Past Events

January 5, 2012: Planning Session for Market Produce Promoters

You are invited to a planning session related to 2012 sharing of recipes and food demonstrations.

When:   5:30 to 7 pm Thursday January 5
Where:  Olympia home of a planning group member (address provided for those who RSVP)
What:  This is a planning session of the Market Produce Promoters who are a group of Slow Food members and others in the community interested in promoting cooking with local, seasonal produce by offering recipes and food demonstrations.   At this first gathering of 2012 we will review the successes and challenges of our work last year at the Olympia Farmers Market and Thurston County Food Bank and discuss ideas for these same venues and others in the coming year.

More information and to RSVP:  To receive background information and the address for the gathering email Loretta Seppanen at laurel.lodge@comcast.net

December 4: Potluck Brunch and Annual Meeting

Note Change in Location!

Members and friends, please join us for this important opportunity to shape next year's agenda.  

When: Sunday, December 4; 11:00 to 1:30
Where:  The Sidewalk Cafe, 601 Capitol Way North--just south of the Olympia Farmers Market.  (Street parking is free on Sundays.) 
What:  Brunch, election of the board for next year, and a follow up discussion  to the October 15 "Come to the Table" Food Summit. The discussion will be lead by Board member and TESC student Rachel Britton.  The focus will be on what action steps came out of the  event and a discussion about what role we as Slow Food members want to play as those actions move forward.  

Challenge yourself to prepare a local food brunch item to share with other Slow Food members and friends.

November 1: Taste Wines from the Rhone Region of France

The Rhone Valley in France is a prime source for some of the most robust, flavorful reds and whites in the world. Come join us for an in-depth tasting of some superb examples, including wines from Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

We want to thank new and continuing Slow Food members and provide an opportunity for members to get to know each other in an informal setting.  We are waiving our normal surcharge for members for this event, covering only costs.  Nonmembers are welcome and joining at the event allows you to pay the lower rate. We do need to know how many participants there will be to order the wines.  Please sign up now!  Members will be given priority.

When: Tuesday, November 1; 6:45 pm
Where: At the home of Gary Franklin and Ruby Martin Franklin, in the South Capitol Neighborhood.
What: Taste and learn about wines from the Rhone region of France while you meet other Slow Food Greater Olympia members or friends of Slow Food.  
Cost: $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers. (To reserve your spot, send a check to Kay, made out to GO Slow Food, prior to the event. Address provided when you sign up.)  
Please Bring: An appetizer to share.  Try to bring something that represents the dishes of the region, using local foods.  

Sign Up: by email at GOslowFood@gmail.com or call Kay at 360 943-8072 to indicate how many will be there. Please reserve your spot now, but no later than October  26th.

Slow Food member Patrick Hub from the Olympic Wine Merchant is selecting the wines and will provide background and information as we sample the wines.  The Rhone is the benchmark for spicy, lively reds and bright, fruity whites. It's guaranteed to be an informative and enjoyable evening. 

Sundays, July 10 through October 9: Food Demonstrations at Olympia Farmers Market

Want to learn how other home cooks are preparing turnip greens, Jerusalem artichokes, kohlrabi, and a host of other vegetables? Find the recipes here. 

When:  Sunday at 10:30 am starting July 10 to mid October.  Also noon to 2:30 pm on Kid’s Day at the Market, Saturday July 9.
Where:  Olympia Farmers Market stage.
What:  Set aside 15 to 30 minutes of your Sunday morning market visit to learn about preparing locally grown vegetables that are less commonly eaten.  Pick up cooking and nutrition tips and a recipe card.   Slow Food members and others in the community have joined together as Market Produce Promoters for this educational effort.

We’ll kick off the season with a full-day of produce talks, art, games as part of Kid’s Day at the market July 9.   Bring your kids and grandkids: produce-related art, coloring, and contests aimed at kids of all ages.   We’ll feature the “colors of the rainbow” approach to selecting produce and the Jack in the Beanstalk bean – the fava bean.

September 24, 2011:  Mushroom Foray

We are hosting a Mushroom Foray (hunting) in Capitol Forest led by Tom Keller, president of the South Sound Mushroom Club.

When: Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 9:00 am
Where: Meet at the Mud Bay Park and Ride on Madrona Beach Road
What: Carpools will be formed as desired, caravan into Capital Forest to look for mushrooms with a presentation on what to look for and how to identify the more common mushrooms, as well as those to avoid. Dress for the weather and outdoors - bring rain gear if needed. Afterwards, we will gather at Paula's home for a mushroom potluck lunch. Bring a dish to share (including mushrooms in the dish is optional).

Cost: $12 for Slow Food members $15 for non-members ($6 of this fee will go to a membership for you in the Mushroom Club).

Registration: to reserve your space at this event, your check must be received by Sepembert 21. Send your e-mail address and check (payable to Greater Olympia Slow Food) to:

Liz Douglas
2725 Hibiscus Ct SE
Olympia, WA 98513

Note: No spots will be saved until a check is received. No refunds will be made for cancellations, however you are welcome to find someone to take your place and pay you. For questions; email Liz Douglas at eadouglas@comcast.net.

September 22 at noon:  Book Review at Lacey Library

When:  September 22nd at noon
Where: Lacey Library
What:   Lynn Wilkinson, Kim Murillo, and Haillie Winstead will review books relating to a local sustainable food system for all.   Slow Food Greater Olympia and the Olympia Coop will provide snacks.

September 17: Slow Food Day of Action--$5 Challenge Meal


Slow Food USA has requested that local chapters share a slow food meal costing not more than $5 per person.

When: September 17, 2:00 to 4:00 work party; then gather at 4:00 for an early evening meal near the gardens (4:30 to 6:30 pm).
Where:  Starting at Kiwanis Capitol Campus Food Bank Garden.  

The Kiwanis Capitol Campus Food Bank Garden is east of Capitol Way and north of the office building (Employment Security Building) on Maple Park.  Park on the south side of Maple Park and walk around the building to find the gardens (two very large raised bed gardens).  The challenge meal will be located in the same area.  In case of rain the meal will be at the south side of the campus under the DNR portico.

What:  Work-party at the garden  followed by a $5 Challenge meal that you help prepare.  It's fine to attend just the work-party or just the meal, or attend both!

With your cooking expertise and a seasonal menu we will prove that a meal prepared with quality local ingredients and cooking methods that enhance the food flavors – a Slow Food meal – is a value meal costing just $5 a person.   We are asking each family to prepare one of four menu items, or if you prefer, bring low cost non-alcoholic drinks, home made breads or help with set-up, serving and clean-up.  We are asking everyone to bring your own plates, glasses, silverware and folding chairs.

With quality local and seasonal ingredients and Slow food approaches to preparing our foods, we can share a sumptuous meal that costs less than $5 a person.  Plan to bring your family and join the $5 Challenge!

We'll use these tested recipes, that when made together cost $5 per serving.  (Recipes posted under Links, 2011 Recipes.)

If you are also attending the work-party, bring a change of clothes if you like.  We’ll provide access to restrooms so you can wash and change before the meal.  If you live within a few miles you’ll have time to go home to bring the prepared food item back to the dinner.  It is also fine to attend just the work-party or just the dinner.

Registration:   To honor the $5 meal concept, we need to balance dishes brought to the meal, so we ask you to please register with Kim Murillo - [kimhmurillo@yahoo.com], by Sept 12.   Let her know which menu item you will bring and share your food preference (vegan, gluten-free).  Also tell her if you will also attend the work-party.   There is no charge for the dinner – just volunteer to bring one of the selected dishes or help in other ways by emailing Kim. 

Pre-event harvest:  Thursday, Sept 15 at 7pm.  If you would like to make your menu item from the produce growing right next to our dinning area, come to the mini-harvest session on Thursday evening.   Bring your recipe so you can harvest the items you will need.

Come help us prove that Slow Food is not only good tasting, good for the environment and good for those who grow our food, but a great food value and even better when we share the meal together.

August 11: See the film Vanishing of the Bees

When:  Thursday evening, August 11 at 7- pm     
Where:  The Red Room at The Mark Restaurant (http://www.themarkolympia.com/)  downtown Olympia 
What:  Vanishing of the Bees is a documentary, narrated by Academy Award-nominee Ellen Page, takes a piercing look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee. With the help of food writer/activist Michael Pollan, expert bee scientist Dennis van Engelsdorp, and several commercial and organic beekeepers, the film tells the story of our current agricultural landscape and presents ways that everyday people can “bee” a part of the solution.

There is no charge for viewing the 90 minute film.  The Mark is planning special honey-related food items for those who would like to combine dinner or refreshments with their movie viewing. 


Sponsored by Slow Food Greater Olympia and The Mark.

August 3-7: Volunteer to Staff Food Summit Information Table

Want to lend your support for the Oct 14-15 Food Summit?  Volunteer to staff an information table during the Thurston County Fair.

When:  For an hour or more during fair hours, Wed Aug 3 thorough Sunday Aug 7.
Where:  Heritage Hall Annex, Thurston County Fair Grounds, Lacey
What:  Staff a Food Summit Information table (and learn more about the Food Summit in the process).   If you choose to sign up for 4 hours or more you will receive a fair entrance ticket for that day.  For shorter sign ups, you will need to pay your entrance fee to the fair.   Table staffers are not allowed to sell items or promote specific businesses.  To sign up as a volunteer to staff the info table go to: 

http://doodle.com/92shz9v5uhfzqg4e  

Slow Food Greater Olympia is a partner and sponsoring organization for the Food Summit For more information contact Zena Edwards, MS, RD, Interim Director & Food Safety & Nutrition Faculty, WSU Thurston County Extension 360-867-2161

July 16: Moroccan Dinner (This was Amazing!)

Join Greater Olympia Slow Food for a Moroccan dinner using local foods. Proceeds will sponsor the building of kitchen gardens for low income families.

When:   Saturday, July 16th at 5:00 pm
Where: At the home of Paula and Bill Liechty in Olympia
What:   A  gourmet, sit-down dinner will be served by Slow Food Greater Olympia and you are invited!   Local foods will be prepared with the cooking techniques and exquisite flavors of Morocco. The dinner will include:

 First Course: Trio of Salads-
Moroccan Carrots
Smokey Eggplant and Tomato
Roasted Pepper Salad

 Chicken B’stilla (flakey pastry encasing layers of shredded chicken and ground almonds)
Lamb and Vegetable Couscous (served with Glazed Onion Topping
and Red Pepper Harissa Sauce on the side)
Kteffa (Cinnamon Almond Phyllo Cups with Vanilla Pastry Cream and Raspberries)
Moroccan mint tea and wines to accompany

 Cost:  $50 Slow Food members, $60 non-members.

Dinner is limited to 30 participants, so be the first to register.
REGISTRATION:   Save your spot by mailing a check by Sunday, July 10th  to:
Paula Liechty, 6630 Old Olympic Hwy SW, Olympia, WA 98512

Make out checks to GO Slow Food.  Directions to Paula’s house will then be sent to you.  For questions contact Paula Liechty at paulalie@comcast.net. 

July 9: Children's Day at the Olympia Farmers Market

Kick off for food demonstrations at the market. 

When:  Saturday, July 9 from noon to 2:30 pm.
Where: Olympia Farmers Market
What:    See Food Demonstrations below.

June 25: Learn About Bees and How You Can Help Save Them!

Slow Food Greater Olympia is hosting a program to study the issue of vanishing bees called “Colony Collapse Disorder”. Since 2006 a large number of honeybee colonies in North America and around the world are dying every year. Learn more about the disappearance of honeybees from their hives at this informative meeting. Bees pollinate much of the food humans eat, so this is a problem we should all be aware of.

When: Saturday, June 25 at 6:00pm
Where: The Griffin Fire Station on Steamboat Island Road, Olympia
What: The program will include a presentation by local beekeeper, Rich Kalman, on what is involved in starting a backyard beehive for honey or Mason bees, a discussion of the bee problem and possible solutions.

Please Bring: A dinner potluck dish that has honey as one of its ingredients. (Please let us know what you will bring when you RSVP and we will try to balance the dishes for a dinner meal.) The kitchen is small so we will eat first,  allowing the hot dishes to stay warm. Also please bring your own plate, utensils, cup and napkin.

Cost: $10 members $12 non-members - please send a check made out to GO Slow Food  to Paula Liechty, 6630 Old Olympic Hwy SW, Olympia 98512

RSVP: To Paula Liechty at paulalie@comcast.net by Thursday, June 23. Directions to the fire hall will then be e-mailed to you.

Fridays now to June: Meadows School Garden

When:  Fridays through early June, 2:15 to 3:00 pm
Where: Meadows Elementary 836 Deerbrush Dr. SW, Lacey 98513
What:   Help Meadows Elementary School students plant their garden.   Contact:  Ginny Codd, SFGO School Gardens Coordinator                                                      ginnycodd@hotmail.com,  phone: 705-9093 

May 16: Lentil Cooking Class

This cooking class is offered through the Olympia Food Co-op and will take place at the GRuB Farm.  6:30 to 8:30 pm

April 30: Roosevelt School Garden Plant Sale, 9:00 to Noon

Attend the Plant Sale (and buy plants) to help support the Roosevelt School Garden.    1417 San Francisco St NE, Olympia 

April 16: Day of the Bed (GRuB), 9:00 to 1:30

When:  Saturday, April 16, 9 am to 1:30 pm  
Where:  Starting at GRuB
What:  Volunteer to join the Slow Food team as they install 3 garden beds for a low income family in our community.  Don’t forget to send your contribution to fund the bed before April 16.  A $35 contribution supplies the packet of seed’s and later this spring the tomato and basil starts for a garden.  A $75 contribution provides the lumber for one of the 3 beds we will build and $50 pays for the good soil for that bed.   Make your contribution today so that we have the funds before Saturday April 19th. 
  
Send your tax deductible contribution (check made out to GRuB) to:
Loretta Seppanen
SFGO Garden Bed Captain
2919 SE Orange Street
Olympia, WA  98501

Help build a backyard vegetable garden for one local family and end with a potluck to celebrate.

Volunteers Needed
Coordination Volunteer: Interested in  coordinating Slow Food Greater Olympia's efforts to raise $400 to pay for the bed supplies and coordinating our efforts with a GRuB youth leader to build a garden for one family?
Day of the Bed Volunteers: Can you help with the garden build (9 to 1:30) on April 16th? (Note date correction)

Please contact Loretta Seppanen to volunteer:  laurel.lodge@comcast.net or 360 786-9775. 

April 9: Potting Party, 1:00 to 3:00

If you plant vegetable or flower starts, grow extra for the Roosevelt School Garden plant sale in early May.  We'll get together to transplant your starts into pots about three weeks before the sale.  Those who don't grow starts can join the fun by helping with the transplanting.  

Location: 1227 Eskridge Blvd, Olympia,WA   

For more information, contact Loretta Seppanen at laurel.lodge@comcast.net or 786-9775.

March 6: Tour of Lewis County Artisan Cheese Makers

When:   Sunday, March 6 from 11:30 am to approximately 5 pm
Where:  We will meet at the Fred Meyer parking lot in Tumwater (exit 102 Littlerock Road) west side between Starbucks and WSECU, and Slow Food members will provide your transportation to Lewis County.
What:   Visit Willapa Hills Farmstead Cheese, Rosecrest Dairy, Black Sheep Creamery, and Blue Rose Dairy to taste cheeses, meet cheesmakers and "milk sources" and learn about cheesemaking.
Cost:     $20 Slow Food Members, $25 nonmembers

Sign Up: Contact Liz Douglas at eadouglas@comcast.net or 360 878-8097.

Other information: Bring a lunch to eat in the barn at Willapa Hills.  A dessert will be provided by Slow Food.  (Note to parents: Slow food also plans a tour for kids later in the year.)

February 12: Chocolate Tasting  7:30 to 9 pm (note date and time change)

When: Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 7:30 to 9 PM
Where:  Fertile Ground Guesthouse
What:  Martha Rosemeyer, who represented GO Slow Food at Terra Madre in Torino, Italy in October 2010, will share with us some of what she learned in Italy about how to taste and evaluate chocolate and how to match it with wine and beer, as well as how chocolate is grown and produced. 
Cost:     $15 for members, $20 for non members
Sign Up: Contact Liz Douglas at eadouglas@comcast.net or 360 878-8097 to register.  Space is limited.    Payment needs to be sent prior to the event.  

January 30, 2011:  Book Discussion and Pot Luck

When:   January 30, 2011.  5:00 to 8:00 pm
What:    Potluck featuring dishes made from local products, followed by a book discussion.  Featured book below.
Where:  Home of Cindy and Mike Extine in southwest Olympia
RSVP:   Emily Ray at emilyrayjimlengenfelder@msn.com or 943-6199 by January 25.  Space is limited.

Featured Book:  Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture, by Shannon Hayes

"Radical Homemakers is about men and women across the U.S. who focus on home and hearth as a political and ecological act, and who have centered their lives around family and community for personal fulfillment and cultural change.  It explores what domesticity looks like in an era that has benefited from feminism, where domination and oppression are cast aside and where the choice to stay home is no longer equated with mind-numbing drudgery, economic insecurity, or relentless servitude."

December 10:  Terra Madre Day--Celebrate Eating Locally! 

When:   December 10, 2010.  Noon
What:    Learn about supporting aritisan producers and farmers; hear from Ann Vandeman (Left Foot Organics) and Martha Rosemeyer (TESC) who just returned from Terra Madre in Italy.  
Where:   Olympia Timberland Library Meeting Room
                313  8th Avenue SE, Olympia

No RSVP required.  Bring your sack lunch!

December 4: Lentil Cooking Class

When:   December 4, 2010.  Noon to 2:00 pm
What:    Appetizer, salad, soup, and a surprise dessert!
Where:  Home of Lynn Coleman in Northwest Olympia
RSVP:   Emily Ray at emilyrayjimlengenfelder@msn.com or 943-6199 by November 30.  Space is limited

Cost:  $15 for members, $20 for non members.  Send your check (before the event) payable to Greater Olympia Slow Food to:  Nancy Stevenson, 429 South 3rd Ave. SW, Tumwater, WA 98512

In this year of austerity, lentils will replace fruitcake for our December event.  Many recipes show the versatility of lentils.  We’ll go beyond just lentil soup in exploring the possibilities.

“Lentils have an excellent nutrition profile, not only for the nutrients they provide in generous amounts—dietary fiber, folate, protein, iron, magnesium and zinc—but also for the nutrients they do not, like cholesterol, sodium, and fat with its artery-clogging relation, saturated fat.” – USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council

Participants will for the most part observe the preparation.  You will leave knowing techniques and sources for unusual dishes.  Recipes will be provided.

November 21:  Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Brunch

When:  November 21, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
What:   Pot luck brunch and Slow Food Greater Olympia's annual meeting to elect board members and leaders, discuss accomplishments of the past year and goals for the following year.  Hear Ann and Martha’s insights and inspirations from Terra Madre.
Where:  TESC Farm House

Directions to the Farm House at TESC

Take Interstate 5 to Olympia.
Turn onto Highway 101 at Exit 104.
Go west on 101 North for three miles.
Take The Evergreen State College exit.
Go two miles north on the Evergreen Parkway and past the main campus entrance (straight through the roundabout) to Overhulse Rd. 

Turn left or north on Overhulse and continue to the "T" at Driftwood.  (from this point follow the signs to the Organic Farm)

Turn left on Driftwood and continue to the "T" at Lewis Rd.

Go left on Lewis Road.  Arrive at the organic farm on your left (the first left) with the Farm House at the end of the drive in.
Due to construction of a lab building you may need to park a block or so away from the Farm House.

Challenge yourself to prepare a local food brunch item to share with other Slow Food members and friends.

November 5: Cooking with Lavender: Dinner and Wine 

Join Slow Food Greater Olympia to learn how to use lavender in cooking. Spend a tasty and informative evening with a local lavender grower and wine maker.

When:  Friday, November 5 at 6:00 pm
What:  Chris Cordes of Stringtown Lavender Farm and Stringtown Cellars Winery in Eatonville will share her recipes and experience in cooking with lavender.  Chris will talk about the types of lavender and participants will be able to taste the different types. 
Where: At the home of Nancy Stevenson, in Tumwater 

The dinner will include a lavender cheese appetizer, a lavender chicken dish, a lavender dessert, and lavender lemonade.  Each dish will be paired with a selection of Stringtown wines.

Cost:  $35 Slow Food members, $40 non members.
RSVP:  To  Nancy Stevenson by Monday, November 4. Directions to Nancy’s house will then be sent to you.

Class is limited to 18 participants so sign up soon.

October 14: TESC Student Presentations

When:  October 14, 6:15 to 8:00 pm
What:  An autumn potluck where several TESC students will present their 2009-10 projects which are of special interest to Slow Food members.  
Where:  The Evergreen State College (TESC) Farm House

September 25: Nation-wide Slow Food Volunteer Day

What

Volunteer Work:  Katherine Bowen, Gleaning Coordinator, Thurston County Food Bank will arrange for Slow Food members and Food Bank supporters so that we can:

Often, after growers complete their harvest, quality produce remains in their fields.   In our area the Thurston County Food Bank coordinates with farmers who are willing to invite gleaners to harvest surplus produce for the Food Bank. 
For more information on gleaning contact Katherine Bowen (360) 352-8597 x108 gleaning@thurstoncountyfoodbank.org  or see the website at http://www.thurstoncountyfoodbank.org/gleaning.htm

Harvest Potluck:  It would not be a Slow Food event without a celebratory meal!  We especially invite Food Bank supporters who might need to avoid the bending and carrying needed for gleaning work to prepare food for the hunger gleaners as they finish their work.  We plan the late afternoon potluck meal at the farm house at The Evergreen State College. 

 The Olympia area event is part of the Slow Food September 25th National Volunteer Day bringing people all across the nation together to work on a community project, celebrating and sharing a meal.

 Several Ways to Participate

·          Gleaners  - bring the whole family, rain gear, work gloves, water, sun screen and hat.  You will receive sign up information later including farms we will visit and car pool information.  

·         Harvest meal food preparation – plan to bring a pot luck item to the farm house at TESC for the late afternoon meal for the hungry gleaners.  (September 25th is the Saturday before school starts at TESC.)

August: Sunday Cooking Demonstrations at the Olympia Farmers Market

Check out the recipes. You can find recipes from 2009 here.

When:  Every Sunday in August--August 1; 8; 15; 22; 29 from 10 to 11.
Where: Olympia Farmers Market, stage area
What:   Food demnonstrations using local products donated by the Market  vendors.
No charge, but donations are always welcome to cover the costs of the demonstrations.

August 22: Dinner on the Farm to support 2010 Terra Madre delegates

When:   August 22, 4 to 7 PM
Where:  Left Foot Organics Farm
What:    A sit down dinner of local foods and an ice cream making contest. The menu will include pasture-raised beef from Colvin Ranch and pastured chicken from Oakland Bay Farm, cooked for us by South Bay Barbecue, as well as vegetable dishes made from Kirsop Farm produce, artisan breads from Portofino, and ice cream from Olympic Mountain Creamery.  Wines will be donated by a local distributor.   
Why:    To support our delegates to dre in Torino, Italy this fall.  Terra Madre is a convention of farmers, chefs, and educators from around the world who learn and share information and practices related to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and other food related topics.
Cost:    Suggested minimum donation of $50 for members, $55 for non-members, $25 for children.

To sign up for this fabulous dinner, contact Liz Douglas at eadouglas@comcast.net or 360 878-8097.  If you would like to enter the ice cream making contest, please notify Liz Douglas right away. 

Donations: If you cannot attend the dinner but wish to make a donation, please send a check made out to GO Slow Food to Nancy Stevenson at  420 S 3rd Ave SW, Tumwater, WA  98512.  Indicate it is a donation to support Terra Madre delegates (Ann Vandeman from Left Foot Organics and Martha Rosemeyer from TESC).

May 19: Talk With Your Mouth Full, a dialogue on Olympia's food system

When:  Wed May 19th 6 to 9 pm
Where:  TESC – Longhouse - the event is free, parking at TESC is $2
What:    This dialogue, called “Talk With Your Mouth Full,” is a perfect venue for those who love food and are interested taking action to help create a sustainable and just local food system.  Whether you are interested in sharing your experiences with growing, eating or selling food, are curious about local farms and restaurants, or are looking for resources for affordable, healthy food-- everyone is welcome to take part in this groundbreaking forum on the way Olympia eats.  Delegates representing a diversity of local groups will lead us in a public dialogue about working together to create the food system we want for our community. 

The evening will begin with a panel of community members that have been locally active in working towards sustainable and just food in Olympia, including TJ Johnson from Sustainable South Sound, Ann Vanderman from Left Foot Organics, Lisa Owen from the Mark and others.  This will be followed by a tabling break-out using the World Cafe conversation model, in which attendees will get a chance to rotate between groups representing different parts of the food system to ask questions and establish connections between groups.  The forum will culminate in a large group discussion to form connections and plan for future action.  Talk with your mouth full, leave with an ear full, don't miss the chance to share your voice and get involved. 

The event is free, with on-site childcare provided for all participants. 

May 16: Puget Sound Sampler--Local Cider and Wine

When: Sunday, May 16, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: At the home of Nancy Pringle and Tom Honan in northwest Olympia
What:  You will experience three ciders and five wines under the guidance of Ron Irvine.  Ron is owner of the Vashon Winery and vice-president of the Puget Sound Wine Growers’ Association.

Please Bring: We will enjoy the beverages along with appetizers you and the other participants bring.  A competitive spirit can produce an elegant repast!

Cost:  $20.00 for Slow Food members and $25 for non-members.  A small portion of the fee will help us send two delegates to the international Slow Food conference in Italy next fall. Pre-payment is necessary.  Checks should be made out to GO Slow Food and sent to Emily Ray at 2622 Buker St., Olympia, WA 98501. 

RSVP:  Emily at emilyrayjimlengenfelder@msn.com, or 360 943-6199. 
Space is limited to 24 people. 

May 8: Day of the Bed (GRuB)


Saturday, May 8th, is the 4th annual GRuB event to build ten kitchen gardens in one day.  Slow Food Greater Olympia is collecting pledges to fund this community project, and along with the GRuB crew will build one bed. It takes about $350 to fund one bed.  If you can help support this community effort, please send your tax deductable donation (check made out to GRuB) to Loretta Seppanen at 2919 SE Orange Street, Olympia WA SW Olympia, WA  98501.  More information on GRuB.  

May 1: Roosevelt School Garden Plant Sale 

When:   May 1 9:00 to Noon
Where:  Roosevelt School
What:    Purchase plants and garden starts to help support the Roosevelt School Garden.

Learn More about Roosevelt School Garden at: http://www.neneighborhood.org/roosevelt_gardening_group.htm

April 23: Presentation of Douglas Gayeton's book, Slow

Italy is the home of Slow Food.  Thus it is fitting that Douglas Gayeton called his book portraying rural Italian life SLOW: Life in a Tuscan Town (2009).  You can meet the photographer and author during Art Walk.    

When:    Friday April 23, early evening
Where:  Red Room at The Mark, 407 Columbia Street SW, Olympia
What:     Lisa Owen, Slow Food member and owner of the Mark, the areas only Certified Organic Restaurant is hosting Douglas Gayeton for an informal presentation of his book SLOW.   By viewing his photos and text you’ll meet butchers, mushroom hunters, bread makers and many other folks living in a small Italian village. 

April 11: Potting Party for Roosevelt School Garden Plant Sale 


When:  Sunday April 11 from 1pm to 3pm
Where:  1227 Eskridge Blvd. Olympia, WA (At the corner of Orange and Eskridge.)
What:  We'll gather with other Slow Food members and friends to make the work of transplanting seedlings to bigger pots more fun--a Potting Party!

 More Information:  Contact  Loretta or Kim.

March 20: Asian Soup and Black Rice Pudding Cooking Class

When:  Saturday, March 20, from 10 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Where: Home of Emily Ray in southeast Olympia
What:   Fresh spring rolls and several dipping sauces, two Thai soups, and black rice pudding
Cost:  $12 for members, $17 for non members
How to sign up:  Contact Emily Ray at emilyrayjimlengenfelder@msn.com or 943-6199 by March 15.  Space is limited.

Instructors Paula Liechty and Emily Ray will showcase:

The lighter soup is Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup (Dom Yam Gung).  It involves frying the shells from the shrimp you are using in order to add flavor and protein to the chicken stock.  Ingredients include lemon grass, citrus leaves, lime zest, Serrano chilies, fish sauce, coriander leaves, and green onions. 

The heartier one is Beef Noodle Soup,( Gwaytio Neua Nam).  It includes round steak, ground beef, celery, green onions, beef stock, cinnamon, fish sauce, wet rice noodle sheets,and bean sprouts.  Garnishes include coriander leaves and a chili-vinegar sauce.

Send your check by March 18 payable to Greater Olympia Slow Food to:  Emily Ray, 2622 Buker St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501

Participants will for the most part observe the preparation.  Recipes will be provided.

February

Gardeners, plan now to grow extra vegie and flower starts to bring to the May 1st Roosevelt School Plant Sale.  In April we'll gather with other Slow Food members to make the work of transplanting seedlings to bigger pots more fun--a Potting Party!

When:  Sunday April 11 from 1pm to 3pm
Where:  1227 Eskridge Blvd. Olympia, WA (At the corner of Orange and Eskridge.)

 More Information:  Contact  Loretta or Kim.

February 20:  Gascony Wine and Dinner Paring

We are having a four course dinner featuring the rustic cuisine of Gascony and Southwest France paired with wines of the region. We hope you can come!  

When:  Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 5:30 PM Sharp.
Where:  at the South Capitol neighborhood home of Ruby Martin and Gary Franklin.
What:  experience the rustic cuisine and wines of Gascony and Southwest France.
Cost:  $40 for members, $45 for non members.

How to sign up: RSVP by February 13 to Paula Liechty at paulalie@comcast.net. 
             (We had some cancellations and now have room for a few more.)

Send your check, payable to Greater Olympia Slow Food, to Paula Liechty at 6630 Old Olympia Highway SW, Olympia, WA 98512.  Checks must be received by Paula no later than February 16.  Directions to the dinner will be sent to you along with confirmation of receipt of your check.

Experience the simple and delicious fare found behind the steamy windows of homes and neighborhood bistros in Southwest France.  Typical Gascon foods and techniques include slow-braised meats such as lamb, duck and goose; preserved meats called confit; rich mushroom-based stews; walnuts; and Armagnac-infused desserts.  

Le Menu:
Hors D’Oeuvre – stewed forest mushrooms on a toasted baguette
Entrée – lamb stew with cloves of garlic
Salade – frisee lettuce with confit of duck
Desserts – prune and Armagnac ice cream accompanied by walnut bars
Café – organic Peru decaf, Olympia Coffee Roasters
Vins – Domaine des Terrisses Gaillac, a light dry white; Domaine du Cros Marcillac Lo Sang del  Pais, a light dry red; and Chateau Laffitte-Teston Madiran Reflet du Terroir, a full-bodied red. 

Our menu is inspired by Paula Wolfert’s The Cooking of South-West France, Foi Gras, Magret, and Other Good Food from Gascony by Andre Daguin and Anne de Ravel, and wine pairings recommended by Patrick Hub, owner of The Olympia Wine Merchant.

Book Discussion and Letter Writing 

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2010
Time: 5 pm to 6:30 pm 
Place: Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St. SE

Information on children and nutrition from two books* will be shared and a letter writing workshop will take place to support revisions to the Child Nutrition Act.

No cost.  Contact Kim Murillo or Lynn Wilkinson for questions.  

*The books for discussion are:
Lunch Lessons -Changing the Way We Feed our Children (Ann Cooper and Lisa M. Holmes, 2006) 
Free for All: Fixing School Food in America, (Janet Poppendieck, 2010)

It would be helpful to have read the books beforehand, but you can participate even if you haven't read the books.

TESC Farm House Quarterly Potluck and Presentation

Date: Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Place:   Farm House at The Evergreen State College,
                2700 Lewis Rd, Olympia, WA  98505

Bring a dish to share and hear a presentation by Derek Valley of the Kiwanis Club Garden. Their garden provides much of the organic produce given out at the Thurston County Food Bank.

No cost.  Dishware provided. Contact Martha Rosemeyer for details.

See attached for map and directions to the Farm House (west of main campus buildings) below:

1. Take Interstate 5 to Olympia.
2. Turn onto Highway 101 at Exit 104.
3. Go west on 101 North for three miles.
4. Take The Evergreen State College exit.
5. Go two miles north on the Evergreen Parkway and past the main campus entrance (straight through the roundabout) to Overhulse Rd. 
6. Turn left or north on Overhulse and continue to the "T" at Driftwood. 
7. Turn left on Driftwood and continue to the "T" at Lewis Rd.
8. Go left on Lewis Rd.
9. Arrive at the Farm House on your left (the first left).

Parking at the Farm House is limited to about 20 cars. Please carpool if possible. Another option is to take the bus to TESC or park in Lot B at the college ($2 fee to park), then follow the walking path marked to the Farm House (approx. 15 min. walk on nature trail).

Slow Food's 20th Anniversary


In celebration of Slow Food's 20th Anniversary, there are over 150 events planned around the world!  

You’re invited to the Greater Olympia Event!

Date: Thursday, December 10th
Time: 3 to 5 pm at the Food Bank
Place: Thurston County Food Bank

What: We will meet at the Food Bank and volunteer for two hours doing  activities such as re-stocking shelves, bagging food, organizing for the next distribution day etc. Our volunteer activities will depend on the food available that day and which tasks need to be done. Our work will be directed by the volunteer coordinator. When we are done we will go to a nearby coffee shop or bakery for a beverage and to celebrate Slow Food's Anniversary.

 RSVP by Tuesday, Dec 8th: please e-mail Paula Liechty, from the events committee, at paulalie@comcast.net to let us know that you can join us for the afternoon.  Paula will let the Food Bank know how many volunteers they can count on for Dec. 10.  

For more information on the Worldwide Slow Food Anniversary Celebration, go to your recent "Food Chain" Newsletter e-mail or check out the Slow Food USA website:  
 http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/about_us/details/in_the_news/ 

Annual Meeting

Members and prospective members, mark your calendar for the Slow Food Greater Olympia Annual Meeting on November 5.  We'll share food and elect a leader and board for next year, as well as brainstorm ideas for events and programs.  

When:   Thursday, November 5 at 5:30 pm or as soon as you can get there
Where:  The Farmhouse at The Evergreen State College
What:     A harvest potluck of local foods and election of  leadership for the next year. 

Fall Cooking Class:  French Apple Almond Tart and Seared Scallops with Apple and Brown Butter Sauce

When:  Sunday, October 18 at 4:30 pm
Where:  Paula Liechty's house
Cost:  $35 members/ $40 nonmembers (ask about a student or farmer discount)  Price may be adjusted downward a bit after costs are firmed up.
What:  Students will watch a demonstration of the cooking techniques by Paula Liechty, get a copy of the recipes, and sample the tart and scallops with a glass of wine.  Participants will be asked to bring a salad, bread, or side dish to round out a light meal.  Three white wines will be offered, sparkling to sip during the demo, one with dinner, and one with dessert.
RSVP:  To Kay Baxstrom at rikanna2@comcast.net .  Class size is limited. 

*French Apple Almond Tart: This delicious tart from France starts with a shortbread crust, followed with an almond (Frangipane) filling, and layers of sliced apples. It is then baked and finished with an apricot and Grand Marnier glaze. Time is saved by using a food processor to make each of the components of this intricate recipe.

**Seared Scallops with Apple and Cider Brown Butter Sauce: The Wildwood Restaurant in Portland, OR features this recipe using scallops with finely julienned apples in their cookbook-- “Wildwood, Cooking from the Source in the Pacific Northwest”. Learn techniques for searing scallops for the best flavor and tenderness. The delicate savory sauce is flavored with apple cider and sage.

About the Chef:  Instructor and Slow Food member Paula Liechty taught making this apple tart on TV for one of the KCTS viewer recipe cooking shows.  Paula is also a cooking assistant for the chefs at Bayview three times a month. She has taught many cooking/nutrition classes (and other topics) for Oregon State University Extension Service for 5 years.

Seasonal Cooking Presenations at the Olympia Farmer's Market

Check out the recipes

When:   Every other Sunday, June 28 through October 4 from 10 to 11AM              
Where:  Olympia Farmers Market stage
What:    Local chefs will prepare one or more recipes showcasing foods from the market, including produce, cheese, bread, and other artisan products. Samples will be available as long as they last, as well as recipes and information on which vendors provided products.
Why:     To explain how to use some of the products at the market that are less familiar to the average shopper, and to encourage buying local, healthy, and sustainable foods.  

Just show up--no registration necessary.  Donations welcome.

Special thanks to Chef Jesse Thurston for organizing these demonstrations, to The Evergreen State College and the Olympia Farmers Market for partnering with Slow Food Greater Olympia to sponsor these events.  

    

The Time for Lunch campaign is a national grassroots effort to update the Child Nutrition Act in 2009 in order to provide our children with real food at school.  We're asking all members and supporters to get involved.  You can:

1. Show your support by signing the Slow Food USA petition
2.  Ask your friends and family to sign the petition
3. Tell your legislators schools need the resources to serve real food for lunch
4. Attend Greater Olympia's Eat-In. This National Day of Action will send a clear message to our nation’s leaders: It’s time to serve children REAL FOOD for lunch.

    When:   Labor Day, September 7, at noon
    Where:  Olympia Farmers Market
    What:    A potluck where those concerned about child nutrition
                 share local foods in a public setting.  Bring your own plate, cup,
                 and silverware. More on speakers and other organizations involved
                 with event coming soon.

Learn more about the Time for Lunch Campaign and sign the petition.

Artisan Cheese Tasting

When:   Thursday, August 6 at 6:30 PM
Where:  Nancy Stevenson's house in Tumwater (directions upon RSVP)
What:    Local artisan cheeses and beverages* and brief presentation on the renaissance of local artisanal cheeses.
Cost:     $25 members, $30 nonmembers
Why:      To learn about local artisan cheeses and to raise funds to support the cooking demonstrations at the Olympia Farmers Market.  See below.
 RSVP:   By August 5th to Kay at rikanna2@comcast.net or
360 943 8072. 

*Artisan Cheeses
  Estrella Family Creamery
    Black Creek Buttery Cheddar
    Caldwell Crik Chevette
  Steamboat Island Goat Farm
    Two varieties of aged goat cheddar
  Black Sheep Creamery
    Mopsey's Best
  Twin Oaks Dairy
    Fresh Cheve

Local Beverages
Fish Tale Beer
Scatter Creek Wine
Batdorf and Bronson Coffee:  tasting of four coffees.

Book Club Discussion and Local Foods Potluck

When:   July 19th.  5:30 PM  to 7:30 PM
Where:  At the home of Loretta Seppanen and Rick Sandler
What:    Local Foods Potluck, Book discussion and South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust speakers.  This is a social event, book discussion, and educational opportunity.  You need not have read the book to come. 
Cost:      Donations accepted, but not mandatory.

RSVP:  To Loretta at Laurel.Lodge@comcast.net

 Selected book:  Coming Home To Eat : The Pleasures And Politics Of Local Foods , 2002 Gary Paul Nabhan.

GRuB Day of the Bed

Slow Food Greater Olympia collected pledges to support building a backyard garden bed on June 6 as part of the Garden Raised Bounty (GRUB) Day of the Bed.  Check out pictures of the work. Slow Food members  Anna Trombley, Peter and Judy Witt  participated.  

Wine Tasting Event

When: Thursday, May 7, 2009, starting at 6:45
Where: Gary Franklin's and Ruby Martins' (just south of the capitol)
What: Wine tasting (Specifics to be determined)

Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non members (Send checks to Kay, made out to GO Slow Food, prior to the event. Address below.)

Sign Up: respond to this email (rikanna2@comcast.net) or call Kay at 360 943-8072 to indicate how many will be there. Please reserve your spot now,but no later than May 1.

Slow Food member Patrick Hub from Olympic Wine Merchant is selecting the wines. Depending on how many sign up, we may do lesser known Washington wines, or something else such as wines from Chile/Argentina. Whatever we do, it's guaranteed to be an informative and enjoyable evening. Participants will be asked to bring an appetizer to share.

GRuB Farm Tour & Volunteer Day

Saturday, March 28, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Tour the GRuB farm, and get dirty! GRuB staff will take folks on a tour of the facility, and direct volunteers in various projects: shovelling, weeding, planting, and other labor. Wear appropriate attire, and bring your garden gloves. GRuB will provide the tools.

(In June, GRuB holds the Day of the Bed work-pary/celebration, for which Greater Olympia Slow Food will sponser a bed. We will be collecting donations, and passing out pledge forms at the farm tour on the 28th, so be prepared to donate, or start thinking about getting pledges to the cause.)

GRuB Farm - 2016 Elliot Ave NE, Olympia

What is Garden-Raised Bounty (GRuB)? It is a local (Thurston & Mason counties) grassroots non-profit organization that provides education and employment opportunities for youth on the GRuB farm, and builds raised-bed gardens at the homes of low income families. http://www.goodgrub.org

Lasagna Making Class.

When: Saturday, March 14, 1 - 5 PM

Where: Nancy Stevenson's House

What: Make classic Bolognese (northern Italian meat sauce) lasagna starting with making our own pasta.

Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non members

Teacher: Liz Douglas (see below)

More Information: We will make a lasagna for all to sit down together and sample at the end of class, along with a glass of wine. Each participant will also make a small lasagna to take home (container provided).

Sourdough Class

Saturday, January 31, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Before commercial yeasts, people used wild yeasts to make bread. Today, many people are experimenting with sourdough. For some, sourdough has become an integral part of their diet. For a few, it has become a devotion!

If you're interested in learning to make sourdough items, join Emily Ray in her kitchen. Agenda:

 

Greater Olympia Slow Food is co-sponsoring the following lecture:

Dr. Gary Paul Nabhan Lecture

"Where Our Food Comes From: Restoring Diversity to Farm and Table"

When: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 7 pm

Where: Lecture Hall 1, The Evergreen State College

Cost: Free and open to the public

Gary Paul Nabhan, PhD., is an Arab-American writer, lecturer, food and farming advocate, rural lifeways folklorist, and conservationist whose work has long been rooted in the U.S./Mexico borderlands region he affectionately calls "the stinkin' hot desert." He professor and Research Social Scientist based at the Southwest Center of the University of Arizona--- his alma mater.

Book Discussion & Local Foods Potluck

Sunday February 8, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

This is the second of several planned discussions and pot luck gatherings featuring books about the foods we eat and the relationship of that food to our community. Read and discuss: The United States of Arugula: How We Became a Gourmet Nation by David Kamp (2005).