UDJ 7-18 Column
From CFI
Keeping Our Greens In The Community
In case you missed it, last Saturday the Himalayan Café kicked-off an exciting new run of 10 AM chef demonstrations that should last through the middle of September. Thanks to the Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op for sponsoring these events.
Tomorrow’s chef is Thomas Allen, owner of Tres Classique Specialty Foods. Tres Classique makes fine infused oils, balsamic vinegars, dressings, marinades and desert sauces right here in Ukiah. Check them out at www.tresclassique.com . Thomas will be demonstrating how to work with infused oils and balsamic vinegars.
Tres Classique is also one of many local food businesses that are going the extra mile to help build a resilient local economy. They recently made a deal with Covelo Organics to get the flavor for their next basil infusions. Next up, Ukiah Rosemary Balsamic. Got Ukiah grown rosemary? Stop by the Tres Classique table. Your rosemary might just add flavor to salads across the nation!
Some of our local restaurants are also doing amazing work to boost the local farming community. Much of what’s on the Ukiah Brewing Company Menu is local. They are using local vegetables, fruits, flowers, meats, poultry, eggs, dairy, tofu, breads, and desserts. Patrona Restaurant won the 1st annual Greater Ukiah Localization Project (GULP) Award last year for its patronage of local farms.
But is this “buy local” stuff really such a big deal? Is it worth the bother? It is. No doubt about it.
Let’s assume you decide to go out to eat and select a dish made with locally produced food. Part of your dollars will go to the local owners and employees, part to the also local advertisers, banking services, etc., that the restaurant uses. Much of the remainder will go to the local farmers, who will in turn support other local businesses. If the banker, accountant, contractor and other service providers that the farmer and restaurant use then take part of their earnings to go enjoy another local dish (or come to the farmer’s market), most of your money will keep moving around Ukiah for a very long time.
Every time a dollar moves from one local hand to another it is new income for the recipient. The more often your dollar changes hands locally, the more money people in the Ukiah area earn and have to spend. When you keep a dollar in the local economy it has about the same effect as a dollar captured by a new export.
In contrast, consider what happens to your dollar if you go to Healdsburg, opt for a frozen dinner or get groceries flown, shipped and/or trucked in from parts unknown. Much of that dollar will instantly “leak” out of the county – part of it likely adding to the compensation package of a corporate executive or stock trader.
Am I arguing that you should always buy local? No. I don’t, and it is not always wise or even possible to do so. But, it is always worth considering and giving some priority when you are deciding where to spend your money.
The benefits of selecting a local source apply to more than just food. The Ukiah Saturday Farmer’s Market’s growing local craft section is another place that you can keep your dollars local by purchasing a wide range of goods directly from local artisans. You can get your lotions, soaps and other personal care products, cleaners, linens, pots, glassware, dolls, metalwork, planters and woodwork, fiber art, table cloths, bags, jewelry and much more.
In addition to the cooking demonstration we have these fine events tomorrow:
• The Discovery World Preschool teachers, who hold credentials specializing in early literacy, will be reading favorite children’s books at 10 AM. So, in case your kids are not so keen on cooking they can enjoy a good story.
• The Ukiah Unified School District will be on hand sharing information about healthy, easy snacks for hot summer days. They will be making trail mix with kids and handing out jump ropes, as well as giving out cookbooks to parents!
• Don Willis will again grace us with his fine accordion playing. Don always finds just the right soundtrack for your time in the market café.
Speaking of music, know any student groups or organizations that might like to perform at the market? If so, contact me at 462-7377. August 9 will be a day for local student players.
Warning oyster fans. Sebastian from Aqua-Rodeo will not be at the market tomorrow. He is expected back next week. You could try The Fish Peddler …
Certified farmer’s markets are in Ukiah from 8:30 AM to noon Saturday and 3-6 PM Tuesday on School Street at Clay Street and in Alex Thomas Plaza and in Redwood Valley on Sunday from 9:30-1PM at 8920 East Road in Lion’s Park. To learn more about our Mendocino County Farmer’s Markets, go to http://mcfarm.org/.
