FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA–Who knew that the Helena Beautification Board had an executive chef in its midst? Vice Chairman Brain Puckett will be the chef of the week at Helena Market Days on Saturday, June 24.

Before beginning his career in banking, Puckett was an executive chef in Auburn and worked in the hospitality industry. One of his featured recipes is a fried green tomato stack that is still on the menu at Hamilton’s restaurant in Auburn.

Puckett’s motto with cooking has always been “Classic southern food with a modern twist,” Puckett said. “The Garden2Table movement is catching on in Helena. More and more families are choosing to grow their own vegetables. I’m growing tomatoes, carrots, peppers and peas this year. It’s great when you can bring the harvest indoors and cook up something good.”

Brian will be cooking up his fried green tomato stack along with a rosemary infused chicken dish that everyone will enjoy. The demo starts at 9 a.m. with plenty of samples to go around and copies of the featured recipes for those to take home and try.

“Our board exists to help foster a sense of community, create connections and a sense of belonging,” Puckett said. “Helena Market Days does just that by bringing people together to enjoy good food, music and more. I am proud to be a part of this year’s events at the market.”

The Helena Beautification Board is an appointed board of the Helena City Council. The board believes that people and places are profoundly connected and thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action. They host a variety of opportunities for the community to come together and serve each year. Events are posted on the Helena Beautiful Facebook page and announced via Twitter at @TweetHomeHelena. Visit their website at HelenaBeautiful.com.