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DEL.ICIO.USFarm to Table Finds
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s here! The “restaurant issue” of Gourmet magazine has hit the stands and this year’s topic is all about eating local.
It was thrilling to see three of the area’s restaurants listed as farm-to-fork ideals: Five & Ten in Athens, Floataway Cafe and the Farmhouse at Serenbe (though the magazine lists former chef Tony Seichrist instead of current chef Nic Bour). And Watershed chef Scott Peacock is credited for bringing artisanal Bobolink Dairy in New Jersey to the table - literally.
While it thrills me to know that a beacon of Gourmet’s stature has finally jumped on the eat-local farm wagon, it’s a little disturbing to think of who’s left off the list. I know — it would be impossible to mention all of our great chefs and farmers. But golly — Michael Tuohy of Woodfire Grill practically spearheaded the movement in Atlanta eons ago. Others that should’ve gotten a nod? Restaurant Eugene and the Globe.
It’s also a little bit of a personal peeve for the slow food movement to be chattered about in high-gloss print as a “trend” and to read that the “buzzwords of the moment are local, seasonal and sustainable.” While editor-in-chief Ruth Reichl does go on to call the “trend” a movement, it sickens me to think of a bunch of kaftan-coiffed ladies who lunch bandying these terms about over three martini lunches just to sound cool.
Water and our food supply are two of our biggest global issues. Global issues start locally. Sustainability cannot be a trend.
What’s your favorite eat-local restaurant? Who’s your favorite Georgia farmer?
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By Drew
October 2, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
I like Woodfire Grill for a restaurant, and I’ll give my nod to Charlotte & Wes Swancy at Riverview Farms for my favorite local farmers.
By laura
October 3, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
5 Seasons Brewery at the Prado has always been my favorite place to eat fresh and eat local. Chef Phillip Rainwater never disappoints, the food is consistantly fantastic and the menu has something for everyone. I am looking forward to the opening of their new location in midtown so I wont have to trek so far to get my fill.
By Jason Greene
October 3, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Of course I love Restaurant Eugene. But my hat is off to JCT Kitchen and Quionnes. Anne Q is always on her target, and presentations. She knows the resoures for locally grown organic farmers.
Jason G.
By Phil Lanier
October 3, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Meridith,
I’m one of your biggest fans, but you’ve got Slow Food all wrong. In Atlanta, it is a joke. It’s a big nothing. I left a message twice for some ditz that’s supposedly in charge and never got a call back.
In Chicago, where I was a member for years, the membership was composed of food writers, restauranteurs, chefs and foodies. We started an organic market in downtown Chicago, we showcased artisnal foods, we had Alice Waters and others in to speak, we arranged trips like one where we foraged for wild morels and then ate a meal composed of what we found (with a little boost from the stores of our guide). It was a big deal up there and incredibly rewarding.
So, I’ve got a great idea — in all your spare time, why don’t you kick the sorry behind of Slow Food Atlanta’s dimwit outta town and take it over. I know a lot of folks in the hinterland who are dying for something better than the Olive Garden mentality.
Phil
By Travis Burch
October 3, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
Farm 255 in Athens deserves a shout-out here. These folks are walking the talk: planting and harvesting much of the produce used in the restaurant.
By meridith ford
October 3, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Wow! Not a lot of comments, but each an impassioned one! Give Slow Food time here guys. Grass roots support is what we need! Don’t forget Fields of Green this weekend — see Liz Lee’s post for details.
By Judith Vanderver
October 3, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
Slow Food Chicago put out a book on local restaurants etc. I found restaurants in Chicago, Frontera and North on Pond via the Slow Food website.
I think Julie Shaffer is doing a fabulous job, send her an email and join Slow Food Atlanta! I just received an email from her detailing the fall events. Let’s celebrate all the fabulous restaurants that nurture our farmers!
My favorites have already been listed, except Shauns Cafe in Inman Park. Yum! Woodfire Grill, Restaurant Eugene and Five Seasons Brewing are the ones we frequent.
My favorite farmers? Laurie and Will Moore, Moore Farms and Friends.
Our Church hosts a pickup for their CSA and they have volunteered time and plants for my daughter’s school garden.
By the way, Alice Waters is coming to Atlanta! Thanks Emory and CDC and probably Slow Food and Les Dames!