Eats in August

Seattle's food scene is one of the best in the country. I don't have much proof to that statement, but I don't really think I'm going out on a limb with it. From our restaurants to the local ingredients and Washington wine, we have a distinct culture of food here that should to be explored and appreciated. And along those lines are some really cool events in the coming weeks that Seattle foodies would be proud of.

In the batter's box is Pike Place Market's Sunset Supper. This event happens on Friday, August 15th from 7:30 to 11pm. After the market closes, some of our finest restaurants in Seattle occupy the stands in the market to do their thing. What's also cool is that it benefits the Market Foundation. Prices are $85 or $125, and get your tickets here. Bring your appetite! Seattlest had a great write up on the event, check it out.

On deck is the Pig & Pipes event in Ballard on August 23. On that particular Saturday, the Olde Pequliar will be hosting this really cool event. As the name implies there will be two roasted pigs on the menu and the pipes portion will be coming from the bagpipes. Holla. This event will be supporting Seattle's Bravest, a charity to support the Seattle Fire Department. I found out about it on Nancy Leson's wonderful All You Can Eat blog. The event is $15, there'll be drink specials, and doors open at noon. As before bring your appetite.

Waiting in the dugout is the Incredible Feast. We went last year and had an awesome time. It's in Phinney Ridge where their Farmer's Market normally occurs, at 67th and Phinney. This event spotlights local farmers, and some of our finest local restaurants will be using the farmer's bounty in their offerings. The Incredible Feast has been going for a few years now, and was started by Brasa's own Tamara Murphy. She wanted to make sure that local farmers got their due and this event is the result. It'll be on Sunday, August 24 from 4:30 to 7:30, and it's $65. Get tickets here. I don't need to say it, but may as well; bring your appetite.

Happy eating and hope to see you getting full at one of these!

VeggieTales

Today we went to the West Seattle Farmer's Market in search of Mangalitsa. Sadly it wasn't to be, we were able to grab some Berkshire jowl bacon (stay tuned...). We didn't let this deter us as this gave us an opportunity to try some new things. Farmer's markets are always fun in that you'll walk around aimlessly, but you'll know you're in for something good. Produce, meats, flowers, baked goods, etc., basically everything has a chance to be good and ultimately you'll be supporting small local business, something we should all do.

As we strolled through the market we happened across the Stoney Plains Organic Farms spot with their beautiful array of vegetables. We stood and absorbed the whole scene, figuring out what to do. They happened to have beet greens. My friend Kendall mentioned that beet greens are edible and are excellent! With this knowledge we grabbed a bunch and thought about what else to have for dinner.

Patrick stepped in and suggested trying some kale. He made this an active endeavor to talk about other greens, like lamb's quarter, kailan and tsoi tsim. He suggested that we try them by tearing off leaves and trying them in the raw. This was so much fun! Trying the product is always a key to creating action. We ended up getting some kailan and tsoi tsim plus a few other items.

At a farmer's market you can learn about the food, learn about who makes it, how to prepare it, and how to enjoy it. It's a fuller experience than just going to the grocery store and getting the same ol' same ol', you're able to try something new and feel better for doing so.

Don't forget to bring a bag. Mayor Nickels would love that.