Ferry Plaza Farmers Market 20th Birthday Bash ~ Tomorrow
Celebrate 20 years of good food and friends tomorrow at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. We are bringing together the farmers, food artisans, chefs, and supporters (YOU!) who have made it such an incredible place for the last two decades. From 9 am to noon there will be a special reception with farmers market mimosas and seasonal shortcakes (see below), and at 11 am a presentation by market founders. We'll also have a free market-wide treasure hunt (visit the Info Booth to play). Celebrate with us.

Market Watch: Seasonal Shortcakes at the Birthday Bash
To whet your appetite for tomorrow's 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash, here's a taste of the sumptuous shortcake menu, created by local pastry chefs and featuring seasonal produce from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market:

-- ShortcakeGinger and Thyme Shortcake with Kumquats, Strawberries, and Honey Saison Beer Foam (pictured at right) by Francis Ang of Fifth Floor
-- Almond, Blueberry, and Meiwa Kumquat Shortcake with Isle of Gold Curry by William Werner of Craftsman & Wolves
-- Cornmeal Black Pepper Shortcake with Apache Apricots, Blueberries, Lavender Syrup, and Whipped Cream by Jen Musty of Batter Bakery
-- Black Garlic Shortcake with Whipped Herb Yogurt and Mushrooms by Luis Villavelazquez of Les Elements Patisserie

You'll also have a chance to mix your own seasonal mimosa at our outrageous juice bar! Read more in Lulu Meyer's Market Watch column at 7x7.

Rose Pistola's Last Day at the Market ~ Tomorrow
We are sad to report that Rose Pistola's last day in the market will be tomorrow, May 18. Says owner Laurie Thomas, "Being a participant in the Saturday market has always been a great experience, but realistically it is also a lot of hard work for our employees. Waking up at 5 am to set up our booth by 8 am takes a lot of effort that is really outside of our core restaurant business. After a lot of discussion, our management team has voted to take a break from the Saturday market. We intend to focus on what we do best: continuing to offer locally sourced product from our artisan farmers....What a wonderful time it has been!"

Support John O'Connell High School Students ~ Tomorrow
Local high school students are bringing their school garden produce to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market as part of Schoolyard to Market, a youth development, entrepreneurship, and gardening program run by CUESA and Urban Sprouts. Pick up vegetables and herbs from John O'Connell High School students at their tent in the south driveway tomorrow—Schoolyard to Market's last day of the spring season. All proceeds will be reinvested in the school garden program.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco Chronicle!
Extra, extra! The San Francisco Chronicle recently dedicated a large portion of the Food & Wine section to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market's 20th anniversary, with interviews from farmers, chefs, visionaries, and shoppers who have shaped the market over the years, plus seasonal recipes featuring produce from some of our long-time farmers, including Eatwell Farm, Everything Under the Sun, and Tierra Vegetables. Read the feature.

CUESA Volunteer Orientation ~ May 29
Help cultivate a healthy food system with us! Volunteers are an integral part of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Join CUESA on Wednesday, May 29, to learn about our numerous volunteer opportunities. From assisting at cooking demos and educational programs to supporting our events, there's no shortage of ways you can get involved. Email volunteer@cuesa.org to RSVP. Learn more and apply.

Homebrewing Class ~ May 30
Learn how to make your own beer from Chris Cohen, founder of the San Francisco Homebrewers Guild, in this introductory workshop co-hosted by Urban Kitchen SF and CUESA. You'll learn all the brewing basics, sample different beers, and find out what supplies and ingredients you'll need in order to start brewing at home. Each participant will take home a $40 gift certificate and a coupon for 10% off beer-making supplies at San Francisco Brewcraft. Learn more and sign up.

Food, Farms, and Fracking in California Panel ~ June 12
Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," is a highly controversial process for extracting oil and gas that has raised serious environmental and public health concerns across the country. Unknown to most, fracking has been happening in California for several decades without clear regulatory oversight. California's 81,000 farms produce an annual $43 billion in crops that feed not only our state, but also the nation and the world. What will happen to the food supply if our farmland is fracked? Join CUESA and Kitchen Table Talks for a panel discussion with local experts. RSVP.


All programs take place in the CUESA Classroom, south of the clocktower, near the Veggie Valet.

Saturday, May 18 ~ Ferry Plaza Farmers Market 20th Birthday Bash
Mimosa9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Celebrate 20 years of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market at a very special reception in the south arcade of the Ferry Building, with seasonal shortcakes, mimosas, juices, coffee, and tea. Enjoy a photo exhibit of the market and share your memories. Market founders will speak at 11 am. Buy tickets.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm - FREE market-wide 20th anniversary treasure hunt with prizes. Visit the Info Booth to play.

Saturday, May 25
11:00 am - Seasonal cooking demonstration - Rick Koplau, Lone Eagle Grille
12:00 pm - Seasonal cooking demonstration & book signing - Anna Derivi-Castellanos and Lenore Estrada, Three Babes Bakeshop

View a full listing of upcoming events on the CUESA website