Ma and Pa Chukar took a leap of faith when they hired me as manager of the Chukar Cherries store in Pike Place Market. My employment history ranges from presenting small animal shows at Utah’s Hogle Zoo to bank teller-ing. When I interviewed for the job at Chukar I was caregiving for my great aunt. I did not have any experience hiring or scheduling employees, I did not think much of business concepts like “sales goals,” and I dreaded meetings. What I do enjoy is having fun! And around Pike Market, if one is not having fun it is probably time for some food or a nap.

I started with Chukar three years ago during the city-stopping snowstorm of December ’08. Seattle shut down, leaving the Market a chilly ghost town. However that did not stop Chukar from opening, nor did it keep die-hard Chukar fans away. One customer even used his cross-country skis to make it to the Market!

Seasonality is one of the many things I love about working at Pike Place. We see time passing as we layer on sweaters in the fall and peel them off in springtime. Every year we watch the rhythmic flow of fruit, flowers and family vacations. There is no better place to embrace the adage carpe diem. Those fresh snap peas won’t be there tomorrow, and those interesting people from a distant locale only have a few moments to share their unique story.

Market fare is also quite seasonal and everyday at Pike turns me into a bit more of a foodie. Since I spend so much time trying to get other people to recognize the delicious possibilities of dried cherries I try not to be a hypocrite when faced with a new menu item.

One of my favorite Chukar recipes is for Cherry Sweet Tea. I sip on this drink to wind down and enjoy long summer evenings in Seattle. It includes both Chukar’s Cherry Blossom Green Tea and our new Dessert Cherries. I’ve included the work night and weekend versions. Cheers!