Cooking display adds flair to Arena Park market

The farmers' market at Arena Park was full of curious onlookers Wednesday as chef DeWayne Schaaf began to receive bright red tomatoes, stalks of basil, a whole chicken and even some dried wild flowers from vendors.

"I'll try to get a little bit from everyone," Schaaf promised, "Just so we can get a taste of what all the market offers."

The pavilion where he worked was full by the time he began to ready the items for his cooking demonstration. Colorful yellow squash and bottles of different vinegars were placed on a table by a single burner.

While Schaaf normally prepares meals in the kitchen at Celebration's restaurant, today he planned to make several dishes, including smoked chicken and smashed potatoes, using items provided by vendors.

The Arena Park farmers' market is only three months old, but has grown to accommodate more than 15 stalls.

While Schaaf began to cook his first dish, more people gathered, some held recent purchases and others took notes so they could try to recreate his creations at home.

Schaaf said he often purchases supplies for the restaurant at area farmers' markets.

"Using local food helps the community," Schaaf said.

Owen Newman, of Glenallen, Mo., said he comes to this market because of the quality of the fresh produce.

"I know when you get into production, how that can run," Newman said. " I don't like chemicals. I don't like additives."

When Schaaf finished his first two dishes they were put on glass serving plates and placed, with plastic forks, on a nearby picnic table. People eagerly filed forward for their first taste.

As the group began trying the ratatouille -- vegetable stew with southern French origins -- they commented on the flavor of the produce.

"This is one of the nicest locations for a market I've ever seen," Newman said, as the shade from surrounding trees and a cool breeze helped keep the temperature down. "I'd like to see this expand."

Schaaf continued to put vegetables and oils in the hot skillet, occasionally sharing some of his grandmother's cooking secrets and tips.

Rachel Fasnacht, of Family Friendly Farms, joined the group of people watching Schaaf work. Fasnacht said the market started out kind of slow but has grown.

"We have a lot of repeat customers," Fasnacht said.

"Some come with their children and other people come here and see neighbors and friends they haven't seen in a while."

Time passed quickly as Schaaf removed the chicken from the charcoal chimney in which it cooked.

The crowd enjoyed the flavor of the fresh chicken while Schaaf finished the day by experimenting with a few leftover ingredients.

"As I've went, I've learned a lot," Schaaf told his audience, "Some from experimenting, some from eating. Mostly from eating."

Ann Barsh and Michelle Knowles, who are visiting family in Cape Girardeau, decided to stop for flowers and enjoyed the market.

"Seems like people here are a little more friendly," Barsh said, "I like a friendly neighborhood."

Terre Chriss, of Gatherings Catering, believes the Arena Park market will continue to grow.

"It's pretty incredible how quickly we've grown," Chriss said, "What is so unique about this market is the variety. We sell everything from fresh produce to homemade soaps, honey, flowers, iron work and pastries baked from scratch."

The Arena Park market will be open Wednesdays, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., until October and Schaaf will be back for more demonstrations.

dfarley@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 226