Market Chef Michael Martin
The Franklin Farmers Market is proud to announce that Chef Michael Martin, owner of South Fork Catering, is the new personal market chef! Chef Michael will be with us once a month using products from our farmers for food demonstrations. Customers will be able to learn recipes and cooking tips to help them make the most of in season produce at the market. His two recent recipes of Pan Seared Denver Steak with Spring Vegetables and Organic Kale Salad with Buttermilk Dressing pleasantly demonstrates Chef Michael’s passion for local food from Tennessee Farms. .
Chef Michael says, “I’m so excited to be the first Market Chef of the Franklin Farmer’s Market! It’s really humbling to be among all of these farmers and ranchers who work so hard to bring good wholesome food to our community I am in awe that they do this day in and day out each week, regardless of the weather or difficult circumstances, you can count on them. Cooking at the FFM this year will be so much fun! I feel like a kid in a candy store, having so many wonderful products to choose from! It’s just such a special place. I can’t wait to talk to all of the folks who’ll stop by to try a sample of what we’ve cooked, and share part of the story of our local food culture.”
In 2015 Chef Michael Martin started his own catering company with wife, Romana , South Fork Catering Company. Michael and Romana believe that food tastes best when it’s ethically raised and local and have been supporters of the Franklin Farmers Market since the beginning of the market. They have been sourcing food from local farms Delvin Farms, Bloomsbury Farm and Hatcher Dairy for many years for various catering events. “Shopping the market each Saturday morning is amazing; there is always something new and exciting to try”, says Michael. “All of the produce looks so fresh because chances are it was picked early that morning! Plus getting to shake the hand (sometimes getting a hug) of the farmer that has tended the land with care to raise livestock or crops is truly gratifying.”
We are honored that Chef Michael has come on board as our official market chef, and we look forward to his culinary expertise and creations. Look for Chef Michael at the Franklin Farmers Market the last Saturday of every month on the patio near the picnic tables.
Chef Michael Martin is owner and chef of South Fork Catering in Franklin Tennessee.
