Martha Chartreuse: inPDX {#SaltFireWater Calcotada}

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

You may know that I grew up in a small Montana town rich in Irish traditions and Croation heritage. Filled with hard-working people that prioritize family, friends, and God's Country, I have always had a healthy understanding of community. That environment, as well as a family of curious people, has always led me to be interested in the way other people experience and define home.

Somewhere around the end of high school and the beginning of college I began binge watching episodes of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation. An investigation of food and culture as a true local around the world. Though I watched dozens of episodes, nearly ten years later one episode has always stayed with me. When the outspoken chef explored Spain I was enchanted by the artisan chocolate making, wine, and the messy Calcotada. (This episode will be rebroadcast on the Travel Channel May 29th)

As explained by Jacobsen Salt Co. "The Calcotada is a traditional Spring ritual in Catalonia, Spain. It is a messy, hands-on culinary celebration of calcots - a special variety of spring onions that are grilled until blackened, sweet and tender, then peeled, dredged in romaseco sauce, and eaten with your fingers."

I have always been intrigued by this equalizing meal that comes with such humble fanfare that can be shared by generations from any corner of the globe. When I found out that the kick-off #SaltFireWater event would be a Calcotada I was elated! With Foster's Craft Cooking (One of my favorite IG accounts + fellow oyster love-languager) and Kristen Murray (Girl-Boss + Sweetheart) at the helm, I knew excellent was the only way this event would turn out. Viridian Farms even farms authentic calcots! Again, superb standards.

This meal did not disappoint! The weather was beautiful, the food delicious, and the conversation compelling. From ashy fingers to dribbles of Rose from the oh-so-entertaining Porrons, strangers and friends came together as a community.

#SaltFireWater will be a series of meals curated by Jacobsen's Salt Co., Williams Sonoma, and New Season's featuring Portland's premiere chefs. Each meal will showcase an authentic meal that investigates how food+home translate from various pockets around the world.