What an honor it was to be one of the main photographers for one of Pike Place Market’s biggest events of the year! Sunset Supper, is every Seattlite’s foodie dream. For one night, the streets of Pike Place Market close down early and 1,400 people gather to taste some of the market’s staple offerings as well as other local favorites from around the state.
I had never been to the event before, as its a hefty $150 ticket for all you can eat and drink, but since I was volunteering this year, my entrance was free! Most people work half a shift so they can enjoy the festivities when their shift is over, but I covered both just because, it only made sense to me. Besides, with my camera in hand, I was able to get ahead of lines to snap a few photos while vendors gave me samples to my heart’s content! That was a pleasant and most welcome surprise considering I came straight from work and didn’t have any dinner!
As exciting and delicious the event was, my favorite part was the hustle and bustle of getting everything ready and at the end. I pitched in each and every way I could, from cleaning off tables, to putting together silverware sets, to snapping a few photos of everyone having fun in between! Between watching crates of wine being unloaded to smelling the garlic and shrimp being tossed around for fresh paella, I was in foodie heaven. I got to meet vendors and learn a little bit more about their products.
The event was a great success. In one night, in just a few short (but very fun) hours, the Pike Place Foundation raised $286,565. Holy crap doesn’t even cover it. It was a tremendous success that the market hasn’t seen for years and it couldn’t come at a better time. The market is just about to get a face lift with their market expansion. I personally can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next. And I’m so thankful I was able to be a part of it in a very small way.
While everything was delicious, I would have to say the most unique thing on the menu were these little rabbit sausages with mustard and homemade radish sauerkraut. The texture may feel a bit raw to the average diner but I loved it. There was something oddly satisfying about the soft texture to these.
The next best thing that I was able to get my hands on were these amazing coils of lamb sausage with lemon grass. Hearty, rich, and and a bit chewy, but it was every bit as tasty as it looked.
I loved watching the vendors interact with everyone. If anyone loves people watching…this is definitely a place to do it. Ok, sorry you probably want more food pics…
Asian duck confit. The only item I felt was a little dissapointing. It was a bit dry for my taste. But the Brioches were delish!
Towards the end of the event, vendors were running around the venue sharing their products with other vendors (often exchanging) and I thought it was the sweetest thing to watch. Such comradery. That’s what I love about the Market so much. Everyone is there helping each other out, proud of their creations, and all they want to do it share it with everyone. So many warm happy feelings.
Here are two chefs exchanging goods!
A packed house. A full tummy. And tired feet. It was a great way to experience one of the market’s most famous traditions and be a part of it all. Coordinating hundreds of volunteers is no easy feat so kudos to Susanne who is always a shining beacon of light that I love to work with. I can’t wait for next year!
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