chef q&a

We're all big fans of the local farmers markets, but few call our name each week like Columbia City. Last week, Exec Chef Eric Tanaka and Chef Sean Hartley from the Palace Kitchen took a little trip down south to check out the goods. Here's what they found.

Why the Columbia City Farmers Market?

SH: Because they have a really good taco truck adjacent to it. I go a couple times a year.

ET: It's my favorite city market because they have a good mix of everything.

See anything of interest?

ET: A lot of beautiful eggplant and melons, but the season is winding down.

What'd you buy?

SH: Heirloom potatoes and lemon cucumbers and cute little strawberries.

ET: I was looking for menu items for Serious Pie to see what was currently in market.

As a chef, do you go to the Farmer's Market for specific items or are you looking for inspiration?

SH: Oh I would say inspiration. We're hoping for something new and different.

ET: I think inspiration. And a Taco.

Any particular farms you were drawn to?

SH: I'm always curious about Alvarez Farms. They have fresh peanuts now and it seems they always have something a little different.

ET: Not really. They all had great stuff.

If you could buy one ingredient not grown in the NW at a farmers market, what would it be?

SH: Tropical fruits.

ET: Pineapple.

What foods are you into right now?

SH: Little fishes like smelt, mackerel and sardines.

ET: Hamburgers.