Rave Reviews for Our Own Martin Carbajal of La Mesita

Here's a rave review of Martin's cooking.  We're lucky to have you at our market, Martin.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine to Enjoy at Home

Written by Anna Russell,  Firehouse Gourmet

What's hot on the local food scene right now?  Fresh and all natural!  If you're a locavore, summer is your sweetest season in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.  There's an abundance of fruit, vegetables, and herbs to complement the local meat, poultry and dairy that is available all year long.  Peterborough has three farmers' markets each week on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Lakefield has one on Thursday as well.  There are more than 30 farmers' markets in central Ontario. Check KawarthaNOW.ca for a listing of times and locations.

 A local chef in Lakefield is making great use of all these fresh ingredients and his name is Martin Carbajal (pronounced Marteen Carbahal).  Martin hails from Mexico City where he was the head chef of a successful restaurant.  He decided he needed a change of pace and at a friend's suggestion, took a job on an Alaskan cruise ship.  There he met his future wife who happened to have grown up on the shores of Chemong Lake.  They now reside with their young twins in Lakefield, and is that ever good news for us foodies!

Martin has started his own business, La Mesita Catering, offering authentic Mexican cuisine along with Canadian dishes featuring local ingredients.  He uses traditional family recipes in addition to ones he's adapted to suit seasonal ingredients and local tastes.  His all natural, freshly prepared salsas and sauces are available at the Lakefield Farmers' Market on Thursdays from 10am-3pm, in the parking lot of the arena.  There you can also try some of his weekly featured main dishes such as Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce or Pulled Pork in Chipotle Maple Sauce.  His booth is nearly a sell-out every week, a testament to the taste and quality of his foods which have been described by customers as flavourful, authentic, and honest.   

Martin also delivers fresh salsas and sauces weekly to The Little Market in Lakefield, and FireHouse Gourmet in East City, Peterborough.  His Pico de Gallo has the bright summer flavours of tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro and lime, perfectly refreshing on a hot summer day.  Guacamole, Salsa Verde with Avocado, and Pickled Onions are great on tacos, quesadillas, burgers, and grilled chicken or fish.  His parsley and cilantro based Chimichurri, a traditional Argentinian steak sauce, makes a perfect pesto-style topping for chicken, fish, shrimp or cold pasta.   

Most importantly, Martin prepares his foods with the freshest ingredients so that they burst with flavour.  When summer vegetables wind down, Martin will turn his attention towards fall and winter soups, again making use of what each season has to offer.  He has plans to prepare frozen traditional Mexican dishes in the future, as well.

The local seasonal bounty of all natural ingredients and foods makes the job of being a locavore a pretty easy and tasty task!
 

Martin Carbajal : (705) 875-2505 : www.lamesitacatering.com