Zenger Farm needs your help

Ever been to Portland’s non-profit urban farm and wetland Zenger Farm? I haven’t but now, more than ever, I really want to. Starting March 14th local restaurants and nurseries are celebrating Zenger Farm and its newest program — Healthy Eating on a Budget — which educates outer Southeast Portland youth and adults about shopping for, and cooking, healthy meals on a limited budget.

Restaurants and nurseries participating in the fundraising initiative include Nedd Ludd, Biwa, Pine State Biscuits, Pistils Nursery, and Portland Nursery.

If you’re interested in other Zenger Farm initiatives, events and classes (beekeeping, chicken butchering, sausage making and more) check them out here.

The smaller the nettles the more powerful the sting.

The days are getting longer and spring is in the air even if it isn’t technically until March 20th. I planted my first seeds of the season last weekend — spinach and mizuna. I sifted through the compost, added it to the big backyard bed two weekends ago and last weekend I raked in the seeds and covered the bed with a PVC hoophouse. Next up: sweet sugar snaps. Mmmm. Even though my seeds haven’t germinated yet there’s all kinds of spring action in the garden. Oh, and the BIG spring happening — I became an auntie several sweet hours ago! My one and only brother and my lovely sister-in-law gave birth to a beautiful Marielle Linda Crain. I can’t wait to meet her out of the pod!

Here’s a taste of what I’m talking about in the garden…

I planted two honeyberry bushes last summer. Bigger and sweeter fruit than blueberries.

Lemon balm is as pervasive as mint

One of my favorite spring sights -- red-veined sorrel

Seaberries on the way

Lots and lots of garlic

Spinach and mizuna under wraps

Introducing Mr. Takeout -- Nasi Padang from Taste of Jakarta

When I pick up the phone and call Taste of Jakarta and they don’t answer a tiny part of me dies. The part that can’t go one week without their Nasi Padang. (Spicy braised beef curry, young jackfruit curry, deep fried hard boiled egg with chutney and white rice. I usually ask for yellow rice — seen above — cooked with lots of turmeric, coriander and a little coconut milk.) This happened mid to late January when TOJ was closed on and off for a couple weeks and then on a day when I’d almost lost hope TOJ stalwart Timothy answered the phone. I felt silly but I said in a very high pitched voice — “Yea!” Embarrassing but truly impossible to hide my joy.

Well, last week while talking up my favorite takeout folks I learned that they will be cutting back their hours this week. Here’s why…

This weekend is the third annual Indo Heritage Reunion — a local Indonesian festival that Taste of Jakarta is catering. They have a small kitchen and need to devote it to the event for a few days. Lucky for you — you’re invited to the Indo Heritage Reunion. Well, not particularly but it’s open to the public and you certainly don’t have to be Indonesian to attend. I’ve got my hands full this weekend unfortunately but here are the details in case you want to attend.

According to Timothy you’ll get some of the on-the-menu TOJ fare in addition to harder to find foods. If you go please let me know how it was. I’m really sad I won’t be able to attend.

Kembang Manis Presents the 3rd annual Indo Heritage Reunion
this Saturday, March 6th
6pm-Midnight @ Club Paesano
3800 West Powell Loop
Gresham, OR

All ages welcome
0-5 free
6-12 years $5
13-64 years $15 in advance, $20 at the door
65 years and up $12 in advance, $15 at the door
Cash only bar

Included in the entry fee: dinner, live music, authentic Indonesian dancing, Pencak Silat demonstration and more.

For more info. contact Debi Leidelmeyer Freund 503.970.0059

Taste of Jakarta
1239 SW Jefferson St.
Portland, OR
503.222.5136
www.tasteofjakarta.com
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm
Closed Sunday