The Sideyard Farm and Kitchen

Urban Farming And Caring

The first time I met Stacey, she was cooking up a feast on a field in Willamette Valley, south of the city. Several long tables were set, colored lights brightening the Oregon night and a band playing Americana on a trailer. It was a magical evening, organized by Friends of Family Farmers, a non-profit that helps smaller farmers of the valley with marketing, sales, and even legal questions. All in the name of avoiding getting bought by industrial farming and to keep the work organic, small-scale.

So Stacey brought the food — and boy, did she. Locally sourced from her own Sideyard Farm and other farms represented at the dinner. Local vintners brought fantastic Oregon wine.

Now we are in her own paradise, an urban farm in the Cully neighborhood of northeast Portland. We are greeted by a happy girl, running toward us at full speed, with short fur and bright eyes. Bonnie - who is a terrier - is thrilled at the company.

“Farming is fascinating. It begins with a seed and ends with a seed. The circle is complete, and in between you get to harvest things you can eat,” says Stacey.

Originally from California, Stacey grew up with her mother’s Greek cooking and respect for ingredients. Her mother taught her to grow food, harvest from nature’s pantry, and preserve what she grew: knowledge passed down through generations of Greek homemakers. Her passion for it is palpable.

“We have so many different events. I particularly value our grief potlucks. People who have lost someone come here and we have dinner together and talk about grief, how we can handle it and learn to live with it.”

Other events include movie nights, brunches and dinners, beekeeping and cooking classes, and in June they have their own queer festival. In other words, times are busy at Sideyard Farm — all while they sell their produce to local restaurants. Want to visit? Check out what’s happening at: THESIDEYARDPDX.COM