A few weeks ago I was invited to a cooking demonstration (and most importantly, specialty food tasting) at Marx Foods in Queen Anne.  I eagerly asked to be added to the list and as we walked down the hill to Marx Foods storefront, I thought “I’ve driven by here a million times but never stopped in!”  If your daily commute involves Western Avenue, you have too.

As a foodie in the retail biz, I’ll be honest, I know my way around specialty food shops.  I have my antennae up at farmers markets, industry expos and foodie events.  That said, I was impressed.  Sure there were items I’d seen before, but also products I hadn’t and they were off the beaten path enough for me to buy.  My favorite taste of the night was Cameroon Mango Vinegar, not sweet, but almost citrusy.  For $21 it was a total splurge, yet not too expensive to actually use.  What I liked most is that the staff was incredibly knowledgeable about the people behind the products.  Marx sells a wide variety of items, from meat to micro-greens.  You can order online or stop in to chat and taste, my preferred method.  I’m old school.

The tasting and retail floor at Marx Foods.

Product descriptions are direct recommendations from store employees.

My latest foodie purchase.

The cooking class begins!

Micro-green salad with edible flowers and lamb make for a special but low-mainenance dinner.

I encourage you to take a leisurely walk through Marx Foods; it’s a fun excuse to pick up that gourmet splurge you “need” and introduce something new to your culinary routine.

Happy cooking foodies!