Eat and drink locally. Sample some of the best wines and cheeses, fresh produce and Texas-raised meats at the "Set a Course for Texas Wines" event presented by The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas and GoTexan. Find out why Texas wines and GoTexan cheesemakers are winning awards in the Lone Star State and beyond!
Event details:
Monday, March 31, 2008, 6-9pm, $40
Tasting: Set a Course for Texas Wines
Location: Dallas Contemporary, 2801 Swiss Avenue, Dallas
Cost: $40
Reservations (non-refundable): online or phone 512.327.7555
(http://winefoodfoundation.org/index.html)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Taste Portugal's answer to Texas heat
Portugal's antidote for North Texas heat: fresh, soft, young Vinho Verde.
Walkaround Vinho Verde wine tasting at Milestone Culinary Arts Center, 4531 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205, 214.526.3942. Hosted by the Vinho Verde Commission and the European Union.
Details: Monday, April 7th, from 5-7pm, no charge.
Info: 800.575.4415 x382; or email dallas57[at]janetkafka[dot]com
Walkaround Vinho Verde wine tasting at Milestone Culinary Arts Center, 4531 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205, 214.526.3942. Hosted by the Vinho Verde Commission and the European Union.
Details: Monday, April 7th, from 5-7pm, no charge.
Info: 800.575.4415 x382; or email dallas57[at]janetkafka[dot]com
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Farm Bill
Food is the basis of our economy, our culture and our society. Slow Food is aiming for a food system that is good, clean and fair. Farmers are at the heart of Slow Food. The Farm Bill that is currently being conferenced between the House and Senate is essential in providing for the future success of small and beginning farmers and the future of our food.
What are the big gains in the Farm Bill?
· $2 billion over 5 years for the Conservation Stewardship Program to assist farmers making a commitment with environmental outcomes
· Strong livestock reforms: providing steps to stop unfair contract practices between ranchers and meatpackers
· Mandatory funding for Sustainable Agriculture Coalition programs such as:
o $40 M for Organic Farming Research
o $30 M for Farmer’s Market Promotion programs
o $22 M for Organic Certification Cost-sharing programs
· Important Policy changes:
o “Sodsaver” provision to discourage cropping on native praire
o Reduced interest rate and better terms for beginning Farmer and Rancher loans
o Removal of barriers to organic farmers’ access to crop insurance
What’s missing in the Senate Bill?
o The Senate Bill does not go far enough in funding new farm and rural income opportunities
o It fails to fund “Value-Added Producer Grants
o It fails to fund “Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program”
o It failed to pass the Dorgan-Grassley payment limit amendment
(this amendment would have capped commodity payments)
What can we do?
o Read Food Fight by Dan Imhoff which explains the importance of the Farm Bill
o Write or contact your representative
o Make a difference through your buying choices; policy and legislation aren’t the only places to make a difference
Learn more about the Farm Bill through Slow Food resources on the Slow Food website
What are the big gains in the Farm Bill?
· $2 billion over 5 years for the Conservation Stewardship Program to assist farmers making a commitment with environmental outcomes
· Strong livestock reforms: providing steps to stop unfair contract practices between ranchers and meatpackers
· Mandatory funding for Sustainable Agriculture Coalition programs such as:
o $40 M for Organic Farming Research
o $30 M for Farmer’s Market Promotion programs
o $22 M for Organic Certification Cost-sharing programs
· Important Policy changes:
o “Sodsaver” provision to discourage cropping on native praire
o Reduced interest rate and better terms for beginning Farmer and Rancher loans
o Removal of barriers to organic farmers’ access to crop insurance
What’s missing in the Senate Bill?
o The Senate Bill does not go far enough in funding new farm and rural income opportunities
o It fails to fund “Value-Added Producer Grants
o It fails to fund “Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program”
o It failed to pass the Dorgan-Grassley payment limit amendment
(this amendment would have capped commodity payments)
What can we do?
o Read Food Fight by Dan Imhoff which explains the importance of the Farm Bill
o Write or contact your representative
o Make a difference through your buying choices; policy and legislation aren’t the only places to make a difference
Learn more about the Farm Bill through Slow Food resources on the Slow Food website
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Food Fight at AFI Dallas - Sat, April 5th & Sun, April 6th
Throw out your fast food and get ready to see a real Food Fight. Chris Taylor's documentary is the on list of films to be presented at this year's AFI Dallas International Film Festival on Sat, April 5th and Sun, April 6th. Details and tickets available from AFI Dallas. According to Chris, the film is still a work in progress and he hopes that Slow Food members can come to the screening, see the film and give him feedback. The film is truly a labor of love.
"Why can't I get a good tomato anymore?' Because the biggest farmers, the biggest food processing companies, and the US government don't care about taste and nutrition. They care about dollars. Fortunately there are a passionate group of small farmers, food activists and chefs who are fighting back and are leading a grass roots, democratic food movement that is returning taste, nutrition, and pleasure to the act of eating."
Visit the website for "high octane" goodies including a tasty trailer:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)