I love visiting other countries and seeing what they have in their markets. I’m not sure if I would classify this as a farmers market, but there was a good combination of meats and fresh vegetables. Singapore has so many cultures coming together to form some of the most amazing food I’ve ever had, a strong Chinese influence mixed with Indian and Thai. Whenever we would go to a restaurant I would tell our guide, who was helping teach the food styling class, just order whatever and I’ll eat it. That didn’t always work to my advantage but I will say that I ate a lot of what I may never have been brave enough to try otherwise. I don’t think I had a bad meal while I was there. The wet markets had so much to offer if you were adventurous, very adventurous! The offerings had quite a range from chicken, mostly like you would find in the States, to skinned sheep heads. I recognized most of the fruits and vegetables but some, as you will see in the pictures, didn’t seem familiar to me at all. There is very little refrigeration at the market. Some things that I refrigerate in the States never get it in Singapore, such as eggs. Also very few city and state regulations like we see in the States. Going to markets in other countries is my number one way of getting to know the people.  There is an endless supply of things to watch as you stroll through the markets.  Most of the vendors will give you samples of their fruits and vegetables.  If you speak the language its a great way to learn some more of the culture.  I highly recommend this if you are visiting a new place this summer, even if its in the States. Heather

Recently I had the pleasure of going to one of my favorite cities in the US, San Francisco.  Maybe this is where my love of food started as I graduated from high school north of the city in wine country and most of my life has been spent in the food and wine belt of California.  There was always fresh vegetables and fruit visiting Grandpa and Grandma.  We would drive into the city for ball games and shopping, of course.  I know I'm not the only one that this applies to, but I did not appreciate all the wonder this city had to offer until I started visiting it for business about 5 years ago.   One of my favorite places in the city is the Ferry Building.  If you love food and want to have everything in small doses at your finger tips, go here first.  From seafood to fresh vegetables to local meats and cheeses this place has it all. If you go on Saturday you can also catch the farmers market.  Farmers from all over this wonderful bay area have brought their wares to offer you.  Go a little hungry since a lot of the vendors have samples to offer. For me the spring time in San Francisco is the best time in my opinion to visit.  A tour of Chinatown is a must.  There are many food walking tours available for you to take.  I like to just walk the city and 'discover' great little places on my own.  I found a place that makes fortune cookies the old fashioned way.  Samples are given out and they are the best I've ever had!    If you go do a search about what farmer's markets are open.  There are many throughout the city.  A great resource for local food is Edible San Francisco.  (Edible Phoenix is a great local resource here in the valley.)  I would love to hear about your favorite places in the city if  you have visited.  I had the pleasure of having dinner at the Zuni Cafe with friends.   There are so many great restaurants and so little time.  Don't even get me started on side trips to wine country! Heather  

There was something for everyone of all ages at this final event of this week's 2012 Scottsdale Culinary Festival.  It was the hottest weekend on record for this year in Arizona, but that didn't stop the crowds of people from showing up and enjoying what our local restaurants and chefs have to offer the valley.  If you are new to the valley, and want to see a lot of restaurants in a short amount of time, this is the place to do it.  Each booth offered a small sampling of what their much larger menu has to offer, just enough to entice you to come enjoy their hospitality for a longer amount of time. The food ran the gambit from cheesecake to tacos and guacamole.  The celebrities of Great Arizona Picnic were Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods and Adam Richman of Man v. Food Nation, both on  Travel Channel. There were also plenty of opportunities to cool off with the Skyy Bar presented by Skyy Vodka and the Tequila Experience.  Nothing better than a cold margarita to help you cool off on the 100 degree days.  Also on the weekend's list of activities were Courtside Culinary NBA stars and the Larry O'Brien Trophy for picture taking opportunities.  Johnsonville was serving up their world famous brats on the Big Taste Grill, and a few of the Valley's food trucks were on hand as well. There was no shortage of entertainment with some great bands on 2 stages, and of course all the people watching.  If you haven't been to the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, its too late this year, but there's always next year!  Enjoy the pictures from the Great Arizona Picnic. Heather  

We are blessed with many wonderful local farmers markets here in the Valley.  You can purchase just about everything that you would ever need, and quite a few things you didn't know you would need or want.  I would love to know if you visit any of our local farmers markets, and which ones are you favorites.  I found the eggs and all the other items at Old Town Farmers Market.  If you would like to have some of the recipes of what I made with the items I purchased, you can read more about it here. Heather

You need to get hands on the new copy of Edible Phoenix.  If you aren't familiar with this local magazine you should be, as it gives you local information on farmers markets as well as what is in season here in the valley.  They feature local food businesses.  This issue also happens to feature my image on the cover.  Check out their website and or find one at information table the next time you go to a local farmers market. Heather

So much good food here in this valley!  I had the pleasure of going to Devoured Phoenix at the Phoenix Art Museum on Saturday.  This is the 3rd annual event in the valley, and it is one of the best.  I was only able to go in Saturday but heard from others that Sunday was just as fantastic, and had a few different restaurants to see.  If you get the chance to go next year for both days, it is worth it.  Here are a few tips.  1st, don't eat before you go, there will be more than enough there!  2nd, you might want a designated driver as the wine and beer were plentiful!  What a great way to get a sample of the restaurants that you've been wanting to try and haven't gotten around to it.  I found many that are on the short list to check out very soon.  Here are a few of the highlights from Saturday.

Chicken and Waffles from Relish Burger Bistro - this started my day of eating and oh my was it a good start!

  Pan Seared Quail Breast, Tempranillo Blackberry Sauce & Jack Cheese Grits - From Cartwrights - I could have eaten 6 plates of this! Crisp Arepas of Rock Shrimp, Black Bean Puree, Queso Anejo, Jicama, Radish, Jalapeno & Oregano Pico with Smoked Chili Drizzle - from Tonto Bar & Grill at Rancho Manana.  This was also a must visit in person restaurant.

Arizona Stronghold wine - sadly I didn't get to try this wine but with the crowd that was around them I'm sure it was fantastic.  This is a local winery.

Executive Chef Matthew Zdeb and Sous Chef Ryan Anderson of Sushi Roku were wonderful to talk with.  They served Prime Rib Eye Steak Japonaise served with Soy Garlic Sauce. Well I'm sure this will tell you something about me - this was my favorite.  Red Velvet Ding Dongs from Santa Barbara Catering.  They wisely put out a sign that said only one per person.

And the cotton candy in pastel colors was a hit with my daughter from District American Kitchen.

Chef Mel from The Four Seasons doing a demo.

Saffron Tomato Braised Lamb with Fregola and Fennel Salad from Taggia - Coastal Italian Cuisine

Urban Beans The Elvis from Churn - Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Banana Charm Sauce.

Burgers from Windsor ready to serve.  Churn is next door so you can have dinner and then have dessert all on the same block.

Hedges Family Estate wines from Washington State.  They had a wonderful non-Oaky Chardonnay that was wonderful. So much to see.  We are working on a slide show of the other pictures.  I would love to hear from you if you went to the 3rd annual Devoured Phoenix this last weekend and what you enjoyed the most. Heather