The Spirit Behind Alma Foods and Catering

Eugene’s Table member, Alma Foods and Catering offers thoughtful meal experiences and sells products at local grocers including Market of Choice. Owner, Robin Brown-Wood is also an passionate community member involved in a number of other food related projects.

When Robin Brown-Wood moved to Eugene with her husband 23 years ago, she had a game plan.

“The first thing I do when I move to a new town is find a hairdresser,” she said. “Then I find the fish market and the butcher shop. That’s what my mother always taught me: Buy your meat from the butcher and your fish from the fishmonger.”

Brown-Wood immediately found Long’s Meat Market and Newman’s Fish Market, where she still goes to get whatever fish or meat she might need for her personal pantry or catering endeavors.

“I grew up in a diverse place. We were exposed to cultures and flavors from all over the world,” Brown-Wood said.

She credits her upbringing for her style of cooking. Her food is packed with flavor and is deeply rooted in Southern cooking techniques: “I love everything with beans and greens and I only buy the best food from all of our amazing local farmers.”

Collard Green Wontons With Sriracha Aioli and Sweet Potato Cobbler With Bourbon Sauce are some of her signature dishes. Incorporating flavors from around the world into traditional Southern dishes is one of her greatest passions.

*Reported by The Register Guard