Save the Date - Taste of the Market event at Downtown Austin Farmers Market on 3/7

SEATTLE ? February 12, 2009 ?The Toyota Venza Taste of the Market event series kicks off with a single-day event in Texas at Austin Farmers? Market on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 9am.  Toyota Venza created Taste of the Market to celebrate the importance of farmers? markets to communities across the United States. 

During the Austin event, in booths throughout the market on 4th and Guadalupe, local beloved chefs and popular local farmers will be paired together for a day that highlights Austin Farmers? Market?s offerings.  The chefs will prepare special tastings showcasing their partner farm?s fresh ingredients and visitors will have the opportunity to sample the chefs? creations while also learning more about the market vendors, their products, and how to buy and eat seasonally. In addition, to further support the market, Toyota Venza is making a financial donation to Sustainable Food Center, the organization that brings Austin Farmers? Market to life each week.

?We are blessed with an abundance of food in our region and I truly believe that is what we are meant to eat,? said Taste of the Market participant Jesse Griffiths, chef/owner of Dai Due Super Club.  ?By sourcing locally from farmers and ranchers, we are not only eating more nutritious foods but also helping with the local economy.?

Throughout the course of the Austin event, 12 local chefs will offer up their culinary creations featuring their partnering farmer?s fare.  The impressive panel of talented chefs  includes Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due Supper Club, John Bates of ASTI, Jason Donoho of FINO,  Teresa Wilson of Aquarelle, and Greg Ritter of Texas Culinary Academy.

 In addition to the free tastings, visitors will be able to sign up to receive a month-by-month Taste of the Market Guide to Eating Seasonally in Austin. Market-goers will also be invited to pick up complimentary herb plant starts at the Mobile Garden Venza, and can enter to win a unique culinary prize.

 ?Sustainable Food Center is thrilled to partner with Venza on Taste of the Market,? said Susan Leibrock, SFC Community Relations Director. ?Austin Farmers? Market has come to represent the community?s commitment to locally-grown, sustainable, and healthful options for eating.  It is through community and individual support that the market is assured a strong future, and Venza?s Taste of the Market is a great way to highlight and celebrate what Austin Farmers? Market offers to both chefs and citizens week after week.?