I have two categories of my favorite local foods:  those that I buy from markets and restaurants prepared by someone else; and those that I buy and use in my home meals.

Since I live in Seattle, I have access to a lot of local seafood, and I love the large selection of oysters on the half shell with paired sauces (mignonette is my favorite).  We often joke that salmon is the “meatloaf of the NW” but of course we know we are lucky to have access to fresh, wild-caught delicious salmon, and I eat it in restaurants but more often at home.

The cooler, northern climate makes for a later produce season, but it rewards richly when it arrives.  I keep our pantry stocked in Washington apples, pears, berries, and cherries.  Some of my favorite local products include a wonderful local honey (Bh Honey from Ballard Bee Company) and of course, the one and only Starbucks.  Our whole family is nuts about Salumi Salami (the incredible local cured meat company started by Armandino Batali, father of Mario).  Washington has many excellent wines and I am enjoying learning about them through trial (I’ll try as many as I need to!).  If I’m going to eat chocolate, it’s Fran’s Chocolates Salted Caramels that I won’t be able to stop eating.

Seattle has a large community of producers, chefs, and markets who take pride in showcasing local products which makes it easy to learn about them and enjoy them on a daily basis.  Bon Appetite!

It is hard to be interested in food issues, and all food in general, and not be aware of the benefits of eating local.  I think since having kids, though, I have become even more aware of what great local foods there are in our area.  Not only do we have a stellar year-round farmers market, but we also have vendors and chefs in the area that champion and promote local foods.  I could have a really long list here, but to narrow it down, I love having access to these local products (aside from the produce and proteins I can get at our farmer’s market):

• a local grass-fed milk that is not treated with any hormones from Snowville Creamery.
• a delicious brand of ice cream that is made predominantly from local ingredients called Jeni’s. It is becoming more widely available nationally so if you find some, give it a try!