Chocolate babka, potato-chip grilled sandwiches among new foods at Proctor Farmers Market
Fresh off the spring equinox, Proctor Farmers Market rings in high season this Saturday in Tacoma with seedlings for your garden, early harvests from local farms and prepared foods from popular return vendors and a handful of new ones.
Market manager Karen Bowes said the market, in its 29th year, will host more than 70 vendors every Saturday morning, March 25-Dec. 16.
The first few weeks provide ample opportunity to stock up on seeds from Wild Dreams Farm, she noted, as well as early-spring small plants like Brussels sprouts, lettuces, asparagus and peas. Other farmers and foragers offer wild mushrooms, frozen berries ahead of the fresh harvest this summer and plenty of local proteins: fresh and smoked fish, beef, lamb, goat cheese and pork.
Established restaurant vendors returning for the 2023 season include Jan Parker Cookery, Gateway to India and El Chito Tamales. Specialty foods range from Hot Babe Hot Sauce and Island Coffee Co. (Vashon) to Ziva Mediterranean Foods and Bona Fide Potents, which bottles drink add-ins like vinegar-based fruit shrubs and cocktail bitters.
Among the market first-timers is a pop-up bakery that made a splash last year at the Puyallup Farmers Market and a sandwich maker who adds potato chips to the mix.
The latter replaces Memoranda Kitchen, which attracted a following for top-notch sandwiches like a chimichurri chicken melt. Owner Micah Turner has focused his attention on the wholesale side of the business, which means you can find breakfast sandwiches and more at local coffee shops, including Lux in McKinley, Metro Coffee downtown and Manifesto in Hilltop.
Another missing from this year’s lineup: the beloved Howdy Bagel, which attracted long, long lines week after week for its bagels, sandwiches and creative schmears. The duo of Daniel Blagovich and Jake Carter are in the final stages of their brick-and-mortar on South Tacoma Way.
While the market will surely miss them, said Bowes, she emphasized that their success is an essential tool of the farmers market as incubator for small, locally owned and operated food businesses.
“This is exactly what we do, is supporting entrepreneurial businesses. I feel kind of like, this is what happens — you’ve gotta let the kids go,” she joked in a phone call Thursday, in between tying up loose ends ahead of opening day. “It is a success story in so many ways.”
Proctor Farmers Market accepts EBT payments and, through its Market Match program, doubles purchasing power by offering $25 in market cash on fresh produce, edible plants and seeds for every $25 spent. Visitors can also glean knowledge from master gardeners at the Washington State University Extension booth, on-site every week.
Here’s a closer look at the market’s four new vendors in 2023.
THE COLLECTION BAKERY
▪ instagram.com/thecollectionbakery
This husband-and-wife duo has served its globally inspired treats at pop-up events around the county since launching, originally in Spokane, in 2020. Last year, Keely and Miguel Silva-Glenn showcased specialties in Puyallup, including chocolate hazelnut babka and Ukrainian honey cake — both of which will be available at Proctor’s opening day. The menu on Saturday will also feature a bananas foster tres leches cake and croissants in five flavors: jalapeno cheddar, churro, Mexican chocolate, strawberry citrus hibiscus and twice-baked hazelnut latte.
CHIP-WICH TACOMA
▪ instagram.com/chipwich_tacoma
Malone Utley does sandwiches differently. On sourdough bread from fellow market vendor Balloon Roof Baking Co., he layers turkey, cheddar, avocado, bacon and bell peppers with Hawaiian Sweet Maui Onion potato chips. The tuna salad pairs with Tim’s salt and vinegar chips, and a grilled cheese with cheddar and gouda gets Doritos. Yes, chips on the sandwich! They add crunch and flavor to these grilled delights. Several years ago, Utley operated a similar food business in Pullman.
MOMMIE’S MINI CUPCAKES
▪ instagram.com/mommiesminiswa
Angel Askew has been baking miniature cupcakes since 2014, then in Louisiana. She moved to the South Sound in 2021 and last year began popping up around the region, including at monthly events like Tacoma’s Black Night Market. Her signature flavor of red velvet is always on the docket, while other favorites range from vanilla almond and cookies and cream to seasonal sweet potato and lemon coconut. The menu includes gluten-free and vegan options as well as mini pies and tarts. Outside of the market (starting April 15), she offers online orders for both cupcakes and “dessert charcuterie boxes” filled also with chocolate covered strawberries.
HARBOR HERBALIST
Based in Port Orchard, Jene Farr brings herbal tea blends developed through her background in clinical mental health. Many of the medicinal plants you’ll taste in the tea are grown on her 20-acre farm where she and her family have lived for over six years. Signature blends include the Rasayana with tulsi, cardamom, cinnamon and rose, and the Happy Heart with hawthorn leaf, burdock root, peppermint and red sage. Each targets specific needs, such as energy for athletes, digestion or expectant mothers.
PROCTOR FARMERS MARKET
▪ 27th St. at Proctor, Tacoma, proctorfarmersmarket.com
▪ Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m., March 25-Dec. 16
