The Food

Eugene is very forward thinking in regards to their food.  Organic markets are plentiful and affordable (organic and affordable don’t always go hand in hand, I’ve found…) and cater to Eugene’s palate for healthy and flavorful food.

On Saturday we loaded ourselves into Becca and Mike’s car and headed for Lone Pine Farm to pick up the ingredients for the evening meal that Mike was to prepare for us.  Sara and I were beguiled by the patch of Zinnias and wandered off to take pictures while Mike and Becca roamed the aisles and selected fresh corn, onions, purple bell peppers and lemon cucumbers. 

I don’t know what that middle vegetable is – some sort of alienish broccoflower.

Sara and I made it inside where we loaded up with jams and preserves.  I bought Tayberry and Marionberry, both Pacific Northwest berries.  Now I am feeling the urge to make scones.

While the girls were off antiquing during the afternoon Mike went back to his house and started on his Lentil soup and fresh bread.  Can you imagine a better day?  Shopping and then coming home to a home cooked meal, lovingly prepared by someone else?

The soup and bread were delicious.  Green lentils with fresh corn and chicken sausage made ever so slightly piquant by sauteing a few dried peppers with the onions.   The bread was fabulous – an English Muffin loaf from a recipe of Mike’s Grandfather.  Those men sure can cook!

During our stay we ate lunch out.  On Friday we ate at Marche’  where I had salmon cakes paired with a Trimbach Pinot Gris. 

The picture is a little bit dark but trust me, it was delicious.  The salmon was mixed with corn and potato and sauteed until it had a crisp crust and a light, almost creamy interior.  After we finished eating (we ended the meal by sharing a pear crisp with cinnamon ice cream) the waitress brought over a friend from the kitchen:

Happy parsnip.

Marche’ is located at the 5th Street Public Market and if you go you must visit their shop Provisions.  Lots of interesting gourmet food items, gifts, books and the like for sale.

Tomorrow we’ll talk about the finds – all the great shopping that was done while we were there.