Tastes Of Bainbridge

Why would a UC Berkeley grad choose to intern on a Bainbridge Island farm? Meet Rachel Bubb and learn why growing healthy food became a priority for her. Rachel Bubb is a 2017 farm intern for Bainbridge Island's Butler Green Farms. In this episode of Tastes of Bainbridge, she joins us at the Farmers Market to talk about how that came to pass. Speaking with BCB host Bob Ross, Rachel shares how her education at UC Berkeley opened her eyes and mind to the importance of making well grown, healthy food available to all. She talks about growing up in Southern California, about her gradual and significant transition to understanding more about the issues of global food security, and about her decision to learn first hand the basics of growing hardy and robust food.  Whether you've considered going into farming or are just curious about why someone would make that choice, you'll want to listen here: Rachel provides a thoughtful, well informed perspective on the subject, including where she is thinking about going wit

In this episode of Tastes of Bainbridge, Joe Pulicicchio, Director of Produce and Floral of Town and Country Markets, brings his associate Melaine Cherry, manager of the T&C Floral department, to the BCB Studio. Melanie, who manages the day to day operations of all things floral for each store, shares her thoughts about flowers and how they are recognized as necessary items of beauty important to all of us as well as symbols of the changing seasons. Together the two discuss seasonal variations and expectations with regard to fruits and flowers, with some special emphasis on the popularity of chrysanthemums and melons as we move into fall. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; audio tech and editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

The clatter of metal buckets and the squeals of children: everyday sounds, this time of year, at Bainbridge Island's u-pick blueberry farm. Listen here as Bainbridge Island Blueberry Company owner Stacy Lewars joins us on Tastes of Bainbridge to tell the story behind her surprising venture into the farming of blueberries, a fruit long recognized as highly beneficial and rich in anti-oxidants. Why purchase a farm previously run by a single family for several decades? Standing in the midst of her several hundred blueberry plants, Stacy discusses her passion for this work and shares some of the many uplifting stories of individuals and families who've visited and picked through the seasons. Speaking with BCB's Bob Ross as she welcomes customers and shows them where and how to pick, Stacy provides an insightful view of seasonal changes and the complex maintenance and care required for these extraordinary plants. Blessed with a bumper crop this year, Stacy will be making her first appearance at the Bainbridge Isla

This week BCB's Bob Ross welcomes Tom Clark, who along with his wife Holly owns and operates Clark Farms, purveyors of pork and beef at the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market. Located just north of Sequim, Washington, Clark Farms dates back to the late 1800's, and is the longest running family-owned farm in the state. What's it like to carry on such a long-standing family tradition? Tom, who has a degree in Animal Science/Meats from WSU, shares with us his stories about growing up on the family farm, and describes some of the other ventures he tried before returning to what was in his blood from the start. . . farming.   Speaking from his booth at the market (and occasionally shouting to be heard over the helicopter that was hovering nearby!), Tom also describes some of the challenges of farming, raising healthy livestock, arranging for processing, meeting safety standards, and making those trips to the various Farmers Markets each week.   And -- if you're a fan of Clark Farms meat, there's good news: starting

Summertime, and the produce is ripe! Wondering which fruits and veggies to pick up for your summer picnics? Listen here as Joe Pulicicchio, Director of Produce and Floral for Town & Country Markets Inc. returns to Tastes of Bainbridge to discuss the mid summer produce scene.  In this podcast we learn what are some of Joe's favorite summer taste treats, with a special look at the many melon varieties available. We'll also get his insight into some of the particular growers whose produce  will soon be coming available.  Joe’s regular overview of the produce scene reminds us all how critical the delicate balance between weather and the human condition can be when working to provide fresh, healthy produce on a regular basis. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio editor: Diane Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

In this episode of Tastes of Bainbridge, author Kathryn Lafond talks with BCB's Bob Ross about her new cookbook, Seasoned with Gratitude.  Unlike the many other cookbooks currently flooding the market, Kathryn's book focuses upon the sacredness of all life, both plants and animals, and it is that understanding that guides the preparation of the 250 recipes in this wonderful tome of over 500 pages.  Each delicious recipe begins with a brief observation, quotation or blessing that brings the would-be chef to stop, ponder and give a few moments to consider the bigger picture. Combined with the charming illustrations and the tasty treats suggested (do check out the Thai salad!), the result is a thoughtful and altogether delightfully new approach to preparing daily and special occasion meals for every level. Meet Kathryn at her official book launch at Eagle Harbor Books on Thursday, July 20, or, better yet, come taste her wares at T&C in August (listen here for details of that event.) Credits: BCB host: Bob Ro

Looking for the inside scoop on avocados? Check this out! Joe Pulicicchio, Director of Produce and Floral for Town & Country Markets, once again joins Tastes of Bainbridge host Bob Ross in the new Media Arts & BCB Studio at the BARN to discuss the current produce scene.  In this session,  Joe provides and interesting and detailed account of the avocado, the wild ride of this year’s production, and tips on tasting, selecting and best ripening techniques. Stay tuned to BCB for this on-going series, in which Joe and Bob continue to explore the complex behind-the-scenes planning and design that assures fresh and nourishing produce on a regular basis. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

In this interview, Joe Pulicicchio, Director of Produce and Floral for Town and Country Markets, begins by reminiscing about 2016, one of the best years ever for produce.  But 2017, with its cooler temperatures and unprecedented rainfall, presents some significant challenges. Listen here as Joe discusses the difficulties posed by 2017's first quarter weather patterns and describes what the current produce situation looks like. It's an excellent reminder that both the quality and quantity of the produce that will make it to our grocery shelves depend upon a delicate balance of weather and growing conditions. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; audio editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

Peter Weber, president of the Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market and co-owner of Farmhouse Organics, joins us on Tastes of Bainbridge to talk about Farmhouse Organics and the 2017 Market Season. Farmhouse Organics has been a long time major anchor for the Market. In this lively interview, with BCB's Bob Ross, owner Peter Weber shares the story of how he and his wife Anne came to Bainbridge and started farming. He provides an interesting overview of seasonal changes, talks about some of the challenges of farming, and discusses the educational merits of the intern programs that help our local farmers survive.  Peter then puts on his Market President hat to tell us about 2017 plans for the market, some of the new vendors, and how the market is broadening its audience. To learn more about Farmhouse Organics, visit www.farmhouseorganics.com. And to learn more about the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, be sure to check out www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.org/. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio tech and editor: Chr

We know winter's finally coming to an end when we gather to watch the mayor toss the cheese! Yes, it's time again for the opening of the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, and the annual ceremonial Tossing of the Cheese -- this year by island mayor Val Tollefson. Join BCB host Bob Ross as he chats with Val about our iconic market and its importance to the Bainbridge Community, and then listen in for a sneak preview of the coming season with the new Treasurer of the Farmers Market, Jessica Osborn.  Jessica's enthusiasm for the market and its plans for 2017 are sure to be a bright spot in your day... Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio tech and editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

Who would think that a chance meeting in a ferry engine room would lead to a whole new way of looking at food! BCB's Bob Ross, host of BCB's Tastes of Bainbridge series, met Forrest Nichols, Executive Director for the Wild Society, while on a guided tour of a Washington State ferry. Somehow Bob and Forrest, who works as an engineer on the ferries, fell into a conversation about food, and before long Bob found himself attending a Wild Society film festival in Kingston called For the Love of Plants. The Wild Society is a nonprofit outdoor education organization based in Kitsap County, and offers camps, classes, food gathering techniques and community events, all designed to inspire a sense of love and connection with the natural world. In this podcast Forrest joins host Bob Ross to discuss the relationships between human hearts, food and the everyday wild. An energetic and passionate outdoors person, Forrest shares his love of growing mushrooms and his special and intelligent approach to preparing food for outd

In this edition of Tastes of Bainbridge, meet Anne Willhoit, one of the key ‘behind the scenes’ players in the development of the Kitchen Arts Program for  BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network). Anne joins host Bob Ross to discuss some of the exciting new Kitchen Arts plans being put in place for BARN's permanent facility, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in May.  Listen here and learn about some of the history of the Kitchen Arts program, the many ongoing classes available and get the skinny on the serious commercial kitchen now under construction at BARN.  For more about Kitchen Arts and the 10 other BARN programs, visit bainbridgebarn.com Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB tech Chris Walker; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Diane Walker.

From BCB... https://www.bestofbcb.org/tast-036-holidays-with-joe-pulicicchio/ In this podcast Joe Pulicicchio and Bob Ross talk with T&C Markets Becky Fox about the past year's adventures in produce and what to expect in 2017. Becky, who serves as Web Content, Social Media and Advertising Manager for T&C Markets, joins Bob and Joe for their last interview for the 2016 year. Together they reminisce about their past discussions from early spring through the seasons and discuss some of the differences between planning for Thanksgiving and planning for Christmas meals. Joe and Becky each offer their own personal perspectives about holiday food and what it means to them, and share with us some of what lies ahead as we consider what we might expect in terms of fresh produce as we head into the 2017 season. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio tech and editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

From BCB... https://www.bestofbcb.org/tast-035-pizza-with-brendan-mcgill/ Join BCB's Tastes of Bainbridge host Bob Ross as he talks with Brendan McGill,  chef/owner of Hitchcock, and pizzaiolo Brandon Thompson, his partner in their new venture: Bruciato. Bainbridge residents have been watching with interest as significant changes take place in the facade of the old Winslow Hardware.  Yes, a new pizza place is coming to the island, but this isn't just any pizza: it's classic Neapolitan pizza.  Bruciato pizza will be cooked in an Italian oven and prepared with tomatoes from Italy by chefs who've been specially trained in Naples.  Now expected to open in early to mid December in the heart of town (at 240 Winslow Way East), Bruciato has been in the works for three years.  Listen here as Brendan and Brandon discuss the commitment they made to learn the cherished and highly respected techniques of this type of pizza. From the slow fermentation process of the dough to the required use of authentic San Marzanno tomat

From BCB... https://www.bestofbcb.org/tast-034-talking-turkey-with-joe-pulicicchio/ Did you know that Thanksgiving isn't the best season for green beans? or that what we sometimes call yams are really sweet potatoes? This month Joe Pulicicchio, Director of Produce and Floral for Town & Country Markets, joins Tastes of Bainbridge host Bob Ross to take a tour along the Thanksgiving table. After a brief soliloquy about pumpkins, we learn which fruits and vegetables are most likely to be fresh and tasty for your Thanksgiving meal: potatoes, yams, beans, squash, cranberries -- you name it, Joe can tell you where it comes from and even -- sometimes -- how to cook it!  PS: If you're worried about those green beans, don't be: try their one-pound bag of French beans, add a little Garlic Expressions dressing, and your guests will be thrilled! Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio editor: Diane Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

From BCB... https://www.bestofbcb.org/tast-033-friends-of-the-farms/ Heather Burger, the Executive Director of Friends of the Farms, is our fun and informative guest on this edition of BCB's Tastes of Bainbridge series.  Heather talks about growing up in the midwest, its influence on her attitudes about food and farming, how that led her to the significant position that she now holds.  Obviously passionate about and joyfully committed to her leadership role, Heather discusses the mission and values of the Friends of the Farms Organization.  The primary goals of FOF are to expand the amount of publicly-owned farmland, to educate our community about local agriculture and to provide opportunities for new farmers. Heather also explains how folks can support the organization both financially and through the many volunteer opportunities available.  And, in closing, she provides an enlightened and thoughtful discussion about the many ways Islanders can support and participate in local agriculture. For more informati

From BCB... http://bestofbcb.org/tast-032-farm-intern-catherine-nguyen/ In this podcast BCB host Bob Ross introduces us to Heyday Farms intern Catherine Nguyen. Nguyen, a recent college graduate, stopped by our booth at the Bainbridge Farmers Market to discuss her interest in food and the deep commitment she has developed about making healthy food available to all.  Catherine talks about her decision to choose Bainbridge Island as a place to do an internship, and tells us what it's like working with Brian MacWhorter of Butler Green and Heyday Farms.  We also learn about the journey that led her to becoming a farmer during her studies.  Listen here and learn about one young woman's dream for a future in food and agriculture and hear about the role she sees herself playing in that future. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

Under the guidance of chef Melinda Lucas, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art’s bistro has evolved into a full service, full menu restaurant popular with both museum visitors and local residents. Listen here as chef Lucas shares the story behind the Bistro's evolution from grab ‘n go food bar (making precooked, prepackaged food sourced from vendors), to a limited menu food bar with lunch items cooked internally by a chef, to a full service, sit-down restaurant with an expanded menu. Originally trained as a pastry chef, Melinda’s menus are varied - both hearty and light, seasonal, fresh, and always delicious. She describes her cooking style as simple and basic, with fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. And did we say she's a pastry chef?  Ask the locals: her chocolate chip cookies and ricotta pound cake are to die for! In addition to Melinda, the bistro now has a catering chef, Marcielle Herring, who is responsible for the menus and preparation of food for special events, which include mu

From BCB... http://bestofbcb.org/tast-030-joe-pulicicchio-on-fall-produce/ Joe Pulicicchio, Director of Produce and Floral for Town and Country Markets, returns to the BCB broadcast studio to talk with host Bob Ross about some of the squashes and other items becoming available as we begin Fall and the holiday time of the year. While continuing to focus on the current produce available, and the challenges of bringing fresh, top quality materials to the shelves of a major local supermarket, Joe also looks back through the past year and discusses some highlights of seasonal changes. This summer, Joe feels, was one of the best he can remember for cherries and other stone fruits. But it's already time for him to begin looking to the future: here are some of the things he's thinking about as we head into the last quarter of 2016 and prepare for 2017. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.

From BCB... http://bestofbcb.org/tast-029-farm-interns/ In this episode of Tastes of Bainbridge, Li Schmidt and Ruven Stein, two of Brian MacWhorter's summer interns at Butler Green, Farms talk about being farm interns. Listen here and learn what motivates them and why they have chosen to pursue this work in agriculture and food.  The two interns, both college graduates, are articulate and thoughtful in their discussions as they share how they first got interested in food production and what their thoughts and aspirations are as they look ahead. For all those who worry about millennials and what they bring to today's culture, this interview presents us with encouragement for a surprisingly bright and rosy future. Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; BCB audio editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher: Diane Walker.