GARDEN GOURMET CHEF SERIES
- When: Saturday, October 8, 2011, time TBA
- Where: River Market, Little Rock
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: Not available
- Categories: Community, Culinary
LITTLE ROCK FARMERS’ MARKET TO LAUNCH GARDEN GOURMET CHEF SERIES
Second Saturday Events to Connect Community with Growers, Chefs
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 23, 2011) – The Farmers’ Market in Little Rock’s downtown River Market District announced plans today to launch a new farm-fresh, Garden Gourmet Second Saturday chef series, focused on connecting local growers, chefs and food artisans with those who crave their cuisine, starting in May.
Celebrating sustainable food and culinary traditions, the new series will focus on bringing locally grown food to the family table.
The monthly event will showcase celebrated Little Rock chefs demonstrating their use of fresh, local ingredients every second Saturday from May through October. Patrons will be able to enjoy complimentary bite-sized tastings highlighting seasonal selections while learning more about the Market, its specialty farmers, the chefs, and ways to eat and shop locally.
“We wanted to create a new way for the community to experience Little Rock’s vibrant, local food, both in our restaurants and via our farmers,” said Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Interim Co-CEO Gretchen Hall. “Not only will the series help individuals make better, healthier food choices from farm to table, but it will also provide an opportunity for them to establish relationships with our award-winning Little Rock chefs, as well as meet area growers and producers.”
The first Garden Gourmet Second Saturday will be held on May 14. Cooking demonstrations will take place during this inaugural event featuring different recipes incorporating two Arkansas in-season produce selections. The first session of the season scheduled from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., will feature Capi Peck, owner and executive chef of Capi’s and Trio’s restaurants and James Meadors, owner and executive chef of Fat Sam’s Louisiana Café. The second session scheduled for 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., will feature Scott McGehee of ZaZa Fine Salad and Pizza Company and Donnie Ferneau of Ferneau Restaurant.
Garden Gourmet Chef Dates and In-Season Featured Produce
May 14 Greens and Strawberries
June 11 Tomatoes and Peaches
July 9 Watermelon and Purple Hull Peas
August 13 Summer Squashes (yellow squash, zucchini and Asian squashes) and Cantaloupe
September 10 Winter Squashes (acorn and spaghetti) and Apples
October 8 Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkins
Patronized by locals and tourists alike, the Farmers’ Market has served as a seasonal institution and local destination favorite for over three decades. Filled with farmers selling farm-fresh produce to consumers from the backs of their trucks from early morning until mid-afternoon every May through October, patrons can find bargains on Arkansas crops as well as a bountiful array of handmade arts and crafts.
The Farmers’ Market makes its home in the River Market's two outdoor, open-air pavilions overlooking Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River located at 400 President Clinton Avenue. The Market is open twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The season opens this Tuesday, April 26 and will conclude October 29, 2011.
For more information visit http://rivermarket.info or call the River Market at (501) 375-2552.
