By: Barb Magee | November 20 2010
Posted in Rogue Valley - Cook It - Rogue Valley

Photo: Barb Magee

Combine energetic Italian family-taught cook, Nora LaBrocca, with a homey dramatic retail space in downtown Medford, and you have the fixings for outstanding fare, stocked shelves of pantry items, fun group cooking classes and tasting events at the Downtown Market Company she co-owns with husband Brian Witter. Together they have created a space reminiscent of a big city neighborhood shop that serves as the perfect place for grabbing a seat at the lunch country, securing last-minute dinner items, or stopping in for the occasional local wine tasting.

In little more than a month, her on-site cooking classes already have a strong following, owed in good measure to her comfortable teaching style, accessible recipes for the home cook, and the chance to cook in a real restaurant kitchen! Students pair up and work together under her close tutelage to turn out delectable dishes that are enjoyed by all at the end of the class. Camaraderie flows among the class participants during this fun way to spend a post-workday evening or Saturday afternoon.

The store has a strong commitment to selling local products, such as SunStone Breads, Rogue Creamery cheese, and Dagoba chocolate, among others, but shoppers can also find imported Italian San Marzano tomatoes and pastas. Owing to the onsite Taste Kitchen ovens, mouthwatering and visually extraordinary pastries can be found every day in the store's display case. Think "chocolate cake lollipops"!

Earlier this month, Nora led a fun Small Bites cooking class, with recipes ranging from Onion and Blue Cheese Tarts to Limoncello Cheesecake Bites.

Onion and Blue Cheese Tarts, before Photo: Barb Magee

       

Onion and Blue Cheese Tarts, after Photo: Barb Magee

Grilled Zucchini Rolls Photo: Barb Magee

   

Kale and Currant Crostini Photo: Barb Magee

You can sign up for the weekly e-news with cooking class announcements, weekly lunch menu to eat in or order to-go, and special holiday event invites. Downtown Market Co. is an exciting addition to the growing food and wine scene in Southern Oregon. 

Location:
231 E. Main Street
Medford, OR
(541) 973-2233

< Prev		Next >