Asparagus Steps Into the Spotlight for Its 15 Minutes

As Spring has arrived, the bounty available at our local farmers markets has expanded and there are more varieties of tasty (and healthy) seasonal fruits and veggies available to us here in Southern California.  This week restaurateur Michael McCarty of Michael's restaurant in Santa Monica will be hosting a Market Meet-Up on Wednesday, April 27th that will focus on all things asparagus.

During these monthly meet-up events, McCarty invites participants to his eponymous restaurant to begin the morning with some fresh baked goods before strolling together to the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers’ Market to learn more about what seasonal produce is available, as well as his tips and tricks for navigating the market and selecting the best ingredients. The walk is a scant two blocks, so no need to worry that you have to hike to earn your breakfast.

At the Farmers' Market, McCarty will show you around, introduce you to his favorite farmers, and demonstrate his "top secret" methods of picking the best ingredients. Following the market visit, you will walk back for a late breakfast featuring the monthly ingredient, which as stated above is Asparagus.  After munching away on some tasty asparagus dishes, you'll get the recipes too so you can replicate them at home.

So what dishes will McCarty be whipping up for your pleasure?  You'll begin with the Multiple Tastes of Asparagus: Pickled Pencil Asparagus with Chives Shaved Asparagus Salad with Pickled Ginger Asparagus Soup with Toasted Pistachios.  That is followed up with Seared Halibut: with Asparagus Ravioli, Zuckerman Farm’s Jumbo Green Asparagus and Dutch White Asparagus, Grilled Asparagus Beurre Blanc.  Not too shabby a way to begin your day.

The event costs $60 per person and for that you get hot out of the oven warm cinnamon rolls and cappuccinos, the market tour, breakfast with Michael and a copy of his cookbook as well as recipes to take home. Some vino will be poured to pair with your breakfast.  It all begins at 8:30 am on Wednesday morning at his restaurant, so be there bright eyed and bushy tailed to celebrate asparagus.

Michael's: 1147 Third Street Santa Monica, CA 90403 www.michaelssantamonica.com

Reservations: (310) 451-0843