Chef in the Market: This week, come on down to the Portland Farmer’s Market at 10 am to meet, greet, and eat the market-fresh treats from Cathy Whims, the James Beard Award-nominated chef at Nostrana and Oven & Shaker, hosted by me, Allison Jones. Cathy is known for her commitment to historically-based regional Italian cooking that celebrates a sense of place and supports the passion of Portland’s local farmers. We’ll be sharing the secrets behind a few of Cathy’s favorite early summer dishes, as well as her tips for selecting the best of this week’s produce, forming relationships with Northwest farmers, and focusing on regional cuisines to keep culinary traditions alive. This year’s Chef in the Market demos have been well attended, so arrive early to snag a seat and a spoon—there’s always a free tasting at the end.

Chef in the Market 10 am, FREE, in the middle of the farmers’ market at Portland State University in the South Park Blocks between SW Hall & SW Montgomery

Bent Brick Crawfish Boil Picnic for PFM: Next week, Scott Dolich’s ivy-clad neighborhood eatery The Bent Brick will be celebrating their first anniversary with a picnic party on their new patio. The $10 donation at the door gets you icy beer, local wine on tap, and a full crawfish boil. All proceeds will benefit the Portland Farmers Market and the farmers, foragers and fishermen that have delivered the ingredients for The Bent Brick’s creative menu.

_The all-ages picnic is going down at The Bent Brick (1639 Northwest Marshall Street) on Wednesday, June 20th starting at 3:30 pm… while supplies last! _

Petunia’s Pies & Pastries Farmers Market News: Starting tomorrow at the Portland Farmers Market at PSU, Ruby Jewel’s famous ice cream sandwiches will feature two new gluten-free cookie options from Petunia’s, Snickerdoodle and Salted Double Chocolate Chunk. In addition, all fathers will recieve $1 off any purchase at Petunia’s gluten-free and vegan bakery booth to celebrate Father’s Day weekend.

Petunia’s can be found at the Portland Farmers’ Market at Portland State University in the South Park Blocks between SW Hall & SW Montgomery, and online at petuniaspiesandpastries.com.

Pioneer Courthouse Square Market Opening: Monday, June 18 marks the return of the Portland Farmers Market at the Square. The downtown Monday market will feature 35 vendors selling local farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and other specialty foods from 10 am to 2 pm. Portland Farmers Market and Pioneer Courthouse Square are also partnering for the second year to bring A Taste of Portland Farmers Market at the Square from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 10. The lunchtime market—which takes place during the Square’s free Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series—will feature hot lunch dishes made primarily with ingredients sourced through farmers market vendors.

The Pioneer Courthouse Square is located between SW Broadway and SW Sixth, and SW Morrison and SW Yamhill.