Q'ero Chef Teaches Encinitas Locals to be Inspired by Farmers' Market

Some 30 people can shop like pros after taking a tour of Encinitas Station Certified Farmers’ Market Wednesday with Monica Szepesy, of Q’ero Restaurant. The local chef and restaurant owner taught participants how to choose ingredients, how to ask questions of farmers, and to be inspired by what’s available instead of going to the market for certain ingredients. Participants who were familiar with the market ended up trying new vendors on the tour and enjoyed getting personal time with Szepesy. "So many people were excited to see how to combine herbs and flavors in a way that a chef would,” market director Carris Rhodes said. "They were really interested in what her eye is." “They didn’t want to leave Monica’s side,” she added. Related Video: How to Pack a Zero-Waste Lunch for Your Kids Rhodes plans to have regular special events at the market and said a mixology tour where market-goers will learn to make cocktails from fresh, local ingredients. Patch will keep you posted on the events. Encinitas Station Certified Farmers' Market is held at 4 p.m. Wednesdays at parking lot B of 600 S. Vulcan Ave.  Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter