FARM FRESH
Stop by the U District Farmers Market for some great, fresh offerings: pea shoots, goat meat, and fresh-milled flours and grains, including flax seeds and emmer (one of the first domesticated varieties of wheat, also known as farro).This market runs Saturdays year-round, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at University Way and Northeast 50th Street. For a complete schedule, and to locate farmers markets close to you, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org.
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, May 23
Take note, all you a-fish-ionados, Copper River salmon season has begun. If you’d like some tips on how to prepare this favorite Northwest delicacy, consider enrolling in a hands-on class called “Salmon Season!” The menu includes salmon tartare, grilled salmon tacos with chipotle sauce, and grilled salmon brochettes with spicy mango mojo. $65. 6:30 p.m. Sur La Table, 90 Central Way, 425-827-1311, www.surlatable.com. KIRKLAND
Saturday, May 26
Sazerac’s executive chef, Jason McClure, teaches a “Little Bit of Lovin’,” a cooking class focused on (what else?) Southern cooking. Hosted in the Sazerac kitchen, the three-course menu, paired with wine, explores traditional and new techniques in Southern cuisine. Hopeful culinary students will try their hands (and palates) at such culinary challenges as asparagus with chorizo, soft-boiled egg, and aged goat cheese; skirt steak with fava beans, radishes, and herb pistou; and finally, Valrhona chocolate mousse with cognac cherry compote and crème Chantilly. $50.2 p.m. 1101 Fourth Ave., 624-7755, www.sazeracrestaurant.com. DOWNTOWN
ON THE PLATE
Wednesday, May 23
Boomtown Cafe’s Guest Chef events continue with Gregg Tibbetts, lead chef at Bis on Main.This fund-raising meal’s menu features Dungeness crab cakes with caper aioli, filet mignon with peppercorn demi-glace, and a dessert of New York–style cheesecake with Amarino cherries. Eat well for a good cause, for cheap. $30. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. 513 Third Ave., 625-2989. PIONEER SQUARE
DRINK UP
Friday, May 25
Bellevue hosts the Culinary & Wine Showcase (May 23–27) with a lineup of tastings and seminars that includes today’s How Does Washington Stack Up? Comparison Tasting. In a side-by-side taste test, participants will compare Washington varietals with their competitors from around the world. The sampler includes 2005 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay (Horse Heaven Hills) and Watershed Chardonnay 2006 Margaret River (Western Australia). $45. 5 p.m. The Westin Bellevue, 600 Bellevue Way N.E., www.bellevuesquare.com/event/bc_events.php. BELLEVUE
Food and/or beverage news or events? E-mail food@seattleweekly.com.
