This past Sunday CUESA held its 3rd annual summer celebration at the San Francisco Ferry Building. CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) was also celebrating 20 years sponsoring the “Ferry Plaza Farmers Market” and the vibe at the party was just electric. For the price of admission (which was mostly tax deductible) we feasted on unlimited food and beverages from the ‘who’s who’ of San Francisco’s finest chefs, bartenders, wineries, breweries, and distilleries, all while supporting a great cause. What a party it was! The enthusiasm from the participants was palpable and the crowds were convivial and appreciative…pure joy! The team that put this event together did an amazing job. The staff was courteous, efficient and shared an abundance of smiles. I could go on and on about what a great event this was. However, since it is now sadly in the past all I can do is share some of the amazing food I enjoyed and hopefully let the pictures speak for themselves. I have to confess I was very anxious to put the camera away and feast, so I am sorry I didn’t take more photos. To find out more about CUESA and all the great work they do you can follow them on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest. Better yet, you can subscribe to their weekly e-letter here. Whatever you do make sure you don’t miss any more of their parties…I know I won’t.
Sampling heirloom tomatoes from Eatwell Farm. http://www.eatwell.com/
Guinea Hen Galantine with Farro & Toasted Rye Berries from Adam Dulye, Abbots’s Cellar. http://abbotscellar.com/
Savory Leek & Garlic Gougères from Alicia Jenish, Grand Cafe. http://www.grandcafe-sf.com/
Square One Organic Spirits. http://squareoneorganicspirits.com/
Crispy New Potatoes Skins with Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette, Smoked Bacon & Chive Cream. Lauren Kiino, il Cane Rosso. http://canerossosf.com/
Romano Beans Braised with ‘Nduja with Tomatoes & Marinated Burrata. Nick Kelly, barbacco eno trattoria. http://www.barbaccosf.com/
Leek Tart with Guancial. Chad Blunston, The Fairmont San Francisco. http://www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/dining/laurel-court-restaurant-and-bar/
Grilled Baby Octopus with Eggplant Caponata. Kory Stewart, Americano Restaurant/Hotel Vitale. http://www.americanorestaurant.com
Heirloom Tomato BLT with House-Smoked Bacon on Pecorino-Scallion Sesame Buns. Ryan Farr, 4505 Meats. http://4505meats.com/
Heirloom Tomato & Grilled Peach Salad with Fried Capers, Feta Cheese & Eggplant Crisp. Mike Ransom, Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen. http://www.jasperscornertap.com/
Summer Nightshade Crostini with Lemon Thyme & Basils. Larry Finn, Scala’s Bistro. http://www.scalasbistro.com
This post has just been the tip of the iceberg. With over 40 participants in the food category and over 20 beverage purveyors, it was impossible to include everyone. I never even touched on the amazing deserts like the Strawberry Macaroons from Meg Ray at Miette or the Buckwheat Cardamon Cookie with Raspberry Ice Cream from Jen Musty at Batter Bakery. They were just two more hits from an unforgettable evening. I hope to see you at next years celebration, until then, see you at the market! Enjoy!
Beautiful!