Chef George Easter not only creates magical cuisine that generates comments like, "he's a culinary genius", "his menus emulate the arctic skies", he is a strong food system leader. His focus is on being all that and also in creating upscale elegance in his restaurant where every plate tells a story.

And what a story it is! He deliberately and thoughtfully chooses local ingredients in every dish he prepares, this not only makes his menus unique and unexpected, it also creates a strong connection to the local Farmers, Ranchers and Alaskan Fisherman.

George is Executive Chef at Latitude 65, a restaurant for the Borealis Base Camp in Fairbanks, Alaska. George is also one of the top five chefs in Pacific Northwest.

George is a strong supporter of local food systems, strong believer in sustainability and supports the community by holding charity dinners where all proceeds are distributed to agencies like Meals on Wheels and Soup Kitchen.

He is a unique person that is strongly motivated and intrinsically inspired to give back to the community and believes that by supporting local farmers and ranchers he would strengthen their work efforts and inspire others to procure more, thus creating a demand so farmers can grow more.

His dedication is extraordinary! Please take a listen and if you are inspired by his story, please nominate him for the James Beard Award at... https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards/how-to-enter

It's a success story of creating a food and community focused market where community and vendors come together to provide locally produced and crafted food to the most insecure area in our city.

Vendors line up every Tuesday to offer abundance of produce, eggs, baked goods, preserves, flowers, mushrooms, salsa, meat and seafood to the community. There are discounts available to those who need to use them, no questions asked. There is a free community meal every week, free to all, no questions asked. Last summer 4000 meals were served.

While this neighborhood is the most food insecure in our city, it is also a vibrant & active community with many members who participate in & support the Market.

Along with the neighborhood steering committee, Calypso Farm, and Breadline, the Southside Market is coming into its TENTH summer.

The Southside Market is dedicated to making quality, local food accessible to everyone. In their commitment to food justice, the Southside Market accepts SNAP (food stamps), WIC, Senior Farmers Market Coupons & offers “Pay What You Can” discounts – up to 50% off – to anyone in need.

A greenhouse rooted in tradition, Risse shows pride in what they sell. Their ongoing commitment and focus on building relationships and education is exemplary. Come meet this amazing family, listen to their story and aspirations.

Risse Greenhouse was started 65 years ago in Fairbanks, AK by Lee and Greta Risse. They were both homesteaders and evolved from growing vegetables and flowers for themselves, then for neighbors, then supplying to other greenhouses to transitioning into being a wholesaler for Fred Meyers, a retail store. That relationship, became burdensome as Fred Meyer's corporate started to dictate and create policies that Lee did not subscribe to. He went his separate way and the greenhouse became more of a retailer, selling to the people in the community. Or to "anyone that would drive out to the farm"

Lee and Greta's son Glen and his wife Crystal took the helm of the family business and it has evolved into what you see now as a large sprawling enterprise growing flowers, vegetables, as well as having a presence weekly at the Tanana Valley Farmers market.

Its a wonderful history and story of a family that is rooted in tradition, and pride in what they do. You will be inspired.

visit them at rissegreenhouse.com