CULINARY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Ideas to establish Florida - America's Culinary Paradise are up and running for 2008 and others are on the table for 2009
SUNCOAST FOOD ALLIANCE - 'YOUR FARM TO FORK SOURCE' SERIES OF EVENTS JOHN E MATTHEWS sent out the following Report on the first of three events that took place on Saturday January 10, 2009. (See the earlier Press Release about these events on our Press Release screen) We kicked off the Farm to Fork Series last Saturday at Polo Grill and Bar!: When we originally discussed this event, we thought we could get 30 people to come. So you know we were happy when 68 attended. I had done something similar during the Small Farm Expo in Sarasota in 2006, but not with as professional a group as what Tommy Klauber has assembled. My hats off to the effort put in - it showed. This 'seminar' highlighted what is grown in the area, how it is grown, and why fresh, local foods are important to your personal and economic health. Executive Chef Damon Vogel at Polo Grill did a great job of using local items and turning them into amazing treats for your mouth. This was followed by tours of King Farm-Myakka and Dakins Dairy where we learned about heirloom tomato and eggplant production and how a modern dairy operates. Even though both the 'seminar' and the tours ran a little long, not a person complained and resulted in an increase of people receiving this email. Welcome to all newbies!
FLORIDA FOOD & WINE SYMPOSIUM AT THE FIORELLI WINERY A fun day happened on a Sunday afternoon at the FIORELLI WINERY in the Lakewood Ranch area near Sarasota, on Sunday 19 October, 2008. SLOW FOOD and FARM TO FORK SOURCES activities will be highlighted together with the Florida produced Wines from the FIORELLI WINERY. There were Presentations by Speakers from Slow Food Sarasota and John Matthews of Suncoast Food Alliance. Noreen, from the International Cordon d' Or - Gold Ribbon Culinary Academy Awards organization presented a ‘DEMONAR’ – A Culinary demonstration, with ‘chit-chat’ on the origins, folklore and legends surrounding the fresh ingredients, herbs and spices used in the preparation of a variety of Ratatouille dishes, followed by a tasting. Antonio and Rosa, owners of the Fiorelli Winery organized a wine tasting, and tours of the Winery. John Matthews introduced "Your Farm to Fork Sources" Program, and arranged delicious food tasting from local restaurants who participated in the event - Big Sugar and the Ritz Carlton. The event served too as a Fund Raiser for Slow Food Sarasota, who are establishing the local Chapter. Cookbooks plus other Culinary items were provided for auction.
© 2008 Cordon d'Or - Gold Ribbon Inc. |
