Blackberries + Clams

When asked by the Bainbridge Arts and Crafts non-profit to perform a cooking demonstration for the annual fundraiser I was immediately excited and nervous by the opportunity. I enjoy teaching and talking with people about food and art, but the spotlight is something I try to stay away from.

Given that the fundraiser was in September I decided to create a dish based upon the smells of Bainbridge Island. Ripening blackberries, warming salt water beaches carpeted in seaweed, and drying grasses, cedar, and madrone all permeate the air here with sweet, mineral pungency.

Because it is an arts organization, and I can not stand to be purely romantic in perspective, I also took the opportunity to mention some of the reading and work I have been doing to raise my consciousness, and others, about current movements to fight racism in America. I was awkward and afraid but sincere. Each time I speak about it in public it gets easier.

A videographer volunteered to record the event. Thank you Ron of Seidl Stewart Video Productions! I wish we had moved the stove to the other side of the board.