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JX Foodie: Late August, long summer evenings, and dining al fresco

Collage of grilled corn on the co with parsley and cheese, olive oil being poured over multi colored pepper slices, grilled cheese topped potatoes with chives, assortment of grilled veggies
collage original images by Erika Bishop

In August the days are still long and evenings are still warm, the perfect conditions for eating outdoors.

On this first episode of JX Foodie, Erika Bishop and Will Smith join the Exchange to talk about some of their favorite spots for dining al fresco in the Rogue Valley region, in a fun free-flowing casual conversation. From casual eateries to fine dining, it's all about food, family, friends and community.

Tasty summer flavors from Erika and Will:

Erika recommends this guacamole recipe and adds a cool twist:

“This is one of my fav food blogs: https://www.loveandlemons.com/guacamole-recipe
So make this... chill some blueberries and toss in a handful for a pleasant taste of summer surprise!”

Tortilla chips, anyone?

Will's go-to is this New York Times gazpacho recipe, with a prep time of about 20 minutes plus cooling. Gazpacho is a versatile cold soup: pour it into glass flutes as a refreshing starter, or dress it up with garnishes for a full summer meal. Try croutons, crab meat, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado—you decide!

On the left a black and white headshot of Erika Bishop, on the right a picture of Will Smith and Mike Green under the JPR sign in the studio
Erika Bishop and JPR
Left: Erika Bishop, Right: Studio shot of Will Smith and Mike Green in the JPR studio

ABOUT

Erika Bishop is the owner of The Pot Rack since 202. The iconic kitchenware store has been in business for over 30 years in downtown Jacksonville. Before moving to Oregon, Erika worked in broadcasting in New York City as Executive Producer for The Food Network where she helped create multiple famous Chef brands, including Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay. Erika also writes a food column for Southern Oregon Magazine.

William Smith recently celebrated 30 years as a food stylist. He attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco in the 1980s and then trained in New York City with the prominent stylist Rick Ellis. William has styled over 40 cookbooks and developed a respected editorial flair by creating visuals that are loose and playful.

In 2007, William returned to the West Coast to help out with his aging parents. He worked on Hillshire Farms, 7/11 Stores, La Brea Bakery, Bon Appetit, and film productions in the LA area. When he moved to Chicago in 2012 to further his packaging experience, he styled for a variety of food corporations, such as: Nestle, Kraft, Bojangles, Grub Hub and the National Egg Board. In recent years, he made his way to his family’s home state of Oregon. William also hosts Savor, a monthly podcast, on Jefferson Public Radio.

Stay Connected
Mike Green is host of the Jefferson Exchange. Mike has lived in Southern Oregon for more than two decades. He is an award-winning journalist with over 20 years experience in media, specializing in media innovation, inclusive economics and entrepreneurship.
Natalie Golay is the Senior Producer of the Jefferson Exchange. She has a B.A. in Visual Arts, a certificate of recommendation in multimedia from the Vancouver Film school, and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. A communications professional for over 20 years, Natalie is a natural storyteller with extensive audio and video production skills.