Shop for local food from farmers and artisan vendors at the Jefferson County Farmers Markets. Photo by Katie Kowalski
Local Food & Farms
katie kowalski kkowalski@ptleader.com
its bounty of farmers, artisan W ith producers, cheesemongers and
more, Jefferson County is a food-lovers mecca. You’ll see locally sourced products on many a menu, and can chat with vendors at markets and flagship shops to learn more about their fresh wares. If you can’t decide where to go, ask a local. We’re always ready to share our favorite places to eat, whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night bite.
FARMERS MARKET
Ambling through the farmers market is a weekly weekend delight. Freshly picked bunches of red radishes and bags brimming with tender spinach fill the stands of local farmers, sweet nibbles abound, scents of savory cuisine permeate the air, and the sounds of live, lively tunes and children playing infuse the little Uptown block with the atmosphere of a small-town festival.
22 • Port Towsend & Jefferson County Leader • Getaway 2018
A flourishing fixture of the community, the Jefferson County Farmers Market organization – which includes two markets in Port Townsend and one in Chimacum – boasts more than 80 vendors, many of which have grown into the successful businesses they are today thanks to the markets’ support. If you’re looking for a true local experience, the farmers markets are the place to be. The Saturday market in Uptown Port Townsend is open from April through December, while the Sunday market in Chimacum is open June through October. There’s also the midweek Wednesday market to tide locals over, located at the Haines Place Park and Ride open June through September. Linger a while, sample the fresh fruits and veggies, grab a pastry or a plate of paella, check out the arts and crafts scene and taste the local artisan culture of Jefferson County. (P.S. If you need some quick cash, stop at the market booth to buy a $20 “In Flora We Trust” wooden token, which can be used like cash at the market.)
If you’re looking for a special farm-focused event, there’s the market’s Artisan Food Festival in May, and the Farm Tour in September. Both events are free to attend. DINING OUT
For a classic and romantic dining experience, try the Silverwater – with its New York steak with green peppercorn mushroom cream sauce – or Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar, offering a delectable menu with entrees like wild Alaskan king salmon with a tomato saffron cream. Lanza’s Ristorante is a favorite, offering Italian fare in a dar, cozy setting, and new-to-town Finestere offers a local, Northwest-influenced menu. And, a plate of creamy pasta at the cozy cafe The Fountain is hard to pass up. Out in the county, there’s the Old Alcohol Plant in Port Hadlock, and the Timberhouse in Quilcene.
INTERNATIONAL
For international cuisine, there’s
▼ See FOOD, page 24▼