Market Ambassador: Laiko Bahrs
October 22, 2013
We are very excited about our newest customer service initiative: the CUESA Market Ambassador program. The Market Ambassador is like a roving concierge, available to answer your questions about where sellers are located, what’s in the market, parking, programs, culinary tips, and more!
On Saturday, October 26, our Market Ambassador is CUESA PR and Marketing Committee member Laiko Bahrs. Laiko is a culinary consultant and food event producer and co-founder of Epicuring. Her clients have included San Francisco Culinary School, Gilt, Andrew Freeman Company, James Beard Foundation, and more. Laiko will be at the Info Booth and in the market from 9:30 to 11:30 am to answer your farmers market questions. Meet Laiko.
CUESA: When did you join the CUESA Marketing Committee?
Laiko: I started in 2012 to work with CUESA on the strategic planning around the 20th anniversary and beyond.
CUESA: What projects have you been working on at CUESA?
Laiko: All of us share our ideas and give recommendations for ways
CUESA can reach a variety of audiences (such as media and food community and corporate partners) for their fantastic events and programs, like the cocktail series, Sunday Supper, and Foodwise Kids. We also came up with the new Market Ambassador program as a way for supporters on the marketing committee and board to spend time at the market interacting and sharing the CUESA story with shoppers.
CUESA: What made you want to join the CUESA Marketing Committee?
Laiko: I’ve been a shopper and supporter of the market for close to 20 years and feel CUESA is one of the linchpins to what makes San Francisco such a great food community.
CUESA: What have you learned during your time with CUESA?
Laiko: Mostly about all the programs that CUESA does so well, especially the Foodwise Kids program, which teaches San Francisco elementary school students about where produce comes from and how to make a nutritious and delicious meal. I’ve heard the kids in the kitchen with Elianna in a state of such happiness. It makes me want to be a kid again!
CUESA: Where does your interest in food come from?
Laiko: I’ve always had a passion for cooking and eating, and now I especially love how delicious food brings people together. I’ve felt really grateful to have the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market right in my backyard, so I can access and learn about food from farmers and chefs.
CUESA: What do you do when you aren’t conducting CUESA committee business?
Laiko: Besides cooking and thinking about food, I’m working with good food business owners on their marketing and publicity strategy, as well as working on Epicuring.com, a food calendar I co-founded.
CUESA: What is your favorite part about being on the CUESA committee?
Laiko: Spending time with committee members and sharing ideas that benefit the local food community.
CUESA: Do you have an insider market tip or a favorite produce item at the market right now?
Laiko: I love the microseason between summer and fall—the last of the eggplants and tomatoes, and the arrival of sunchokes and Delicata squash.
Topics: Market Ambassador