Have you ever listened to someone speak then been inspired to step up and answer a call to action?  It happened to me this evening at the Green Washington 2010 Awards presented by Seattle Business Magazine.

Those familiar with my words know of my passion for supporting local food producers, restaurants, organizations and markets who support local.   It is not enough to just be local, but to also have a strong ethical relationship with the environment.

I attended the presentation dinner at the Green Washington 2010 Awards by way of invitation from Chris and Lisa Wilcox, the good folks behind locally owned Wilcox Farms.  Their organic egg farm had been nominated for an Agriculture award.  I am happy that I went (and honored to have been asked) as the event gave me a renewed perspective that solidified my resolve to try harder in my own efforts towards a greener lifestyle.

The keynote speaker of the evening was William Ruckelshaus, Co-Chair , Joint Ocean Commission Initiative.  Ruckelshaus was the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s first administrator when the agency was formed in 1970. In 1983 President Ronald Reagan re-appointed him as the EPA’s 5th Administrator.  He has been in this fight for a better environment since the beginning.

Despite his political background Mr Ruckelshaus’ agenda was not about party politics.  The speech was not preachy, dry or negative.  It was empowering, hopeful and positive.  He focused on the progress we  have accomplished thus far and the current progress towards cleaning up the environment, since the formation of the EPA.

He applauded the local businesses nominated this evening.  These ranged from Food/Agriculture to Technology and everything in between.  Ruckelshaus stated that 40 years ago no one was thinking about giving out awards to the environmentally conscious, he then looked around the room and said with a smile “Look at where we are now.”

40 years ago the EPA was in its infancy.  It was put together to measure, monitor, and model the environmental future. Educating the public about the importance of preserving Natural Resources and providing legislation that would place the health of a sustainable environment at the forefront.  So how did this come about 4 decades ago?  Because the people demanded it.  There was a need for it, and we were on a path to self destruction.  That demand raised awareness, which caused the government to take notice, to step up and take action.

Do not listen to the naysayers.  Your voice really does matter.

“Restoring nature to its natural state is a cause beyond party and beyond factions” quoted from the January 22, 1970 State of the Union Address.  That was as true 40 years ago as it is today.  This is not about Party Politics or conspiracies.  This is about preserving the environment for future generations, while we have the chance.

“Green” is not a fad or phase.  It is an ongoing, never ending process.  It is like a sinkful of dirty dishes, they are not going anywhere and the mess piles up getting worse the longer you neglect it.  Soon it smells bad and molds, creating an unhealthy living condition for you.  So what do you do?  Get in there and do your part to clean up the mess.  Do it daily to avoid creating an unhealthy environment for yourself.  Our Earth is no different than dirty dishes piling up, someone’s got to get in there and get cleaning.  Why not us?  Why not now?  Why not for the future?

In my opinion, tending our environment means making an effort. That effort can be as complex as installing a wind farm for energy or a simple effort such as composting, recycling or simply reusing or repurposing the resources we have at hand.  We are the custodians of this planet, no effort is too small.

We are still digging out of the hole dug by previous generations, damage that has carried over to present day.  So is the EPA and it’s legislation really making a difference?  According to Ruckelshaus it is. He stated that our Air & Watersheds are cleaner now than 40 years ago when the EPA first put legislation in place.  But we are still a ways off from repairing the damage done by generations past.

Seeing a multitude of local businesses who are engaging in greener practices by choice gave me hope for the future.  Small business or big business, Democrat or Republican.  It did not matter your wealth, social standing or political viewpoint because everyone in that room tonight shared one common and noble goal – the push for a better, cleaner and greener world.  Sustainable solutions that are environmentally acceptable, sufficient, reliable and efficient.

“Green” is an untapped enterprise that is ripe and ready for the picking.  Not only could this be a potential boon for our environmental health, but for our economic health as well.  “Green” has the power to take the world in a new direction. Green can create jobs and bolster an economy. It can provide the security of self sustainability.

“Washington State is a pioneer in the green movement.” Ruckelshaus said of Washington’s conservation efforts “We work on our problems, we do not just sit idly by and wring our hands.”
As I looked around the room filled with “Green People” I knew that Ruckelshaus was right on the money with that statement.  No one in this room has been sitting idly by.

Tonight, it was a pleasure to see those  who were being recognized and honored for their efforts.  They are the ones who are innovating, practicing, educating and pioneering a path to a greener future for all of us.  Their work is inspirational and I am thankful for what they are doing.

Let’s not leave them to do this alone.
A call to action was issued, and I am passing this call on to my readers.  Note: there is no political agenda, biased slants or bogus science involved to be debated here.  It is not a discussion about conspiracies, or the fact that you don’t like so-and-so in this or that particular political office, or whether or not global warming is real.  It is only about our own role and responsibility as inhabitants of this planet to care for it.

The Call is to stand up and make your voice heard for a change and a solution to sustainability.  Get involved.  Together we can support the people, ideas and businesses who are embracing the movement.  We can get behind the technology, greener practices that lower our carbon output and laws put in to place to protect the goal that we have been working towards for nearly half a century.  A goal for a cleaner, greener and more sustainable existence.

I am happy to report that Wilcox Farms did receive the Green Washington Award in Agriculture.  Wilcox practices recycling of things such as water from egg washing to water their crops, as well as repurposing chicken waste to fertilize those crops. They are certainly doing their part.  Wilcox Farm has been a family owned business for over 100 years, they support the humane treatment of animals and have pledged to utilize green practices where ever possible.  Tonight they were deservedly rewarded for their efforts.

Congratulations to ALL the winners and nominees this evening, your efforts will lead us to a change for the better.  Thank you to Seattle Business Magazine for recognizing the efforts of those who have made the commitment to greener practices.

Want to read more?  Check out some of these folks who are writing and talking about the environment, green practices and sustainability:
Seattle Business Magazine – Seattle
Growing Up Green – Seattle
The Sustainable Plate – Seattle
Grist – Seattle
Mother Nature News – Atlanta
Green Options – San Francisco
The Daily Green – New York
Web Ecoist – Minneapolis

This commentary is nonpartisan and has no political agenda so please refrain from political angst and party bashing.
Play nice and keep comments civil and on point.

Full disclosure: I have received no compensation from any business or organization mentioned in this article.

Images by Kelly Cline ©2010 All Rights Reserved
All content, text and images are  ©2010 All Rights Reserved and may not be used or reposted without express written consent.

Last month I went with my friend Olivia for dinner.  The next day I found out that I had Pancreatitis, for some unknown reason – unrelated to eating out, and I was put on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks.  That dinner at Fresh Bistro was my last meal of solid food, and it goes without saying that everyday I sipped broth and apple juice I was dreaming of the delightful fresh tastes served up to me that night.

So let’s fast forward a few weeks, I’m finally back to eating chewable food.  Joy of joys!  And the first place I want to re-visit is Fresh Bistro.  I had 2 liquid weeks daydreaming of Pork Belly Bahn Mi, melt in your mouth Wagyu Beef, crisp Salads with tangy “vinny” and sous vide egg.  To celebrate solid food my friend Cristie invited my niece and I to come to lunch with her. She kindly let me choose our lunchtime destination.  Without a moment’s hestitation I blurted out “Fresh Bistro!” And so, off to Fresh Bistro we went.

Fresh Bistro is located in the Mural Apartments Building, on the first floor,  in West Seattle at the Alaska Junction.  It’s street parking or you can use the underground parking across the street.  The interior is earthy, classy and festooned with lush sustainable furniture, like their uniquely gorgeous Sorghum wood tables for inside dining.

Their lunch menu is nice and is reasonably priced.  The service is impeccable.  The two times that I have been we have had the pleasure of being waited on by the new Front of the House Manager Robroy Chalmers (who is also a local artist whose work graces the walls in the restaurant)  They have a knack for making you feel welcomed and special, and the staff is knowledgeable of the foods and drinks that they serve.

Speaking of drinks… you must try one of their seasonal signature drinks, complex and complimentary flavors.  For as ambitious as they are, it pays off big time.  Refreshing, interesting and delicious to sip.  And don’t worry if you do not imbibe as they have a few special concoctions beyond the tired old Shirley Temple to tickle your taste buds so be sure to ask about their non-alcoholic offerings as well.

Now let’s get to the food shall we?
We’ll start with the appetizers.  First off we had Sweet Potato Crab Cakes.  A crunchy exterior that yielded to a creamy inside where the flavors of crab and sweet potato melded with perfection.  It was topped with a smoky chipotle remoulade that finished off the bite nicely.

Next up for appetizers we tried the Shiso Crusted Prawns.  When it arrived at the table we all gasped at the beautiful presentation.  The Prawns were enormous, with a crispy breading infused with chopped shiso leaf.  They were topped with an ethereal sriracha foam and complimented by a green mango pickle.  A savory, delicious bite tickled with the sweetness of the briny Prawn and a slight whisper of sriracha.  These were my absolute favorite.

Once we devoured the appetizers our lunch plates came out in a timely fashion.  I ordered the Mexican Lunch Combo featuring tender Halibut Tacos, refried black beans, avocado corn salsa and spiced rice. The highlights for me were the perfectly cooked Halibut and the tangy-sweet red onion pickle.

My niece ordered the Asian Lunch Combo which consisted of Pork Belly Bahn Mi, an Asparagus Soup with a Curried Goat Cheese Cannelle and an Asian inspired salad.  She enjoyed the soup so much she could not put down her spoon.   When she took a bite of the Pork Belly Bahn Mi all we could hear was “Mmmmm” in between chews with her eyes blissfully closed enjoying every single bite.  Perfect layers of melt in your mouth pork, foie mayo, decadent fried egg with crisp carrot pickle, crunchy cucumber, fresh cilantro and basil.

My friend had the Bistro Lunch Combo, with a Wagyu Beef French Dip, Mussels and a tarragon vin loaded Bistro Salad topped with a gorgeously poached egg.  Let me just say this, I am not and never have been a fan of Mussels.  I find them to be very strong and offputting, but the mussels prepared at Fresh Bistro have changed my mind.  They are absolute perfection, I loved them.  Sweet mild Mussels in a butter broth that are heightened by a touch of rich landjaeger lardon made for a perfectly well balanced bite.  I would order them again and again.

Lastly we moved on to dessert where we shared plates of Banana Pretzel Fritters with Homemade Nutella dipping sauce.  It was like a donut and a loaf of banana bread had a baby and wrapped it in swaddling pretzels.  Quite delicious and a generous portion to share.

We also ordered up a dessert that I had right before I was relegated to a liquid diet.  This dessert haunted me, it was so absolutely delicious that I had to get it again. A Pistachio Financier with a brandied Cherry Coulis and this absolutely divine Mascarpone Orange Blossom Cream on top.  It is a fresh tasting dessert that is not at all heavy on the sweet side.  It is just sweet enough to keep you coming back at it.

Overall it was a splendid lunch, spent with great people including the personable staff at Fresh Bistro.  Would I go back?  Yes, yes, 1000 times yes.

Check them out for their special weekly Seafood Boils and Steak Nights. Reservations are highly recommended.
Also keep in mind that Fresh Bistro changes up their menu to coincide with the changes in local and seasonal produce.  So go enjoy the taste of fresh ingredients at their peak, masterfully put together into a delicious bite that will make your tummy happy.

Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206-935-3733

Hours
Mon – Thur: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm | 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 3pm

Happy Hour
Mon – Thur: 4pm – 6pm | 9pm – 10pm
Fri: 4pm – 6pm | 9pm – 11pm
Sat: 9pm – 11pm

Full disclosure: I have received no compensation from Fresh Bistro , Herban Feast or any other organizations mentioned for this article.

Images by Kelly Cline ©2010 All Rights Reserved
All content, text and images are  ©2010 All Rights Reserved and may not be used or reposted without express written consent.

Hitting up the Farmers Market makes great outing solo, as a date or with the family.  Our various markets will often have live music, chef demos, crafts, contests, local artists, author signings and even activities for the kids.  Check with the individual Market’s website to see what scheduled events are coming up.  It’s a great chance to go on an outing to shop for dinner and get to know the people behind the food.  How great is it to pick up a bundle of Kale, fragrant Spring Onions or a bunch of Carrots and hear the Farmer working the stand tell you that those were harvested at 5am that very morning.  It doesn’t get any fresher than that!

So what can you find at your local Farmers Markets?  Well it really depends on the time of year you go.  Farmers Markets selection is based on Mother Nature, so whatever is ripe is what is on sale.  Alongside the seasonal fresh Produce you can also find Eggs, Milk, Cider, Seafood, Beef, Chicken, Pork, Plant Starts, Vinegars, Nuts, Salt, Foraged Foods,  gorgeous Flower Bouquets, Breads, Pastries and Cheese  just to name a few.

Today I am sharing with you some of our major local Farmers Markets information so you can plan your next outing to healthier, local food brought to you by proud, hard working people.  Later I’ll be sharing with you some inside information on a couple of my absolute favorite Farmers Market haunts… and also a few mouth watering recipes that showcase the best food produced right here in the Northwest.

Farmers Markets All Around Washington

• Bellevue’s Thursday Market – OPENS MAY 13th – Thursdays, May 13th – October 14th,  from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at 1717 Bellevue Way Northeast.
• Bellevue’s Saturday Market – OPENS JUNE 5th – Saturdays, June 5th – November 20th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, at 10610 Northeast 8th Street.
• Bellingham Farmers Market – OPEN NOW! – Sautrdays, April 3rd – December 24th, from from 10:00am – 3:00pm, at Railroad Street & Chestnut Street. Check their website for more market days.
• Broadway Sunday Market – OPENS MAY 9th – Sundays, May 9th – December 19th, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, at 10th Avenue East & East Thomas.
• Columbia City Farmers Market – OPENS APRIL 28th – Wednesdays, April 28th – October 20th, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at Rainier Avenue South & South Edmunds.
• Fremont Farmers Market – OPEN YEAR ROUND – Sundays, from 10:00am to 5:00pm, at Phinney & 34th. Check their website for more info on Ballard, Wallingford & Madrona Markets.
• Kent Farmers Market – OPEN JUNE 5th – Saturdays – June 5th – September 25th, from 9:00am to 2:00pm, at 2nd Avenue & Smith Street
• Kirkland Farmers Market – OPENS MAY 5th – Wednesdays, May 5th – Oct 13th, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm, at Marina Park
• Lake City Farmers Market – OPENS JUNE 3rd – Thursdays,  June 3rd – October 7th, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at Northeast 125th & 28th Avenue Northeast.
• Magnolia Farmers Market – OPENS JUNE 5th – Saturdays, June 5th – September 25th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, at 2550 34th Avenue West.
• Phinney Farmers Market – OPENS MAY 28th – Fridays, May 28th – October 1st, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at 67th & Phinney Avenue North.
• Port Townsend Farmers Market – OPENS MAY 1st – Saturdays – May 1st – December 18th, from 9:00am to 2:00pm, at Lawrence & Taylor in Uptown.  Check their website for information on their Wednesday Market.
• Poulsbo Farmers Market – OPEN NOW! – Saturdays, April 10th – October 23rd, from 9:00am – 1:00pm, at Northeast Iverson Street & 7th Avenue Northeast.
• Puyallup Farmers Market – OPENS MAY 1st – Saturdays, May 1st – October, from 9:00am to 2:00pm, at 330 South Meridian in Pioneer Park.  Check their website for information on the Sunday Market.
• Queen Anne Farmers Market – OPENS MAY 20th – Thursdays, May 20 – October 7, 2010, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at West Crockett Street & Queen Anne Avenue North.
• Spokane’s Saturday Market – OPENS MAY 1st – Saturdays, May 1st – October 30th, from 8:00am to 1:00pm, at 2nd and Division in Downtown.  Check their website for dates & times for their Wednesday market.
• Tacoma Farmers Markets – OPENS MAY 20th – Thursdays – May 20th – until Season Close, from 8:30am – 2:00pm, at South 9th Street & Broadway. Check their website for locations of two other Tacoma area markets.
• University District Farmers Market – OPEN YEAR ROUND – Open Every Saturday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm, at University Way & Northeast 50th.
• Wenatchee Farmers Market – OPEN MAY 7th – Saturdays, May 7th – October 30th, from 8:00am – 1:00pm, at South Columbia Street & Palouse Street. Check their website for more markets & locations, everyday of the week except Mondays & Fridays
• West Seattle Farmers Market – OPEN YEAR ROUND – Open Every Sunday, from 10:00am to 2:00pm,  at California Avenue Southwest & Southwest Alaska.
• Yakima Farmers Market – OPENS MAY 9th – Sundays – May 9th – October 31st,  from 9:00am to 2:00pm, at 3rd Street & Yakima Avenue.

This is by no means a complete list, but it’s a good place to start you on your exploration into local, honest to goodness food.   Do you have a favorite market not mentioned here, please share it with us!

Some tips when visiting your Farmers Markets:

1. Let the Farmers set up their booths, obey the market rules of no shopping before the official opening of the Market.
2. Keep track of your children and keep them close, but keep it fun.  Let them explore the booths with you and talk to the Farmer’s but be sure to reel them back in when the Farmers start getting busy.
3. Dog owners be sure to note Market rules pertaining to Dogs… some allow them and some don’t, and scoop that poop!
4. Don’t haggle or dicker prices at the beginning of the Market day.  Let the folks who are  paying the posted market price pay, get in and get out.  Save your chaffering for the end of the day, it’s extremely rude to hold up a line of folks who are trying to pay when you want that extra bunch of Lamb’s Lettuce for half price during peak hours.  Most Farmers are willing to make you some really great deals as the market comes to a close, and some will even throw some freebies at you from time to time.  Wait until about 30 minutes to closing before you start bargain hunting.
5. Have fun, get to know your food and the folks who bring it to your table!

Images by Kelly Cline ©2010 All Rights Reserved