lisbon to London cruise aboard the Seabourn Sojourn. Here are a few of my favorite dishes we discovered along the way, beginning with this Shrimp Cocktail from the Sojourn’s Restaurant 1 (main) dining room. Gorgeous presentation on Rosenthal china.

Fried soft-shelled crabs on the seabourn quest

Also aboard the Sojourn, Soft-shelled Crab, better than my mother used to make (sorry, Mom!).

Tofu chow mein on the seabourn quest

A vegetarian entrée aboard the Sojourn–Tofu with Chow Mein–light and full of interesting Asian spices.

Asturian bean and meat stew

During our first port call, in Gijon, Spain, we tried the traditional Asturian bean and meat stew offered to us for lunch at a traditional Sidre (hard- cider) factory.

Raw oysters on the half shell in bordeaux

Fresh oysters at Le Noailles, a restaurant we chose for our one dinner in Bordeaux (a beautiful city where we enjoyed an overnight port call).

Sole meuniere in bordeaux

Sole Meuniére at Le Noailles, our dinner restaurant in Bordeaux. One of the best (if not THE BEST) version of this dish we’ve ever had.

Steamed artichoke in bordeaux

The giant “artichoke salad” I ordered at Le Noailles in Bordeaux. Big as your head! Served with traditional aïoli sauce.

Bouillabaisse aboard seabourn quest ship

Back aboard the Sojourn, I dove into this beautiful Bouillabaisse, made from the local fish we bought during our Market Tour with Seabourn chef Martin.

Three-minute boiled egg aboard seabourn quest ship

A gorgeous three-minute egg I enjoyed aboard the Sojourn during a sunny morning in Bordeaux. Look at that gorgeous saffron-colored yolk!

Fruit plate aboard seabourn quest ship

My fruit salad made a colorful photographic study when taken with my favorite Hipstamatic iPhone4 app.

Giant meringues in St. Malo

 

Giant meringues in a bakery window in St. Malo, France–the “Buccaneer City!”

Fresh seafood display in St. Malo

Gorgeous seafood displays at a restaurant in St. Malo.

Fresh lobster in Guernsey

Grilled lobster and boiled potatoes (local specialties) in Guernsey, England.

Macaron ice-cream sandwiches in Rouen, France

Macaron “ice-cream sandwiches” in Rouen, France.

French fries in Bruges, Belgium

Frites with mayonnaise, our well-deserved lunch after a busy day of sightseeing in Bruges, Belgium.

Steamed mussels in London, England

Back on shore during our three days in London post-cruise, we enjoyed steamed mussels at Wright Brothers, a well-known seafood restaurant in London.

Spinach soufflé at Langans Brasserie, London, England

The beautiful Spinach Soufflé I enjoyed during our last dinner of the 18-day trip. . .at Langan’s Brasserie, partly owned by actor Michael Caine, in the Mayfair section of London.

 

Pike Place Market Farmers Market Opens June 21 on Pike Place!

June 17, 2013

Braiden Rex-Johnson signing the "Pike Place Public Market Seafood Cookbook"

It’s a place that, for the past 23 years, has been near and dear to my heart, so much so I’ve written half a dozen books on the subject: the Pike Place Market.

Pike Place Market Summer Sundays

And on June 21, Pike Place Market’s annual farmers market opens on Pike Place, continuing a tradition begun in August 1907, when farmers gathered in the newly founded public marketplace to sell fresh produce to Seattle citizens from the back of their wagons. Today, Washington farmers continue to sell at the Market year-round, 362 days a year.

During the bountiful growing season, the Market operates a designated farmers market on the street of Pike Place, Friday through Sunday, though farmers are also at the Market both inside the Main Arcade and outside on Pike Place on other days of the week.

In addition to the farmers market on Pike Place, the Market also operates three weekly Express farmers markets at City Hall Plaza, in South Lake Union at 410 Terry Ave North, and (new this year), Occidental Park in Pioneer Square.

“The farmers participating in the Market’s year-round farm program and summer farmers markets play an essential role in the health of the Market community and the greater Downtown neighborhood,” said Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority Executive Director Ben Franz-Knight. “These farmers provide Seattle residents the option to buy fresh, abundant and in-season produce in a variety of locations, days and hours, helping to build healthier lives.”

“We are excited for the Express Market to come to Pioneer Square,” said Leslie Smith, Executive Director of the Alliance for Pioneer Square. “The option to buy fresh, local produce and flowers over the summer is a perfect complement to all of the exciting changes taking place in the neighborhood.”

Pike Place Market Farmers Market Schedule

Farmers Market on Pike Place

June 21 – September 29

Friday-Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm

Beginning June 21, farmers sell their produce on the street of Pike Place. On Sundays, certain blocks of Pike Place are closed to vehicle traffic, creating a pedestrian thoroughfare for farmers market shoppers.

Express Markets

City Hall Plaza

June 18-October 29

Tuesdays, 10 am-2 pm

600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Occidental Park, Pioneer Square

June 19-October 30

Wednesdays, 10 am-2 pm

S Main St & Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

South Lake Union

June 20-October 31

Thursdays, 10 am-2 pm

410 Terry Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98109

Chef Demos at the Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market Chefs on the Cobblestones Schedule

Starting June 23

Sundays, 12 pm & 2 pm, at the intersection of Pike Place and Stewart St.

Here is the complete schedule.

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