The Incredible Feast

Let's face it—farmers markets are fun. You get to buy local, fresh products and talk to the people who grow them. You get to pick up tips on cooking these great, natural items. But turn a farmers market into an outdoor party with tents featuring partnerships between chefs and farmers and you've really got yourself some fun!

Photo courtesy of Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance

In August, the third annual Incredible Feast—Where the Farmers are the Stars! will take place. Conceived by Chef Tamara Murphy of Brasa (www.brasa.com) and organized by Tamara and the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance , the idea is to raise awareness of and support for Washington's local family farms. The event will also raise money for disaster relief for local farmers in need.

Proceeds from the 2005 event at the West Seattle Farmers Market and the 2006 event at the Phinney Ridge Community Center helped raise funds to create a brand new farmers market on Phinney Ridge. This year's event will take place on the site of that market. "I wanted to do a different kind of event," explains Tamara, "…one that really spoke to the chefs and farmers. I wanted it to be in a relaxed, outdoor environment where we could support a great cause and have fun. It did that." The first two events received lots of media attention and sold out immediately. This year, they're expecting 500 attendees.

While the event is fun, there's a very serious reason behind it. "My reason for wanting to create awareness," says Tamara, "is that these markets will not be here unless they are fully supported by all of us. They are not self-sustaining. The markets pay rent and, in fact, we're losing three of them in 2008 because there is no city funding. Markets are like farms; they need community support."

Photo: Tamara Murphy, Chef/Co-Owner Brasa

Markets allow Washington farmers to direct-sell their fresh produce in the city, helping them to stay economically viable. As the website states, "The markets help provide a living wage for more than 140 of our region's small farmers." In addition to being able to meet the farmers and buy their fresh products, people can watch cooking demos, sample produce, listen to music, and simply be part of their community.

Tamara is dedicated to cooking with local products. "Good dishes can only come from good food. Chefs get all the glory for their creations, but it is vitally important to acknowledge the local farmers who are the backbone of these culinary successes. Citywide farmers markets have made us rethink what tastes good and the value of local, seasonal, sustainably-grown food. Farmers have influenced and educated us through what they bring to the market tables. We need to recognize their efforts, get to know them better and, above all, thank them," she says.

When problems arise, like the major flooding last year, farmers need somewhere to turn for help. "There was no help at all from FEMA," says Tamara. "A relief fund was created in response to that flooding as a place for farmers to apply for help when trouble hits." Proceeds from this year's event will go to the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance and to this new fund.

The event pairs 22 local farmers with 22 gourmet chefs. Together they create unique dishes from seasonal, sustainably-raised farm products from meats to seafood to vegetables. Naturally, there will be dessert as well. Local wines and microbrews can be purchased in the beer garden. Strolling through the Phinney Ridge Farmers Market on a summer evening sampling dishes, listening to music, playing country-fair-style games and winning prizes helps remind us that life is good when it's natural and a little slower-paced.

August 2007