Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Ingather: The Stories of Chicago Chefs' Favorite Farmers and KICKSTARTER.COM!
Hello Friends-
The time has finally come-- after a long winter and spring of planning and fine-tuning-- I am launching my project:
Ingather: Stories of Chicago Chefs' Favorite Farmers
INGATHER is a photography and video website database that will tell the unique and behind the scenes stories of our local farms and farmers-- which are playing an increasingly prominent role in our food culture. I'm hittin' the road with some of my creative colleagues- and visiting Chicago chefs' favorite farmers. I will create a series of photographs and videos- and a website database that will convey each farmer's unique story and bring more life and meaning to the term "Farm to Table."
I am fundraising for 30 days on Kickstarter.com. I hope that you'll join me on this adventure!
Kate
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Farmers Market Cheer, January-April
Winter Farmers Markets are here!
Check out:
- Winter Markets- Sponsored by CCLP and Faith in Place
- Logan Square Farmers Market- EVERY Sunday- Congress Theater, 2135 N Milwaukee Ave 10-3 p.m.
- Chicago Green City Market- Every Other Saturday (Jan. 16, Feb. 13 & 27, Mar. 13 & 27, Apr. 10 & 24.) Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Dr. (at Fullerton) 8-1 p.m.
Today I spoke with Harry Carr of Mint Creek Farm. Mint Creek is selling at the GCM and Logan Square winter markets... and if you haven't tried their eggs and breakfast sausage-- youre missing out!
Its lambing season on the farm and he invited me down this week to shoot some photos. So please check back to see photos the little guys.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thanks to Everyone who attended our first networking and tasting event at Old Town Social!
Also- Just announced:
at UIC March 11-13 2010
The MUST ATTEND EVENT for:
Local Food
Farmers - Artisans - Foodies - Investors -
Industry Trade Professionals -
Food Policy Advocates -
Local Food System Stakeholders!
Thursday March 11: Financing Farm to Fork
The FamilyFarmed.org Financing Farm to Fork Conference supports the local food movement by encouraging investment in farm and food production, processing, and distribution businesses.
Opening keynote speaker Woody Tasch, author of Slow Money
sponsored by University of Chicago's Booth School of Business
Friday March 12: Food Policy Summit & EXPO Trade Day
The Chicago Food Policy Summit brings together community representatives, food businesses, farmers, city leaders, chefs, NGO's, and other food advocates to discuss and propose policies that will improve the quality of and access to fresh food in Chicago. Learn more
The FamilyFarmed EXPO is the leading Midwest trade show connecting farmers and food producers with trade buyers.
Keynote speaker Will Allen, CEO of Growing Power
Friday Evening March 12: Localicious Party
A Locavore's Delight! You won't want to miss the fun at this year's Localicious Party. It will feature scrumptious local food and libations, great networking, an opportunity to connect with leaders in our community.
Saturday March 13: Local Food Festival
Rick Bayless leads our lineup of all star celebrity chefs, speakers, authors, food artisans and, of course, family farmers! Spend the day enjoying a wide selection of local food, gifts and great information to help you eat healthy year-round, while supporting local farms and businesses.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Join Us November 17th for our FIRST Food & Networking Event at Old Town Social!
Tasting Menu by Chef Jared Van Camp:
Butternut Squash Sour Shots
Roasted Beet Bruschetta w/ Goat Feta
Alaska Wild Salt Cod Fritters and Fried Bread & Butter Pickles, Spicy Aioli
Spicy Ducks Wings w/ Raita
Deviled Farm Eggs
House-made Salumi and Midwestern Cheese
Desserts:
Mini Pies- Sugarkist
Pumpkin Truffles- Rich Chocolates & Candies
Mini Ice Cream Cones- Nice Cream
2009 Nice Cream Fall Flavors:
Salted Chocolate Ice Cream with Marcona Almonds
Banana Bread Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate Chips
Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cookies
Sweet Potato Ice Cream with Toasted Marshmallows & Pecans
Banana Bread Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate Chips
Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cookies
Sweet Potato Ice Cream with Toasted Marshmallows & Pecans
Participants:
Tuesday November 17th
6:30-10 p.m.
Old Town Social
455 North Ave. Chicago (at Cleveland)
Tickets $30/ $35 at door (includes tax & gratuity)
Purchase at:
Thursday, November 5, 2009
We're Back.
Hello! As you can see we took a little break from the blog to figure a few things out. Now were back with some exciting news:
A.) We're having our first food & networking event Nov 17th with Old Town Social!
B.) We are working on a sustainable food sourcing guide for restaurants and food service- More about that soon.
C.) Yes- Photo links!:
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute Field Trip w Jim J
Visit to Prairie Fruits Farm with Stephanie Izard- for a Tasty Life Taping!
Visit to Prairie Fruits Farm with Stephanie Izard- for a Tasty Life Taping!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Taste of the Nation Chicago
I do 90% of my grocery shopping at the Green City Market. I enjoy walking around tasting every blueberry before I purchase the sweetest. I know that in the grand scheme of things, I’m lucky in my eating habits: I have no other mouths to feed, I can afford to pay market prices, and my schedule allows time to cook instead of relying on whatever’s near and quick. Many aren't so fortunate: 1 in 4 families in the Chicago area live below the poverty line, and more than 12 millions kids in the US have limited access to the nutritious foods that are so important for healthy development.
Last Thursday evening I attended Taste of the Nation- Share Our Strength's traveling fundraiser which brings together top culinary talent at over 45 events across the US and Canada. Chicago’s event, held at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory was chaired by Pastry Chef Mindy Segal and benefited the Chicago Greater Food Depository, Illinois Hunger Coalition, and Near North Health Service Corporation.
The event spanned a food pyramid of three floors. The first floor was an expanse of food & booze. The second- Cheese & Desserts (aka Sugar Coma Floor), and the third, well, more fine fine drinks. What a world.
The highlights:
Bistro Campagne’s duck confit with Klug Farms peach compote, Hot Chocolate’s braised goat & corn chowder, and Sola's miso cod with spicy greens, radishes, and a crispy slice of lotus root.
As far as drink options go, Adam Segar’s raspberry negroni was right up my alley. (And I can’t wait to head to Nacional 27 to sample the ground cherry cocktail he described.) And I always enjoy the Goose Island beer and culinary pairings.
Hoosier Mama had cherry pie on a stick (who knew?!) and there were the most euphoric little chocolate desserts from Sofitel. Della Gosset of Charlie Trotter's nougat ice cream with honey comb, raspberries, and fresh sage- was an experience onto itself.
An unbelievable experience, though its a bit strange to focus on hunger through indulgence. But the reality is that the culinary world is really the driving force of change - especially here in the the chicago area. I volunteer with Common Threads, a non-profit founded by Art Smith focusing on teaching lower income kids about food and cooking. These kind of programs help to bridge the gap between a $100 a head indulgent benefit dinner and working with organizations who make change happen where the rubber meets the road.
By Kyle
Friday, August 14, 2009
Upcoming Local Food Events
Slow Food Eat-In at Daley Plaza:
Wednesday, August 26th
The Eat-In, on Wed. August 26th at Daley Plaza from 11AM to 1PM, is a free, fun, and inspiring rally in Daley Plaza in Chicago. Join us in supporting the change toward a more effective reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act. Bring you own lunch or visit one of our participating providers to pick up your Slow lunch and join the table with: Chicago’s own Bill Kurtis and Commissioner Mary Ellen Caron, city and state legislators, local farmers & purveyors, and partner organizations.
LEARN MORE
Purple Asparagus' Annual Benefit:
Sunday, August 30th
Slow Food Chicago's First Annual Pig Extravaganza:
Sunday, August 30th
Slow Food Chicago and Goose Island Brewery are teaming up for our first Pig Extravaganza, a fundraiser for Slow Food Chicago.
Join the party on Sunday, August 30th from 3-7pm.
Five celebrity chefs including Mike Sheerin and Paul Kahan of Blackbird and Publican will prepare delicious local pork and local produce. A vegetarian entrée by Uncommon Ground will be made with harvest from their organic rooftop garden. Goose Island craft beer and craft sodas are included. There will be tours of the brewery and music too!
Goose Island Brewery is located at 1800 W Fulton . Tickets are $55 per person and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/70198
Join the volunteer committee. You'll have a lot of fun and receive free admission!!!
Contact us at events@slowfoodchicago.org
Friday, September 4th
7-10 pm
2430 N Cannon Dr
Chicago, Illinois 60614
For $25, you'll indulge in some truly extraordinary and some never-before-tasted ice cream creations. It promises to be a Labor Day weekend that's sure to take the cake.
• Grand tasting of amazing and rare ice creams
• Live demonstrations & workshops
• The Great Chicago Brain Freeze - a delicious chef competition where you get the chance to vote for the winners and taste the results.
Grab a spoon and bring your bowl mate!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Outstanding in the Field- City Farm 2009
With the amazing stretch of summer we’ve been having lately, I was excited to have a wonderfully enticing reason to spend the evening outside eating amazing food. There were so many compelling pieces to last week’s Outstanding in the Field dinner.
First, the location: City Farm, situated in rapidly changing Cabrini Green, is just under an acre of urban agricultural wonderfulness. The view of the Chicago skyline through the 1000 shoulder high tomato plants (of 30 heirloom varieties) is an interesting juxtaposition – with bunnies scattering about and an apiary in the middle. City Farmers Tim and Joe led us around the farm telling stories of bee gatherings in front of the nearby Starbucks as well as fun facts like the average distance our food travels--1500 miles.
The hosts: Jim Denevan, founder, and Katie Oursler, Event Coordinator, have been traveling across the country hosting Outstanding in the Field since 2004. The dinners showcase farmers and their wares paired with awesome culinary talent – giving equal billing to the farmer as the chef, an attempt to elevate the farmer as a cultural figure.
The food: Hot Chocolate’s Mindy Segal and her chef Mark Steuer slaved away to bring the 170+ diners a culinary delight of dishes all served family style and placed on the trademark long white clothed table – quite elegant in fact. Everything was mouthwateringly good. The end of the night found me pretending to be part of the waitstaff so I could swipe another table’s remaining pecan pie.
And of course, the ingredients: Mindy made an early morning run to Green City Market while vendors packed the trunk of her taxi overflowing with farm fresh ingredients. Loading the Blue Marble heavy cream into the back (I moonlight as a Blue Marble sales gal), I enjoyed the full circle experience of providing ingredients in the morning and enjoying them that evening.
The drink: As always, there were options apleanty. Death’s Door Spirits were pouring two cocktails – a vodka cobbler with local blueberries and a whiskey smash. Three Floyds was on hand with their brewmaster Barnaby. Piece poured the first beer of the meal, and finally, wine from Black Star Farms, a northern Michigan producer (We hear this is the next big wine region- a weekend road trip is already in the works).
If you can afford the ticket ($200 a pop), I recommend checking out one of the OITF dinners. At a minimum, visit the website (outstandinginthefield.com) and fantasize about being Jim, life on the road, eating all those extraordinary meals.
By Kyle
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Last Week's Farm Photos
This week I visited some farms to familiarize myself with their land and their stories.
There is one key thing that I have learned from many farm visits over the years:
Everyone does it differently!
5 different growers in SW michigan- 5 different approaches.
I love hearing every grower's stories and approaches- and most importantly witnessing every one of these farmers passion for providing the best product to their customers.
As consumers, we are always a customer of a farm- whether directly or indirectly! Know the Story!
Currently we are working with businesses in the city to create these farm stories- and to build our site.
Please contact us at Hello@dishesanddirt.com for information on how to participate.
We can hardly wait for what's in store!
by Kate
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Taste of the Nation Chicago
Buy your ticket to the hottest food and wine event of 2009 and help fight childhood hunger.
Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation® is the nation's premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists -- all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America.
Please join host and 2009 Taste of the Nation Chicago Chair Chef Mindy Segal (HotChocolate Restaurant and Dessert Bar) for the premiere culinary tasting event in the city. The evening will feature over 25 of Chicago's best chefs, mixologists (led by Bridget Albert), Craft Beers, entertainment and much more.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Ravenswood Billboard Factory
4025 North Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL
6:00 - 11 PM
Oh, This is going to be real good! Happy Bellies all around!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Green City Market CHEF'S BBQ 2009
I awoke Thursday feeling the excitement of Christmas morning. But this grown up version was in anticipation of tasting the creations of over sixty Chicago area chefs as well as numerous beer, wine and spirit distilleries all gathered for Green City Market’s annual barbeque – all in only two hours (and all for $60 I might add)!
In preparation, myself and hundreds of others arrived early gain the advantage of walking into the BBQ at 6pm on the dot. And despite an early onslaught of rain, the weather did clear up which made visiting tables and chatting with the 2500+ other guests a decidedly enjoyable Chicago summer evening.
The evening was truly one of indulgence – from food to alcohol and conversational opportunities, there is no possible way to experience all the BBQ has to offer. But from my perspective, all in attendance made a valiant effort.
With no map to go by, I walked in and was happy to stumble upon Naha’s braised elk with salad, kohlrabi, candied onions, peaches and tarragon dish. From there I tried the wonderful offerings at Prairie Grass including not only a grilled mushroom crostini with goat cheese, but a drink of muddled peaches, local honey, mint and north shore vodka. At this point, with two plates and two drinks in my hand, my stomach was already cautioning me to slow down, but my mind said “go go go!”. I tried some dishes that made my pallet say wow like the Korean BBQ sandwich with Kimchee from Urban Belly, the Seedlings hard cider sorbet and grilled rabbit sausage with fennel relish from Crofton on Wells, the goat sausage with apricot butter from North Pond (it is a BBQ afterall), and the blueberry ice cream soda from Ritz Carlton. At an event where room in your stomach is at a premium, I also made some choices I afterward regretted (Mado’s beef tongue didn’t do much for my taste buds although kudos for the ingredient choice!) I’m so sad about everything I didn’t try (Vie, I didn’t know you were there until too late!) But I left that evening with too much of everything in my stomach so this event goer deems the GCM BBQ a huge success.
My advice for next year:
Buy your ticket early, map out your plan of attack before those gates open, don’t eat for a day or two before the event, and tell work not to expect you in the office the next day!
By Kyle Schott
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Fresh Screening July 30th!!!
FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture into an industrial model, and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet.
Among several main characters, FRESH features urban farmer and activist, Will Allen, the recipient of MacArthur’s 2008 Genius Award; sustainable farmer, entrepreneur and charmer, Joel Salatin, made famous by Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma; and supermarket owner, David Ball, challenging our Wal-Mart dominated economy.
The film is great and be sure to thank Matt & McCall for making the screenings in Chicago possible!
EVENT DETAILS:
Complimentary beer will be provided!
Doors open at 7pm, film starts at 7:30.
$10 donation suggested to help cover the cost of the venue and film license fee.
RSVP via email: FreshMovieChicago@gmail.com as seating is limited
Location & Directions:
EP Theater
1820 s. Halsted
EP is accessible via the #8 Halsted bus, the Halsted Metra stop, or 90/94. Enter the theater through the back door, opposite the Halsted facade.
The link to the press release with all the details: http://tinyurl.com/ml97xe
Fresh Website: http://www.freshthemovie.com/
By Stephanie
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sustainable Ag- What about it?
Last night at a BBQ a couple folks asked about sustainable agriculture and where to find more information. Great Question.
Our favorite online go-to resource is www.sustainabletable.org :
"Sustainable agriculture involves food production methods that are healthy, do not harm the environment, respect workers, are humane to animals, provide fair wages to farmers, and support farming communities. But rather than focus on the problems, Sustainable Table promotes the positive shift toward local, small-scale sustainable farming."
Thursday, July 9, 2009
International CHERRY PIT SPIT!
I do something a little different every 4th. When I found out about the annual International Cherry Pit Spitting Contest held at Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm in Eau Claire, MI- I knew it was the perfect adventure. So I packed up the car and headed down and around the lake.
But no 4th is complete without a small town parade. So it was just my luck upon riding into town that I discovered I was just in time to catch the slice of Americana I was looking for: Perfectly detailed floats carrying teenage pageant queens and farmers rolling bright green antique John Deere tractors down Main Street, U.S.A.
After the show, I was again on my way to Tree-Mendus Orchards- and arrived to catch the Women's and Men's Championship Rounds. This was the real deal- some Serious pit spittin' like I had never seen before! I ate a cherry brat and contemplated a cherry waffle "boat" while thoroughly entertained by the face and body gestures- and impressed by the distances the pits were projected.
After the spittin' ceased, and the Champions prized, I scoped out the grounds and snapped some photos. (Actually only a tiny fraction of it because it really is "Tree-Mendus"- including a store, picnic areas, goats, and pie cherry pitting facility.) I met family members Cindy & Olivia who took me for a horseback ride and practiced some pit spittin'. Later that evening I had a chance to meet members of the Teichman family- including founders Liz and Herb. They gave a little background about the farm and stated that one of their visions over 30 years ago was to provide a country haven for city dwellers- towering blocks of concrete in exchange for infiinite rows of trees dripping with fruit.
Its the perfect one-day getaway- solo or for a big ol' group.
For more info about Visiting and the Pit Spittin Contest:
http://www.treemendus-fruit.com/
Highlights from the rest of the weekend include:
Froehlich's, Three Oaks, MI
Skip's Farmers Market, New Buffalo, MI (Sat & Sun from 9-2)
Round Barn Winery, Baroda, MI
Its the perfect one-day getaway- solo or for a big ol' group.
For more info about Visiting and the Pit Spittin Contest:
http://www.treemendus-fruit.com/
Highlights from the rest of the weekend include:
Froehlich's, Three Oaks, MI
Skip's Farmers Market, New Buffalo, MI (Sat & Sun from 9-2)
Round Barn Winery, Baroda, MI
By Kate
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
RENT an ORGANIC APPLE TREE!
Thats right- Now you can rent you very own Certified Organic Apple Tree at Earth First Farms! Its so easy- and a fantastic deal.
Tom Rosenfield tells us how it works:
"For $50 you get the full harvest from a single tree of your choosing. You choose the variety (Paula Red, Macintosh, Empire, Jonathon, Red Delicious, Gold Delicious, Rome and Ida Red), and whether you want to pay us to pick your apples this fall and deliver them to a drop point in Chicago($60). Then, when we approach harvest, we will coordinate with you to join you with your apples. A typical tree yields 80 - 120 pounds of apples!"
This calls for summing up some family and friends having your very own little harvest party- making a day of it. OR plan on picking during EF's Annual Harvest Party- which is usually the first Saturday in October.
Times running out (one week!)- Its quite a commitment... But we're in! These apples are the BEST!
Visit:
http://www.earthfirstfarms.com/Rent%20A%20Tree.html
Earth First is about 2 hours from Chicago in Berrien Center, MI
Friday, July 3, 2009
Muddle Your Way Through the 4th- Strawberry-Basil Style...
Representing Slow Food Chicago last month, Mixologist, Adam Seeger & Suburban Homesteader, Amy Cox gave a demo at the Green City Market that just about blew my notion of a summer cocktail out of the water:
Muddled Fresh Strawberries and Basil, San Pelligrino, Apple Cider & a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar! No alcohol for the demo because it was at the market (...unless you had your flask on hand.)
I went straight home and made one or two more-- with whiskey. (Rum or Whiskey are perfect!)
For Adam Seeger's Recipe visit the Chicago Slow Food website (It differs a bit from the one at the demo.)
Happy 4th & Enjoy!!
By Kate
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About Me
- Dishes & Dirt
- The Dishes & Dirt blog explores some of what Chicago has to offer when it comes to eating delicious sustainable food and supporting our local food economy.