Piacere Chef Takes Eat Local Challenge Seriously

Thursday nights are hopping along San Carlos' Laurel Street. During the summer months, , the -sponsored weekly farmers' market not only brings residents and visitors to the downtown area, it offers an opportunity to go out on a limb and try new local fruits, vegetables and specialty foods.

And as an added incentive to eat locally, will take those farmers' market finds and turn them into dishes most of us never dreamed of.

The "Eat Local Challenge" has been a popular event for the past three years thanks to Russell-Wadleigh and her creative team of chefs at Piacere. She says it gives people an opportunity to try unfamiliar foods and to learn new ways to prepare them.

According to an article in Wednesday's San Jose Mercury News, Russell-Wadleigh's custom-made meals prepared with customers' own farmers' market ingredients, known as "Thursday night specials," go for a prix fixe $35 per person. The chef supplements the customers' ingredients with chicken, fish or meat to complete the meal, which typically consists of an appetizer and entree.

The Thursday night Piacere event has become very popular, and with only two week's left for this year's Hot Harvest Nights, Russell-Wadleigh is expecting to book up quickly. (Reservations are not required, but highly recommended).

Hot Harvest Nights will wrap up for the season on Sept. 13, so there are only two weeks left to take advantage of the Eat Locally Challenge for this year. For more information, or reservations, call 650-592-3536, or go to www.piacererestaurant.com.