Live Cooking Demo at Extended Fresh Market Tonight

Beginning 6 p.m., Chef James Clark will demonstrate the preparation of his own sun-dried tomato focaccia bread. Clark is the chef and owner of T and Me Tea Co. in Gulfport. He was previously a chef at the St. Petersburg Vinoy Resort. His focaccia bread is a crowd favorite at T and Me. He will take questions and offer food samples.

Clark’s demonstration will be held at the outdoor courtyard adjacent to the former Salty Sal’s location (2930 Beach Blvd. South). (Clark’s demonstration was rescheduled after November’s “First Tuesday” evening event was cancelled due to inclement weather.) Other cooking demonstrations by popular local chefs as well as other events are planned for each “First Tuesday” evening at the Fresh Market continuing through the season.

The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is welcoming “snowbird” season with extended hours and special events on the first Tuesday of each month.  Hours on each First Tuesday will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Evening hours have been instituted in response to comments by many residents and visitors that they would love to enjoy the Fresh Market, but are unable to do so because of their weekday work schedules. The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is one of the only Markets in the region to offer evening hours.  Regular weekly hours for the Fresh Market are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on other Tuesdays.  The Market is held on Beach Blvd. below 29th Ave South.

Over 50 vendors are present at the Fresh Market each Tuesday, day and evening, offering a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, seafood, Florida grass-fed beef, honey, herbs, sauces, jams, desserts, and other unique and artisan foods.  As always, many other items are available from Market vendors, including hand-made bath and body items, jewelry, plants and flowers, art work and crafts and much more.  Live music in two locations is always featured during the Fresh Market and will also be part of the evening experience.

The village in which the Market takes place includes a variety of independent shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, all within easy walking distance.  The cluster of restaurants in the village has become one of Tampa Bay’s premier dining destinations.  Shops and restaurants will be open and will welcome Tuesday evening visitors.  Parking is free and convenient.  Parking is free and convenient. Gulfport’s Fresh Market is a community-spirited gathering in a small, "Old Florida"-style town, offering “food for your body and community spirit for your soul.”  More information and photos can be found at www.gulfportma.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gulfportfreshmarket.  For more information, contact Daniel Hodge at (727) 366-4086 or email dan@igc.org.

Special thanks to Daniel Hodge for sharing this press release with Gulfport Patch!