Farmers' market regulars in the Portland area know
Gathering Together Farm as the double-wide stands overflowing with some of the most gorgeous, flavor-filled organic produce in the area. What most folks don't know is that John Eveland and Sally Brewer have a farm store as well as a full-service restaurant on their farm in Philomath outside of Corvallis. It goes without saying that
the restaurant features a menu chock-full of the produce grown on the farm, with pizzas from their wood fired oven loaded with local cheeses and meats as well as a full list of hearty entrées and wines. Don't forget to peruse their list of upcoming
wine dinners featuring local wineries; though a word to the wise is to make reservations early since these are in high demand and sell out quickly. It's a do-able evening excursion from Portland, and even better as a romantic dinner destination for an out-of-town overnighter.
Details: Gathering Together Farm restaurant. Lunch: Thurs. & Fri. 11 am-2 pm; Dinner: Thurs. & Fri. 5:30-9 pm; Saturday Breakfast: 9 am-2 pm.
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It's a sad truth that Portland doesn't have a great selection of truly authentic Indian restaurants. The good news is that there are several classes being offered that will not only teach you how to make these dishes at home but will share resources on where to find the spices that will make them regular go-to recipes on your dinner roster. My friend Sophie Rahman of
Masala NW has just released her spring class list, and it looks fantastic:
- Creating Dals from a Variety of Lentils (a vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free class)
- Reminiscent of the Raj: The Mystery of Curry
- Breads of India: Naans and Rotis (vegetarian)
- Regional Cuisines of India from the North to the South
Details: Indian Cooking with Sophie Rahman of Masala NW. Check
the website for the full list of upcoming class descriptions and schedules.
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It's a pairing as momentous as Antony and Cleopatra, Ike and Tina Turner, Branjelina or, for that matter, Mario Batali and Gwyneth Paltrow (though easier on the eyes, for sure). Farmers' market chef
Kathryn LaSusa Yeomans and Portland mushroom mavens Roger Konka and Norma Cravens have teamed up over the last few seasons to present product tastings and recipes to customers of
Springwater Farm. But now they're taking it to the next level with full-on dinners prepared with goodness from Springwater and other local purveyors. Judging from the smashing success of their recent multi-course
Truffle Dinner, the upcoming four-course
Forager's Feast, even with two dates available, should be a sell-out event, so get your tickets now.
Details: Forager's Feast. Sun., April 10th and Sat., April 16th at 7 pm; $40, reservations required. All gratuities will be donated to the Portland Farmers' Market
SNAP Matching Program.
HAHA! Funny to hear your complain about lack of Indian food. Hmmm try living in a tiny town for a while where you can't even find fresh fruits and vegetables.... Good think farmers market season is just around the corner!!! And I'm so much luckier here in Pendleton than in Northern Michigan, where the first farmer's market, 35 miles away was in JULY!!
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Becky. And you're right, we're lucky to live in a city like Portland with an abundance of good food!
ReplyDeleteSadly, GTF has the worst service of all the PFM vendors! The produce is great, but I can't buy from people who won't even say "hello" or "thank you." I wouldn't consider eating at their resto based on my experiences with them at the market. :-(
ReplyDeleteWow, Sarah, that's not my experience at all…I've always found them to be helpful and (generally) cheerful, or at least polite. Anyone else have feedback on this subject?
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