FARM FRESH
As spring begins to tease us with hopes of warmer, sunnier weather, the markets offer tangible evidence of the change of season—from new crops of fresh greens, including baby collards and arugula, to more exotic finds like gailon (a variety of Chinese broccoli with smaller flowers, slender stems, and leaves) and Spanish roja garlic. The U District market is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University Way and Northeast 50th Street. To find a farmers market close to you, visit www.dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/farms/farmers_markets.htm.
Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Wednesday, March 28
If you want to impress your foodie friends, the surest way is to be a speed demon with a sharp blade. You’ll become a fast expert at the chop, dice, julienne, and chiffonade at this knife skills workshop, which also covers sharpening and storage. $65. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Cook’s World, 2900 N.E. Blakeley St., 528-8192, www.cooksworld.net. U DISTRICT
Thursday, March 29
Morel Madness! at the Bellevue Whole Foods promises to teach us new and wonderful things to do with this strange-looking and delicious spring mushroom—like asparagus served with brown-butter-sautéed morels and seared duck breast with a morel mushroom ragout. Dessert is a (mushroomless) rhubarb tart with lavender ice cream. $30. 6–9 p.m.Whole Foods Market, 888 116th Ave. N.E., 425-462-1400, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/calendars/BLV.html, BELLEVUE
DRINK UP
Thursday, March 29
Stop by the Vinado Warehouse for a free wine tasting of International Gems, focusing on rare and unusual varietals from unexpected locales. Free. 4:30–6:30 p.m. Vinado Warehouse, 14 S. Idaho St., 233-9463, www.vinado.com. SODO
ON THE PLATE
Wednesday, April 4
Learn to cook some Terrific Pacific Cuisinefrom a chef at the PCC delis, with a menu that fuses an Asian sensibility with local ingredients: sesame ginger eggplant dip; tamarind-glazed halibut with asparagus, edamame, and shiitakes; and for dessert, lemongrass coconut rice pudding. 6:30–9 p.m. $40/$35 PCC members). Issaquah PCC, 1810 12th Ave. N.W., 545-7112. www.pcccooks.com. ISSAQUAH
Food and/or beverage news or events? E-mail food@seattleweekly.com.
