Okay, so after wandering around the Broadway Farmers Market and loading up on the best and freshest local produce and meats around, you might be wondering what exactly you will do with all that yummy goodness. Market organizers are there to get you started. Each Thursday, they present a local chef who will demonstrate a few delicious cooking ideas, using ingredients that just possibly might be in your grocery bag. Hang out with the best and pick up a few pointers! Here’s what the near future holds:

July 10: Marlene’s Deli

July 17: Primo Grill

Eat Up!

- Dale

After three years of working to create a groundswell under its booths, the Tacoma Farmers Market Board of Directors has decided to give its Dome District location a break for 2008. The TFM website chalks the market’s lackluster success up to low traffic and unprofitability. Says board president Richard Hines, “We want to look at it again when there is more population density and a base of shoppers directly in and around the Dome neighborhood who are committed to having their own market.” Later this year, the board will review the status of the Dome District location again and make an announcement regarding reopening the market for 2009. If you would like more information or to make your voice heard, you may contact Mr. Hines via the TFM site.

–James

With 18 years of operation under its belt, the Downtown Tacoma Farmers’ Market is an established tradition. Over 80 booths of the season’s freshest produce, flowers, artisan crafts, jams & jellies, live music and more are returning to the city beginning May 15th for their seasonal run through October 16th. Here’s the schedule:

Day: Thursday
Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Downtown on Broadway between 9th and 11th

–James

When visitors come to Tacoma, they can’t all go out and see the sights. Some want to stay in and take in the spectacular views from their room while curled up with a good book. Here are a couple of places that I recommend: the University Bookstore (Go Huskies!) at 1754 Pacific Avenue offers much more than just textbooks – they have a very nice general selection as well. And then there’s King’s Books at 218 St. Helens Ave., which runs its store the old fashioned way – by people who actually read books. You can go to Borders in any city, but I like to send people to these two places, where I know they’ll get a bit more of the Tacoma experience. Local readers, feel free drop me a line if you think there are other bookstores I should add to my list.

–Dale

The bloggers at Tacoma Mama have alerted their readers to a support group for people who are gluten intolerant. Known as celiac disease, this affliction prevents people from eating wheat and other grains that contain gluten. Marlene’s Market and Deli at 2951 S. 38th street has stepped up to offer gluten-free baked goods and other grocery items. If you’re visiting Tacoma, let me know if you have these dietary needs and I’ll help you get pointed in the right direction. If you’re going anywhere else in the world, check out the Celiac Chicks who travel the world looking for celiac-friendly dining experiences and who make being gluten-intolerant look downright fun. If you live here, drop me a line and let me know about other grocery stores or restaurants that offer gluten-free alternatives. I’ll be sure to add your suggestions to this blog.

Cheers,

Dale

Emily Smith, a friend-of-a-friend, is one of many Americans who cannot eat grains like wheat and barley because they contain gluten. But, as far as I can tell, she ain’t doing any complaining. Here’s a list of gluten-free alternatives that she put together for me. Wasn’t that nice of her?

“The Stadium Bistro (N. Tacoma) can accommodate any food allergies. I have not personally been there, but rumor is that it is amazing. I have also had great luck at Anthony’s and The Lobster Shop (Ruston area). They are usually more than willing to accommodate any food concerns. Typically the manager comes out and makes sure everything is done correctly. If being gluten free is your only dietary restriction, check out the Sunny Valley Wheat/Gluten Free Bakery in Maple Valley (right off Highway 18). They have some of the most amazing things, and if you get there early, there is usually a 50% off section. For groceries, check out Marlene’s and The Met. McGregor’s is located on Pacific Ave (near 96th) and there is a wonderful gluten-free section for 50-70% off.”

Emily will also soon have a gluten-free website of her own. When she gets that up and running, I’ll be the first to let you know.

Dale

In my book, nothing compares to the flavor of a locally grown tomato. Or cucumber. Or any other vegetable or fruit. The best way to buy produce is to deal directly with the farmer and to select your favorite “just picked” produce. With the Tacoma Farmer’s Markets, Tacoma-ites get two choices. Here they are:

Dome District Location:
Where: East 25th Street between D and G (end of the Link line)

When: Tuesday Market hours: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Season: June 5-Aug. 28

Look for: Fresh, seasonal produce; nursery stock; prepared and packaged foods like jams, jellies and sauces.

Broadway Location

Where: Broadway, between Ninth and Eleventh streets

When: Thursday Market hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: May 17-Oct. 18

Look for: Fresh, seasonal produce from Washington farmers; seafood; meat; wine; nursery stocks; prepared and packaged foods; concession vendors; artisan vendors selling jewelry, woodworking and other artisan items.

Dale

Freighthouse Square recently turned twenty years old, and I feel the need to talk about my feelings. The Square has always occupied a special place in my heart. With its mix of local business and its distance from the hub of the city—it’s literally on the wrong side of the tracks—Freighthouse Square shouldn’t exist. But where else can you go to find bottles of your parents’ jug wine, Legos, slot cars and enough kitsch to fill a Winnebago all under one roof? It reminds me of those mountain flowers that jut out of the rocks above the timberline. A scruffy thing of unexpected, audacious beauty. Let’s keep the flame alive. Put your hands together and give up the love for Freighthouse Square.

Best,

Josh