Chef Demos at the Green Market

Along with millions and millions of other Americans, I'm a huge fan of fresh and local food products, produce and protein. To me, it tastes better, and I want to support my local economy. 

One thing that I really enjoy about local Farmers Markets are the Chef Demos...you get to meet a local chefs—often celebrities—hear their food philosophies, and taste the result of their culinary skill in-the-moment.

Executive Chef Tyler Williams, Woodfire Grill

At last week's Green Market, in Piedmont Park and managed by the Piedmont Park Conservancy, I had the pleasure of seeing and chatting with Chef Tyler Williams, executive chef at Woodfire Grill. He's been executive chef at Woodfire for about two months and comes with an impressive resume, including time at Abattoir and Bacchanalia.

Chef Tyler's excitement for using fresh, local, and organic ingredients coupled with surprising, thoughtful spices and textures is refreshing and even fascinating. 

Lamb Dish prepared by Chef Tyler Williams, Green Market Demo

The lamb dish Chef Tyler prepared for us that morning was brilliant. The textures, complex flavors, spices...they all blended to make for a dish that my Mediterranean-loving palate thoroughly enjoyed. I'll be heading to Woodfire Grill in the not too distant future!

Green Market in Piedmont Park

Immediately after Chef Tyler's demo, I ran into Holly Hollingsworth, the Green Market Manager. I've known Holly for a while and admire what she's done with the Green Market. It's something about which she's really passionate. She didn't just fall into the job, her background led her directly to it, for which this Atlantan is grateful.

Georgia Jams at the Green Market

There's a lot to take in at the Green Market and lots to sample and choose from. There are jams, goat cheese, plants, produce, meats, pies, tea, ice cream, and even treats for your pets. Of course I had to try a few things—it's tradition, right? I particularly liked the Georgia Jams Hot 'Lanta' jalapeno pepper jam...Mmmmmm! 

The same booth had some pretty amazing goat cheeses too, which gave me the opportunity to talk about having lived on a goat ranch right after high school graduation in Wyoming. Those stories still amuse me.

Produce at the Green Market in Piedmont Park

The produce at Green Market is consistently gorgeous and delicious...and quite colorful, I must add. And I'm impressed with the range of produce offered.

Silver Oyster Mushrooms at the Green Market in Piedmont Park

These Silvery Oyster Mushrooms, being offered by 5th Kingdom Fine Mushrooms, an Atlanta mushroom farm and education center, were also being served on pizza a few booths down. It's been my experience that Farmers Markets are a kind of family...the ties are close—they're all on the same mission after all.

Peppers at the Green Market in Piedmont Park

There were peppers...

Jams at the Green Market in Piedmont Park

...and lots of jams, of some pretty amazing flavors. This Cabernet Sauvignon by Emily G's was amazing!...

Kohlrabi at the Green Market in Piedmont Park

...and more and more and more produce!

Just Add Honey at the Green Market in Piedmont Park

And Just Add Honey was there, too! I'd first had their tea at an event at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and fell in love with their product then. Given they do not have a brick-and-mortar location, I love when I come across them at a Market. You can get their teas online, as well. Totally worth it!

King of Pops at the Green Market

And it just wouldn't be the same experience if King of Pops wasn't there! Have you had their Chocolate Sea Salt pop? And the Raspberry Lime is totally awesome, as well. They also do special events, but I recommend booking them early...they're super popular!

Well, hopefully that's plenty to encourage you to check out the Green Market at Piedmont Park. I like to go for the Chef Demos, but love staying to chat with the vendors and doing a little shopping. AND, if you're interested, there are tours of Historic Piedmont Park, too...like I said, there's a lot going on here!

Happy shopping/eating/watching at the Green Market!