July 22, 2006

The non-profit organization Les Dames d’Escoffier’s will present a free Green Kids at Market Day at five area farmers’ markets over the July 22nd and 23rd weekend, including our own Arlington Farmers’ Market at Courthouse Square 10 AM to 12 PM on Saturday July 22nd.

As part of Les Dames d’Escoffier’s “Green Tables” initiative, members are focusing their volunteer efforts on helping kids understand the importance of eating fresh and healthy seasonal foods, and feeling a stronger connection to the land and local farms.

Les Dames d'Escoffier is comprised of professional women of high achievement in the culinary world. Washington chapter chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and other culinary leaders will lend their considerable expertise to help kids learn about food in a hands-on manner.

Young chefs enrolled in high school culinary programs involving the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Education Foundation will be paired with Dame Chefs to offer food tastings and other kid-friendly activities. Butter-making demonstrations, treasure hunts through the market, food arts and crafts, and hands-on presentations about bugs will be among the day’s activities.

The Washington D.C. Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier (www.lesdamesdc.org) is committed to supporting the community. Members donate their time to offer educational culinary programs. The chapter also offers scholarships to women working or studying in the fields of food and beverages, and grants to support the good works of local non-profit organizations.

For more information, contact Brie McMahon, mcmahonb@hisaokapr.com or Joan Hisaoka, hisaokaj@hisaokapr.com

Chef Cathal Armstrong from Restaurant Eve will lead a tour on July 29th.
Meet at the corner of Courthouse Rd and 14th St at 10 AM.

Looking farther ahead, Bart Seaver from Café Saint-Ex will be in the market on August 19, 2006.

Heat is upon us, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension reminds you take care of yourself when taking care of your landscape in “Gardening and Your Health, Summer Heat” Read more at:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-064/426-064.html

“Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer Bring Increased Risks of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion” at:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/releases/071902/heat.html

When you do get outside remember the basics – to reduce evaporation, water early in the morning or in the evening but avoid wetting the foliage in the evening; water less frequently, but deeply; and consider a soaker hose or drip irrigation to conserve water. Basic Watering Techniques are given at:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/articles2/watertec.html