Joe Vanaman from Olympic Provisions
The 3rd Annual Perfect Pickle event is just hours away (READ TOMORROW TUESDAY, FEB 12th…GET TICKETS HERE!). At the event, we supply 9 esteemed local restaurants with 12 pounds of local cucumbers and mason jars. The pickles are open for tasting, and judged by notable celebrities and the public at large. The evening is set to a backdrop of a local music and entertainment, with proceeds benefiting our mission. All this week we’ve been featuring short interviews with our contending chefs this year.
With restaurants in both SE and NW Portland, Olympic Provisions has become one of the premier butcheries in the Pacific North west. Specializing in salami, pate and chorizo, their dried meats and hand-made pickles have put them on the international food lovers map. One recent accolade: The 2012 Saveur magazine’s annual “Saveur 100″ featured for Olympic Provisions for “making some of the finest charcuterie” Saveur has tasted. We chatted with Joe Vanaman, self described “Pickle Master” about his pickling perspective.
1. Tell us a few words about yourself and your cooking philosophy.
I began making delicious pickles at Olympic Provisions three years ago, shortly after they opened. Since then, I have really tried to make the pickle department into something special. Variety, seasonality and balanced recipes are my goal. We always have an abundance of amazing produce to use, so finding the inspiration is never hard.
2. Describe your Perfect Pickle entries for 2013.
My recipe is A Spiced-Ginger Dill pickle. They are fermented in salt, water, a little bit of apple cider vinegar, garlic, a secret spice mix, dill, and Oregon grown ginger from John Steffes at Stargazer Farm.
3. Why are you participating in this event?
I love pickles. I also love the community education programs that the Dill Pickle Club provides. It’s an all around great cause to support!
4. Why should you be crowned “Pickler of the Year”?
It would nice, but it’s really just fun to participate in.
You won’t want to miss this event! Don’t forget – free entrance to the Perfect Pickle is a benefit of membership. Join at just $50 and above for a year, and save $15 (the ticket price) immediately! Join now and we’ll put you on the “VIP” list! Not quite ready to become a member but want to attend the event? Learn more about the event and buy tickets here.
