Slow Food Dallas

Shop the McKinney Farmers Market with Claudine

2010-06-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

I’m going to make a shopping trip to the McKinney Farmers Market this Saturday morning (June 12th) and wondered if you might want to come along? I think the McKinney Farmers Market is a great one and some of the farmers who regularly sell there are Slow Food Members. I like to get there early because you have the best selection and you’ll beat some of the hot temperatures that come as the day goes on. If you’d like to meet us there, we’ll be near the entrance on the north side of Chestnut Square where the big parking lot is at 9 am. If you plan to shop bring an ice chest or cooler with you as you may want to spend the morning and then have lunch with us at 11 am at Gregory’s Bistro in downtown McKinney.

For more information, directions, etc. go to:

www.chestnutsquare.org

Claudine Martyn

Slow Food Member and AWIF's Days of Taste Program

2010-04-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

Slow Food Members-join us again for Days of Taste!

Chefs, Foodies, Nutrition Experts, Farmers and Growers—come one, come all!
Be a part of the Coolest Field Trip of All!
It’s Days of Taste Time Again!

Join us as we explore the ABC’s of Taste & Health through the American Institute of Wine and Food Days of Taste Program. Held at the Dallas Farmer’s Market, Days of Taste provides a unique field trip experience for 4th and 5th grade elementary students in Dallas public schools. Through the program, students have the opportunity to explore the nuances of taste through the five senses with a tasting component guided by a chef, a visit with a local farmer to discover the wealth and variety of products grown and that are available locally, and prepare a Harvest salad using fresh produce that the they have purchased themselves at the Dallas Farmer’s Market. Volunteer culinarians and nutritionists share their enthusiasm for fresh ingredients, cooking, and love of food. The program teaches kids the concept of “from farm to table”-one that is difficult for kids to grasp these days.

Our Spring 2010 Dates:

Monday, 5/3
Tuesday, 5/4-FULL
Wednesday, 5/5-FULL
Thursday, 5/6

Monday, 5/10-FULL
Tuesday, 5/11
Wednesday, 5/12
Thursday, 5/13

Shifts are from 9:00AM-1:00 PM
10/12 volunteers needed per day-bring your friends!
Dallas Farmer’s Market
Free parking
T-shirt, Lunch and Volunteer Instructions are provided

Volunteer responsibilities include:

* Greeting the students and teachers as they arrive at the market
* Overseeing hand washing
* Assisting chefs and growers as needed
* Assisting students with tasting component
* Assisting in the shopping and preparation of the Harvest salad
* Clean up and other duties as assigned

For more information and to sign up, please contact Robin Plotkin at robin@robinplotkin.com or 214-725-3947. To learn more about AIWF and the Days of Taste Program, please see the Days of Taste link under Programs. Www.aiwf.org/dallasftworth

Free Screening of No Impact Man April 24th

2010-04-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

Click here for more details.

First Annual Slow Food Dallas Tour de Coops - May 1st, 2010

2010-04-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

We have organized an eclectic tour of six residential chicken coops in the Dallas area on Saturday, May 1st. The tour will begin in a central parking location (If you are going on the Tour, plan to meet at the Dart parking lot at Mockingbird Station at 9 am. We will gather in the northeast corner of the parking lot. If you have any problems locating the group contact Jim Shade on his mobile phone, 214-893-8983. ) so we can car pool to the coops. We'll be all over town before the day is over... Oak Cliff, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, Henderson and Richardson. Click here to see the coop map. We'll break up the day with lunch (included)at Smoke at the Belmont Hotel in Oak Cliff.

Forget your preconceived notions about to who raises chickens in Dallas... we'll be visiting coops by a prominent modernist architect, an acclaimed local photographer, a community activist, 2 of Dallas' favorite landscape designers, and an urban mom who sells eggs. Each coop is uniquely conceived. Their owners will join us to discuss each one and answer all your chicken-and-egg questions. It will be a great tour.

This tour is limited to the first 6 dozen participants (that's egg math for 72) who sign up.

The fee for this event includes lunch at Smoke:

$35 for member
$40 for non-members
Date May 01, 2010 (9 am to 4:30 pm)

Tickets may be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets.

No RSVP will be considered final unless it matches a Brown Paper Ticket sale.

Whole Foods Campaign "Let's Retake Our Plates" to Benefit Slow Food Dallas

2010-04-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

What do you know about the cattle that your burger came from? Is that salmon fillet from a wild-caught fish or farm-raised — and what does that mean for the planet? Can you identify all of the ingredients in your favorite cupcake? What does it mean for a tomato to be labeled organic, conventional or local?

All of the questions and messages about food and where it comes from can be daunting, especially when you just want to get dinner on the table in a hurry. But your conscience tugs at you, saying: "What I eat matters. Not only for my health but for that of other people and the planet."

You're not alone. A lot of us feel this way. And you're right: food choices do matter. What we put on our plates affects the world and its people every day. We cast a ballot with every bite. We vote with our food dollars for organic, for ethical trade, for planet-friendly, for whatever is important to us. The more we vote for better choices, the more positive change happens in the food industry and in the world.

Bottom line: what we eat matters. Yes, the small food choices we make every day can add up to big change. Yes, it requires more than swallowing thoughtless food conventions. Yes, it makes a difference.

Let’s Retake Our Plates.

It all starts with learning where your food comes from and we’re doing our part with a film series about our food supply and the visionary people who are making it better, one bite at a time. Tickets are $7 at the door, first come, first served and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Slow Food Dallas. For more information contact Carla Chavez at carla.chavez@wholefoods.com or 972-757-4963.

Tuesday, April 20
7:00pm
The Magnolia (West Village)
3699 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75204

The Future of Food

The Future of Food, a groundbreaking documentary released in 2004, distills the complex technology and key regulatory, legal, ethical, environmental and consumer issues surrounding the troubling changes happening in the food system today-genetically engineered foods, patenting, and the corporatization of food-into terms the average person can easily understand. It empowers consumers to understand the consequences of their food choices on our future. (2004)

Wednesday, April 21
7:00pm
The Magnolia (West Village)
3699 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75204

The Garden

The 14 acre community garden in South Central Los Angeles was the largest of it's kind in the United States. It was started as a form of healing after the devastating L.A. riots in 1992. Since that time, the South Central Farmers have created a miracle in one of the country's most blighted neighborhoods. Growing their own food. Feeding their families. Creating a community. But now bulldozers threaten their oasis. The Garden is an unflinching look at the struggle between these urban farmers and the City of Los Angeles and a powerful developer who want to evict them and build warehouses. (2008)

Thursday, April 22nd
7:00pm

The Magnolia Theater (West Village)
3699 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75204

and

Angelika Plano (Shops at Legacy)
7205 Bishop Road
Plano, TX 75024

What's On Your Plate?:

What's on your plate? is a witty and provocative documentary produced and directed by award-winning Catherine Gund about kids and food politics. Filmed over the course of one year, the film follows two eleven-year-old multi-racial city kids as they explore their place in the food chain. Sadie and Safiyah take a close look at food systems in New York City and its surrounding areas. With the camera as their companion, the girl guides talk to each other, food activists, farmers, new friends, storekeepers, their families, and the viewer, in their quest to understand what's on all of our plates. They visit the usual supermarkets, fast food chains, and school lunchrooms. But they also check into innovative sustainable food system practices by going to farms, greenmarkets, and community supported agriculture programs. They discover that these programs both help struggling farmers to survive on the one hand and provide affordable, locally-grown food to communities on the consumer end, especially to lower-income urban families. (2009)

An Evening with Joel Salatin and local producers - April 16, Plano

2010-03-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Live Green Expo presents:

Update on Child Nutrition Act

2010-03-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is a quick update about the Child Nutrition Act:

Senator Blanche Lincoln recently said that she plans to start marking up the bill before March 26. She also said that she's seeking the biggest increase ever in funding for child nutrition programs, citing President Obama's proposal to add $1 billion per year. While that amount isn't enough to transform school lunch, it's still an important step forward and we encourage everyone to let Congress know it's a priority.

Two bills to support farm-to-school programs have also been introduced in the House and the Senate. A quick way to help these bills get included in the Child Nutrition Act is to call your legislators and and ask for their support.

Tour of Burgundy Pasture Beef/Sausage Making Demo

2010-02-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about our March Slow Food Dallas event!

Burgundy Pasture Beef has invited us to join them at their ranch for a farm tour Saturday, March 27th, at 2:30 p.m. After the tour we will return to the farm store for a sausage making demonstration with chef David Uygur. He will be making a sweet Italian sausage and each class participant will have a pound of links to take home, cook and sample.

This event is limited to 30 people and tickets will be available soon through brown paper tickets.

Look for more information on the event in an upcoming e-vite, and be sure to contact us if you need to update your e-mail address.

When: Saturday, March 27th, 2010

2:30 p.m.

Where: Burgundy Pasture Beef

800 McDuff Ave (driving directions)

Grandview, Texas 76050

817-866-2247

Clarence Sale at the FM 1410

2010-02-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, Clarence. Tom Spicer is currently dishing out some great deals on local produce. Stop by FM 1410 and support Tom's efforts to bring flavorful, local produce to the Dallas area!

A few of Tom's deals:

~ POSTERS (from the Ten Speed Press) : Mushrooms, Garlic, Fresh Herbs, Olives and Tomatoes all marked down from $18 to $12

~ Wolf Creek Organic, smoked, pickled Jalapenos down from $18 to $14

~ Royal Pepper Co. Kampot pepper corns from Cambodia packed 4.5 oz in decorative bottles- down from $10 to $8

~ Black and/or White Oregon Truffles $20 oz retail come on down and root around, snort snort...

~ Local Hydroponic Lettuces from Waxyerhatchet, TX. retail @ $1.25 head or wholesale 18 ct @ $17

~ Petite heirloom chicory mix...seeds I got from Alfonso Cevola (Italian Wine Ambassadoor @ Glazers) 8 oz @ $20

~ Wild, Winter Mushrooms - are Black Trumpets, Hedge Hogs and Yellowfoot Chanterelles @ $16# or mixed with...

~ Exotic, Cultivated Mushrooms (Shimejii, King Oyster, Maitake/Hen O' Woods) aka Spiceman's "Pitch til ya win- dime bag o' shrooms" retail mixed w/wild 1/2# @ $10

~ Dried Porcini make us an offer...we need some cash

Location: 1410 Fitzhugh, Dallas, TX 75204

Hours of operation: 10:am to 5:pm mon-sat.

Urban Acres Opens Oak Cliff Location

2010-02-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

Great news for Oak Cliff residents!

From the Urban Acres website:

Urban Acres Farm Stands are simply local pick-up spots where members get their produce or other food items they've ordered in advance such as meat or dairy. Urban Acres Farm Stores are full organic food markets where members can pick up produce and pre-ordered food items AND also shop for other goodies fresh from the farm! Currently our only Farm Store is in Oak Cliff but we are planning more for the future!

Location: 1424 West Davis Street, Dallas, TX 75208

Hours of Operation: Saturdays from 9am-3pm

Spring Gardening Class

2010-01-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

Due to the popularity of Slow Food Dallas' 2009 gardening class at North Haven Gardens, we are planning 3 new classes for 2010. The first class will be held in January to inspire you to prepare your garden for the new season and get it started.

THE SPRING VEGETABLE GARDEN by Christine Hensley TCNP, NHG

January is the time to think about homegrown vegetables for spring! Now in the garden, you should be building new beds, prepping your current beds, and selecting what veggies to plant. January is the time to plant potatoes, asparagus, horseradish, onions and more. Plus, you can begin to think about seeding spring tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, leeks and rutabaga. With the right tips, growing your own food can be easy, satisfying, healthy and environmentally responsible.

Christine Hensley has been with North Haven Gardens for more than 5 years. She has a degree in horticulture from Texas A&M and is a Texas Certified Nursery Professional. Among her many duties at North Haven Gardens, Christine is in charge of the year round, onsite, working vegetable garden.

Hope to see you there!

When: January 23rd, 2010

2:00 p.m.

Where: North Haven Gardens

7700 North Haven Rd

Dallas, TX 75230

Slow Food Dallas on Facebook

2009-11-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

Stay in touch with Slow Food Dallas on Facebook. Follow the link above or search "Slow Food Dallas" after signing into your Facebook account. Learn about upcoming events and interact with fellow members.

We've also started a Slow Food Dallas recipe swap. Click on discussions to share your favorite recipes with other members.

Slow Food Holiday Gathering

2009-11-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Join us at the home of Christopher Tuck, our Co-Leader, for some fun, food, and holiday cheer. Bring your favorite hors d'ouevres and a drink to share. Hope to see you all there!

What: Slow Food Holiday Gathering

Where: Chistopher Tuck's

1111 Plymouth Dallas, TX 75208 US

When: December 5th, 2009, 6:00-8:30 PM

Contact: 214-325-1651

Stay tuned for more information regarding this event......

Post Thanksgiving Potluck

2009-11-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

For those who missed the Thanksgiving family feast, come for a Thanksgiving potluck gathering on Saturday at the home of Jane Mathews. It will be come and go from 5:00 to 8:00 or so. I'll provide a turkey. Bring your favorite hors d'oeuvres or one of Thanksgiving's supporting stars, and/or champagne/wine to share.

When: November 28th, 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Where: 4431 Holland Ave Unit D

Dallas, TX 75219 US

Phone: 682-552-1351

Cheese Making Class - Latte Da Dairy

2009-11-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

Latte Da Dairy will host a hands-on cheese making class for Slow Food Dallas on November 21st, at 1:30 p.m. Latte Da Dairy, a sustainable farmstead in Flower Mound, has won numerous awards for its artisanal goat cheese.

Visit Latte Da's cheese operation. Learn more about the cheese making process. Meet the goats and try your hand at actual cheese making (with some to take home).

Due to the size of the milking room, this class is limited to 6 people. The fee for this class is $60./pp.

The class should last about 2-3hrs, and wrap up in time to view the milking of the goats at 4:00.

What: Hands-on Cheese Making

Where: Latte Da Dairy

1304 Bridle Bit Rd

Flower Mound, TX 75022

When: November 21st, 2009

1:30 p.m.

View the evite here.

Latte Da Dairy

Special Thank You For This Year's Events

2009-11-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

As we look forward to the coming calender year of programs, I’d like to send out a special thank you to everyone that opened your homes and businesses to our group this year. Thank you for sharing both your knowledge and your passions. Your generosity & hospitality made this year a tremendous success!

Jan. Winter gardening, Northaven Garden Center
Feb. Artisanal bread making 101, Empire Baking Co.
Feb. Cookbook Creation, Studio of Tricia Barnett
Mar. Olive oil tasting, Flavors From Afar
Apr. Farm tour, Garden Harvests Farms
May. Grilling + Pot Luck & Rancher showcase, Home of Peter Schaar
Jun. Berry Picking & Jam making, Greer Family Farm
Jul. Pickles / Hands-on canning, Home of Jim Shade
Aug. Gelato, Paciugo’s
Aug. Canning Across America - canning adventure, Home of Jim Shade
Oct. Cheese 101, Scardello’s (2 classes)

Latte Da Dairy Open House

2009-11-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Latte Da Dairy will be hosting a fall open house on November 15th, 2009 from 11am-3pm.

The goat farm and cheese dairy is located at :

1304 Bridle Bit Rd, Flower Mound, Texas.

Visit Latte Da's website for more details.

Dallas Farmers Market Friends Hoedown

2009-11-03T10:13:00.000-08:00

Each year, the Dallas Farmers Market Friends host an annual “Hoedown” which is their largest fundraiser. In partnership with the Texas Department of Agriculture’s program “Go Texan”, farmers from around the state donate ingredients that are used by local chefs to create unique and delicious samplings for event participants. In addition, local Specialty food producers sample products from cheese to salsa to tapenades and dips. To round out the experience, local wineries contribute wine, and local artisans bring their products. This year’s event will be held in early November. The event will honor the rich heritage of the Market while anticipating a thriving future.

Visit the website for more details.

Wine & Chocolate Pairing Event

2009-11-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

Join us for a very special evening of outstanding chocolate, fine wines and spirits, Thursday, November 12th when Vicki Peterson of Paper and Chocolate hosts a fundraiser benefiting Slow Food Dallas.

Featuring the chocolate of Amedei Tuscany, we will sample several varieties of their Toscano Black chocolates as well as a Jamaican and White chocolate. These will be paired with wines and spirits specifically selected to enhance the chocolate's aroma and taste.

The cost of the event is $45/pp and will be benefit Slow Food Dallas' general fund.

Attendance is limited to 25 people and tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets at the following link.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/87505

There are still plenty of tickets left for this "treat yourself" event.

Special thanks to Chris Tuck of Regent Wine and Mark Monfrey of Artisanal Beverage for providing our wines and spirits for the evening's event.

What: Chocolate & Wine Pairing

Where: Paper & Chocolate

5640 W. Lovers Lane

Dallas, TX 75209

When: Thursday, November 12th, 2009 7:00 P.M.

Starting Something New - Dallas Farmers Market (DFM)

2009-10-25T17:47:00.001-07:00

For those members who have been dreading going to the Dallas Farmers Market because it is too far or just need to feed off someone else's culinary vibe, this is you chance to voice your opinion!

I would like to propose a carpool/meet up of Slow Food members on a certain day and time (preferably on a weekend). This event would not be a Slow Food meeting per say but rather a chance to meet up with other members and draw some energy off their culinary vibes. For those of us who live a long distance away this could also be a chance to carpool.

Either way I wanted to get the ball rolling and see which weekend day and time would work best for our members.

Slow Food Dallas Annual Meeting 2009

2009-10-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

A sunny, mild Sunday provided the perfect atmosphere for Dallas Slow Food members to enjoy one another's company at Dali Wine Bar. The annual meeting was filled with old greetings, new introductions, and re-capping the past slow year for the Dallas chapter. Our new leadership team was introduced:

Claudine Martyn ~ Leader

Christopher Tuck ~ Co-Leader

Shane Stephens ~ Secretary

Kelly Ingram ~ Events Chair

Jim Shade ~ Events Co-Chair

Alfred LaNasa ~ Membership Chair

Melissa Althen ~ Communications

Richard Silverston ~ Webmaster

It was exciting to see several brand new members (welcome, and thank you for coming). Thanks to Paul Pinnell and the staff at Dali for hosting. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of slowing down together with small bites and great wine in the inspiring Arts District of Dallas.

2010 promises to be a super year for Slow Food Dallas!

Dali's Wine Bar

Ugo Ginatta & Mark Monfrey

Enjoying Company [photo includes Jim Shade(center) & Richard Silverston(standing)]

Kelly Ingram, Claudine Martyn

Enjoying Conversation [photo includes Shane Stephens(with wife, Melissa - seated right)]

Mark Monfrey, Kelly Ingram

"Clean Food" Book Signing October 19th

2009-10-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Join EdibleDFW and Terry Walters October 19th at Barnes and Nobles for a book signing/cooking demo:

19 OCT. 2009

Barnes &Noble (Store #2884)

7:00pm, Cooking demo & signing

7700 West Northwest Hwy

Dallas, TX

Visit ediblecommunities.com and terrywalters.net for more information.

Annual Slow Food Dallas Meeting at Dali Wine Bar

2009-10-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Oct 18th, 2009 - Annual Meeting at Dali Wine Bar, One Arts Plaza, Dallas

Time: 2 - 3:30 pm
Location: Dali Wine Bar
One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh Street
RSVP: email Claudine at martynclaudine [at] gmail [dot] com

There will be appetizers provided and a cash bar. We'll talk about our plans for this year and introduce our new Leadership Team. We love to hear your suggestions and ideas, so please bring them with you!

Dali advised us that October 18 is going to be the Arts District opening there will probably be challenges to parking, but Dali will let us know what will work best. Watch for a follow-up email regarding parking if you have rsvp'd that you are attending.

We look forward to seeing you there!

JOHN BESH at Sur la table

2009-10-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Dallas Slow Foodies,

I want to invite everyone to the book signing with Chef John Besh, at Sur la table, Knox Street location on Friday October 9th at 5:00 pm.
I hope that everyone can make it!
Hope to see y'all there,

Alfredo

Slow Food National Membership Drive Extended

2009-10-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

Wow. It’s been a pretty exciting few days. Our September membership drive—where we waived our traditional $60 membership fee—was a huge success. More than 5000 people joined Slow Food, over ten times our normal monthly rate. It turns out there was some pent-up demand for lower membership rates, after all, and not just from my fellow non-profit-employed friends.

Perhaps our most incredible response came from Mr. Donald Sussman. He was so enthusiastic about the positive results that he encouraged us to keep the drive going. And his encouragement was particularly compelling: he has offered to match all new gifts that come in between now and October 15 dollar for dollar.

As you can imagine, there’s been a lot of excitement and positive spirits here in the Brooklyn office of Slow Food USA. What a welcome break from the grey spirits of a year where we’ve seen dips in charitable giving across the country and so many of our friends deal with layoffs and downsizing. If you haven’t yet joined Slow Food, now is the time. Help us maximize this incredible opportunity that Mr. Sussman has given us. And if you have, know that there is an office full of hard-working food advocates toasting you with a glass of locally-grown, seasonally appropriate apple cider.

Visit www.slowfoodusa.com to join now!

Volunteer with Days of Taste!

2009-10-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

“In this age of fast and frozen food, we want to teach school children about real food – where it is grown and how it is produced – so that they can develop an understanding and appreciation of how good food is supposed to taste.” - Julia Child, AIWF co-founder

“Old McDonald had a farm, not a drive through.” - Joanne Bondy, Days of Taste Volunteer, Executive Chef, The Gaylord Resort and Convention Center, Grapevine,Texas

Chefs, Foodies, Nutrition Experts, Farmers and Growers—come one, come all!
Be a part of the Coolest Field Trip of All!
It’s Days of Taste Time Again!

Join us as we explore the ABC’s of Taste & Health through the American Institute of Wine and Food Days of Taste Program. Held at the Dallas Farmer’s Market, Days of Taste provides a unique field trip experience for 4th and 5th grade elementary students in Dallas public schools. Through the program, students have the opportunity to explore the nuances of taste through the five senses with a tasting component guided by a chef, a visit with a local farmer to discover the wealth and variety of products grown and that are available locally, and prepare a Harvest salad using fresh produce that the they have purchased themselves at the Dallas Farmer’s Market. Volunteer culinarians and nutritionists share their enthusiasm for fresh ingredients, cooking, and love of food. The program teaches kids the concept of “from farm to table”-one that is difficult for kids to grasp these days.

Our FALL 2009 Dates:

Monday, Nov. 2
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Thursday, Nov. 5

Monday, Nov. 9
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Thursday, Nov. 12

Shifts are from 9:00AM-1:00 PM
10/12 volunteers needed per day-bring your friends!
Dallas Farmer’s Market
Free parking
T-shirt, Lunch and Volunteer Instructions are provided

Volunteer responsibilities include:

* Greeting the students and teachers as they arrive at the market
* Overseeing hand washing
* Assisting chefs and growers as needed
* Assisting students with tasting component
* Assisting in the shopping and preparation of the Harvest salad
* Clean up and other duties as assigned

For more information and to sign up, please contact Robin Plotkin at robin@robinplotkin.com or 214-725-3947. To learn more about AIWF and the Days of Taste Program, please see the Days of Taste link under Programs. Www.aiwf.org/dallasftworth

THANK YOU!

Robin Plotkin, RD, LD
Culinary and Nutrition Communications Consultant
Registered and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
PO Box 38217
Dallas, Texas 75238-0217
214-725-3947 phone
214-348-7491 fax
robin@robinplotkin.com
See what’s new at www.robinplotkin.com
robinplotkin.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/Robinsbite

Slow "Hell's Kitchen" Down

2009-10-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Turn the heat up in Gordon's kitchen with some slow cookin'.
Official press release:
NOW CASTING FOR AMERICA’S BEST CHEFS!
FOX’s HELL'S KITCHEN is looking for top-notch Chefs, 21 and over, who are passionate about cooking and skilled at their craft.
Can YOU stand the heat?
OPEN CALL: October 12th
12pm - 5pm
The Iron Cactus
1520 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
For more information go to www.fox.com/hellskitchen
Call: 310-482-0564 // HK hotline 866-226-2226
Email: hellskitchen@theconlincompany.com

Celebrate Cheese Glorious Cheese

2009-09-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Join Sidedish tomorrow, September 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, at Celebration Restaurant to celebrate local cheese makers Latte Da, Lucky Layla, and the Mozzarella Company. They all won national awards at the 25th Annual American Cheese Society Competition in Austin.

http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2009/09/22/sidedish-cheeseheads-let%E2%80%99s-celebrate-local-cheeses-at-celebration-in-dallas-2/

Click here for more about Texas Cheese

Win!

2009-09-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

AGRICULTURE DEPUTY SECRETARY MERRIGAN ANNOUNCES INITIATIVE TO CONNECT CHILDREN TO WHERE THEIR FOOD COMES FROM AND PROVIDE MORE LOCAL FOODS IN SCHOOL LUNCHES

New Farm-to-School Tactical Teams Will Assist School Administrators Transition to Purchasing More Locally Grown Foods as Part of USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative'

USDA Launches 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' Initiative to Connect Consumers with Local Producers to Create New Economic Opportunities for Communi

2009-09-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, September 15, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new initiative - 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' - to begin a national conversation to help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity. To launch the initiative, Secretary Vilsack recorded a video to invite Americans to join the discussion and share their ideas for ways to support local agriculture. The video, one of many means by which USDA will engage in this conversation, can be viewed at USDA's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/usda . Producers and consumers can comment on the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' YouTube playlist, as well as submit videos or provide comments on this initiative by e-mailing KnowYourFarmer@usda.gov.

Read the rest of the news release here.

Barn Aid and "Fresh" Screening

2009-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Sept 19th, 2009

2nd Annual Barn Aid & Dinner at Eden

w/Chef David Gilbert & Friends

Limited availability reserved tickets only for dinner;

Welcome & musical entertainment by Lorynn the Red Head 5pm

Dinner in the Garden - 5:45pm
3-course organic/local dinner in the gardens (Locally sourced produce and other products all prepared and served by Chef David Gilbert & Friends)
Speaker - Pamela Walker - author "Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas" Sponsored by Edible Dallas & Fort Worth
Farm Tour - Eden's Garden - highlighting the renewable energy irrigation system and sustainable organic gardens as featured in an upcoming issue of Mother Earth News.

Gates open free to the public at dusk.....

Free Movie Screening - FRESH! - starts at dusk (about 7:30)

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 morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet.

See the Eden's Organic Website for details.

Labor Day Time for Lunch Eat-In

2009-09-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

Slow Food Dallas met for a Slow meal Labor Day, 2009, in coordination with the National Time for Lunch Campaign. The Eat-In was held in a serene setting adjacent to White Rock Lake in Dallas. Over 30 members attended the event, including several new members who made this their first Slow Food experience!

Attendees were encouraged to ask friends to sign the online petition in support of bringing Real Food to schools. The group also discussed the September Slow Food membership drive and ways we could recruit new members this month.

All enjoyed a Slow evening of great food and camaraderie.

See the Slow Food Time for Lunch site for coverage and photos of the event.

Slow Food September Membership Drive

2009-09-01T06:42:00.001-07:00

Please pass on the following letter to all your Slow Friends!

Dear friend,

Soggy tater tots. Mystery meat. Fast-food pizza and refined sugar.

This is the reality of our children’s school lunches and it is time for some serious change.
On September 7th, people in all 50 states are coming together at nearly 300 “Eat-ins” to show their support for real food in schools. With the National Day of Action just a few days away, we critically need your gift today to help grow our movement and force our legislators to take notice.

And here’s the best part: during the month of September only, your donation of any amount will make you a member of Slow Food USA.

Here’s why we need your support right now. Slow Food USA is working to directly impact national and local food policies. From the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act to the Farm Bill, we will be building alliances, bringing in key industry experts and heading to Washington to demand change.

Our National Day of Action marks the beginning of these efforts. Your gift today will allow us to take immediate action in the days following September 7. With your help, we can turn the power generated by thousands of people attending hundreds of Eat-ins into a movement that makes real impact on America’s food policy. Will you help us grow the movement by becoming a member today?

As a member of Slow Food USA, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
* Invitations to local, national and international events celebrating good, clean, fair food.
* Member-only discounts on select events and publications.
* Getting connected with your local Slow Food chapter, made up of people who care about food, agriculture, health and the environment.
* Opportunities throughout the year to take action and have an impact on critical legislation affecting food and agriculture in the U.S.

Membership normally starts at $60, but from now until September 30th, your gift of any amount makes you a part of this movement. Give more if you can and less if you can’t. The point is – we want you with us.

Our kids deserve more than mystery meat and our communities need access to fresh, real food. Your support today will help make that happen.

Thanks for your support and we look forward to your involvement! Become a member today by visiting www.slowfoodusa.org/growthemovement.

With thanks,
Josh Viertel President, Slow Food USA

Time for Lunch Campaign

2009-08-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

It’s Time for Lunch: Slow Food Dallas Pushes to
Get Real Food into Schools

Local Slow Food Chapter joins more than 280 Community
Eat-Ins for National Day of Action on Labor Day

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas – August 31, 2009 - On September 7, 2009, Slow Food Dallas (www.slowfoodDallas.com) will orchestrate a public potluck (called an “Eat-In”) to demonstrate that our community is ready to provide our children with real food at school. This event is just one of hundreds taking place across America as part of Slow Food USA’s (www.slowfoodusa.org/timeforlunch) Time for Lunch National Eat-In.

The Slow Food Dallas Eat-in will be held in an air conditioned facility at White Rock Lake, in Dallas, at 6:00 p.m. Members will enjoy a slow meal with family, neighbors, teachers, community leaders and others concerned about the need to get real food into schools. Attendees will bring a dish to share, drinks, and the desire to make a difference in the type of food the next generation eats.

In the midst of a national obesity epidemic, our schools struggle to serve anything but the fast food and junk food that endanger children’s health. This year, with the Child Nutrition Act up for reauthorization, we have an opportunity to fix this problem. By giving schools the resources to serve real food, we can make a down payment on health care reform, we can build a strong foundation for our children’s health and we can make sure that the legacy we’re leaving them is a future filled with opportunity, security and success.

Our schools lack the resources to serve children the real food they need. To solve this problem,
Congress must:

Invest in children’s health. Give schools just one more dollar per day for each child.

Protect against food that puts children at risk. Establish strong standards for all food sold
at school, including food from vending machines and school fast food.

Teach children healthy habits that will last through life. Fund grants to start innovative
farm-to-school programs and school gardens.

When children learn that real food is both delicious and good for them, they ask for it at school and at home. As Michelle Obama has said, “What I found with my kids [is that] if they were involved in planting and picking it, they were much more curious to give it a try.”

On Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2009, people in communities across America will participate in a National Eat-In by sitting down to share a meal with their neighbors. This day of action will send a clear message to Congress: It’s time to provide our children with real food at school. There will be petitions available to sign at the event, as well as letters for individuals to mail to their Congressperson. To learn more and sign the Slow Food petition online, visit www.slowfoodusa.org/timeforlunch. To learn more about your local Eat-in, visit http://www.slowfooddallas.com/events.html.

Host: Claudine Martyn
Location: Big Thicket at White Rock Lake
430 E. Lawther Lane
Dallas, TX 75218 US
When: Monday, September 7, 6:00PM
Phone: 214 325-1651

Getting Real About the High Price of Cheap Food

2009-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

An article in Time magazine.

Gelato Happy Hour

2009-08-24T19:47:00.001-07:00

Slow Food Dallas members recently had the chance to beat the heat and learn the art of making gelato at the Paciugo headquarters in Dallas. Lucky participants even got some gelato to carry home with them. Hope to see you all at the next Slow Food event!

Slow Food Dallas Leader Featured in DMN

2009-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Recently our leader, Claudine Martyn, was the subject of an article written by Kim Pierce for the Dallas Morning News. Read about the meal Claudine creates from visiting local markets here : Slow Food Dallas Leader Whips Up Entirely Local Menu.

National Chains Dipping Into Buy Local Movement

2009-07-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Corner Bakery has announced that the tomatoes used in this summer's feature item, the BBLT, will be sourced from local purveyors. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the double bacon sandwich with cracked pepper balsamic mayo dressing will go toward Corner Bakery Cafe's Community Garden Grant. It would be nice to know just how large a portion.

Chipotle announced that it will expand it's purchase of local produce this year, with "at least 35 percent of at least one bulk produce item in all of its restaurants from local farmers when it is seasonally available." Doesn't seem like much, does it?

What do you think - blatant marketing ploys or a step in the right direction?

Chipotle
http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=8690

Corner Bakery
http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=8923

55th Summer Fancy Food Show

2009-07-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

I returned from the 55th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City last night, my belly full of around 50 different cheeses and my head even more full of ideas. As always, there was no shortage of cheese, olive oil, and specialty meats to try. There was also an abundance of honey, tea, and fig items at this year's show. I would predict to see variations of these flavors continuing to pop up in new products to come. Blood Orange is becoming more approachable; as the name becomes commonly seen it is drawing appeal rather than fright.

Things that stood out to me at the show:

Chocolate with Panko bread crumbs - Chuao Chocolatier, led by the culinary talents of Chef Michael Antonorsi, introduced their dark chocolate bar with Panko bread crumbs. The Panko provided mainly a different texture experience, not far from a rice crisp bar, but with a more upscale feel. My favorite in their chocolate line, however, is the Modena Chocopod - dark chocolate with a strawberry & balsamic caramel center.

Black Garlic - Huh? It's black. It's fermented. It's sticky. Black Garlic (this is also the company name) is fermented garlic that is sweet and reminiscent of soy sauce in flavor.

Wine Cellar Sorbet - This sorbet made from wine extracts has actually been available in this area for awhile at retailers like Whole Foods and Central Market, but this was my first time to give it a try. I chose the Cabernet Sauvignon, thinking it would taste a bit like watered down wine. Wrong! This stuff was full of intense wine flavor. It was sweet, however, so if you're into dry you might skip this one.

Pancakes with Chocolate Bacon - Vosges Haut Chocolate was cooking up pancakes using their Mo's Bacon Bar. The Mo bar is milk chocolate with applewood smoked bacon and alder wood smoked sea salt. Think chocolate chip pancakes with a side of bacon - pretty tasty!

Cottage Cheese - of course because it was from our own Paula Lambert! I stopped by the Mozzarella Company's booth where Paula was displaying, among her other cheeses, the cottage cheese she developed for Kent Rathbun. I've judged a lot of cottage cheese in my day, and I have to say that Paula knows her stuff. Her version has a nice balance of acid and diacetyl with an extremely clean finish.

Passion Fruit Cocoa Butter Caramel - from Amella. I love that this company uses real fruit to flavor their mouth watering caramels. The passion fruit flavor was intense and married nicely with the creamy caramel. Using cocoa butter instead of butter allows for a lighter, fluffier caramel, with cocoa butter melting beautifully at mouth temperature.

Farm Tour Features Three Local Farms (and Lunch)

2009-07-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

If you’re interested in getting better connected with local farmers, you might be interested ins a day-tour of three local farms on Saturday July 11, sponsored by EatGreenDFW.com and Food Roots both owned by Slow Food members. The culinary bus tour will take you (in air conditioned splendor) to JuHaRanch, Oak Grove Farms and Garden Harvests where you'll discover how three farmers bring sustainably grown produce, meat and dairy products to our community using organic and natural methods. And bring the kids. It’s a great way for them to learn where their food comes from.

The trip, which includes lunch at the Brown Street Cafe and Kolache Depot in Ennis, is $89 but there's a discount for Slow Food members. Just drop a line to brian@eatgreendfw and I'll send you the coupon code that's good for 10% off.

Mary Kimbrough of Food Roots has lined up three great places to visit and learn about local agriculture. And it even looks like there will be a wine tasting with wines from Calais Winery during our stop at Oak Grove Farms. You can find out more and sign up here.

You don't want to miss it. You will have an opportunity to buy pick of the season at all of our stops.

Cozy Find in Downtown Grapevine - Into the Glass

2009-06-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget just how charming historic downtown Grapevine can be. Yesterday a co-worker of mine suggested we venture over to Main Street in Grapevine to have lunch at one of her favorite hideaway spots. Into the Glass is a cozy wine bar & Texas cafe owned by Wayne Turner. Wayne was behind the bar when we walked in from the sultry sun blaring sidewalk to the darkened, cool cafe with local art work on display. He greeted us right away and sat us like family, making us feel completely at home and sharing his specials of the day. Specials included halibut tacos with choice of one side and lamb chops over field greens with sauteed mushroom salad and a balsamic drizzle.

I chose the lamb and Wayne picked me out a nice California Zinfandel to go with the dish. The chops were perfectly done and the fresh greens were peppery and stood up well to the meat and Zin. My co-worker had the fish tacos with a side of gorgonzola grits. The halibut was flaky and flavorful. The grits - gorgonzola lovers look out! These creamy grits were bursting with pungent, cheesey goodness.

Wayne sources as much of his produce locally as he can, visiting several Farmer's markets each weekend and hitting up F.M. 1410. He was an attentive, gracious host, and I love the fact that none of their plates match! If you find yourself near Grapevine - I recommend stopping by the eclectic Into the Glass.

Into the Glass

322 S. Main St. , Grapevine, Texas

Supper Clubs

2009-06-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

I was curious if anyone had any interest in a local supper club concept for Slow Food Dallas. We always meet at restaurants but during the summer growing season I would think it would be better dining al fresco at say a member farm. I am just throwing out ideas but I have included some links to a few I found.

Here are a few ideas I pulled up from a quick Google search:

Food Creates Community from here in the DFW area
http://foodcreatescommunity.blogspot.com/

Dai Due from Austin
http://www.daidueaustin.com/index.php

Pick Your Own

2009-06-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the website below with everyone if they are in the mood to pick you own this year. The listings are by county (surrounding DFW) and include what is available. I would highly suggest you call the farm to get directions and to see what is in season before you head out. Also I make to claims to the accuracy of the information (i.e. phone numbers)

http://www.pickyourown.org/TXdallas.htm

This coupled with several Slow Food Dallas member farms would make a generous list of local farms.

Cristiana Ginatta of Pacuigo Gelato Teaches 5th graders about the Taste and Science behind Gelato Making

2009-05-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Slow Foods Member Cristiana Ginatta shared her passion and science secrets for perfect gelato making with the kids from Travis Elementary at the American Institute of Wine and Foods Days of Taste Program at the Dallas Farmer's Market. Click here for a peek at what they learned!

Thank you to Cristiana and all of the Slow Food Members who participated in another successful Days of Taste Event!

Impromptu Meetup at Scardello Artisan Cheese - Uptown

2009-05-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

For those who would like to join us several members will be meeting at Scardello Artisan Cheese in Uptown (Corner of Lemmon and Oak Lawn) around 5:30 pm tomorrow May 6th, 2009. We have nothing planned so this is not a formal meeting persay.

Bella Cucina Introduces New Tuscan Grill

2009-04-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hand-made in Tuscany, the Tuscan Grill is designed for cooking over hardwood and can even be used in a fireplace!

What a neat item - take it outside in the summer and use it in a fire pit; then bring it inside in the winter to keep you warm while filling your home with aromatics from the grill.

Read more here.

Obamas to Plant First Garden at White House Since Roosevelts

2009-03-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Read more on how the First Lady intends to send a strong message about local food and educating children through planting the White House's first garden in decades:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/dining/20garden.html

Boggy Creek on the Atlantic blog

2009-03-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

Check out Carol Ann Sayle of Austin's Boggy Creek Farm (and Terra Madre delegate) at Atlantic's new Food blogs (http://food.theatlantic.com).

The Atlantic Food Channel showcases weekly ramblings by artisans, chefs, shop keepers and many more food related pros.

rs

Dallas & Fort Worth Get edible!

2009-03-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

edible Dallas & Fort Worth Magazine
Celebrates Dallas/Fort Worth’s Food Culture
New magazine connects producers with buyers
And recounts the Metroplex’s dynamic food scene.

Dallas & Fort Worth – Texans across the Metroplex and in 34 surrounding counties now have a go-to source for the latest information on the area’s evolving culinary scene.

“edible Dallas & Fort Worth defines and honors the sustainable lifestyle of buying local,” explained editor and co-founder Karen McCullough. “The magazine is brimming with engaging stories and enticing photography and advocates preserving food traditions, savoring food experiences, and pulling back the curtain on where our food comes from and how it gets to you.”

Published with every season, the magazine celebrates the diverse food and delicious culture surrounding Dallas & Fort Worth and surrounding counties in North Texas. It will bring you the inside scoop on food pioneers, define the regional flavors and favorites, take you off the beaten-path to new food finds and introduce you to local wineries, brewers, and sustainable lifestyle chefs.

edible Dallas & Fort Worth (edibledfw.com) will be available at no cost in groceries, wine shops, farmers markets, restaurants, coffee shops and online by subscription for $28.00 (http://www.edibledfw.com/content/index.php/subscribe/subscribe.htm)

edible Dallas & Fort Worth is part of a growing community of hyper-local food magazines that celebrate the harvest of their communities season by season. (Ediblecommunities.com)

Magazines will be available the week of March 16th.

For information, please contact
Karen McCullough, 505-710-2345, Karen@edibledfw.com

Slow Food Potawatomi Teams with Restaurant For Slow Dinner

2009-02-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

A Michigan Slow Food convivium makes the news. Read more at mlive.com.

GM Beet Sugar

2009-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last year nearly the entire nation's supply of sugar beets was planted using Monsanto's Round Up Ready GM sugar beet seeds. There wasn't a broad industry announcement about this conversion, but rather the change slipped quietly, almost secretly, into fruition. A lawsuit set for April 3rd petitions the court to stop the sale of GM beet seed and require the USDA to conduct a thorough investigation of the safety of these seeds.

Read more on this at The Organic & Non-GMO Report.

A registry exists for companies who pledge to avoid GM beet sugar. If you operate a business and would like to vow not to buy GM beet sugar, I urge you to voice your concern here:

Non-GM Sugar Beet Registry

The more companies that express the desire for non-GMO beet sugar, the more likely there will be beet producers willing to plant the non-GMO seeds. GMO sugar beet crops are being planted close to other types of beets and chard, other plants of the same species, that risk cross-pollination. Cross-pollination presents immediate danger to those farmers planting non-GMO crops near GM sugar beets.

Ice Cream Slows Down

2009-02-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

Haagen Dazs gets it. The company's latest new product launch features five flavors of ice cream, each containing only five ingredients. They have cut out all the fluff and kept it simple - ice cream you could churn at your own neighborhood picnic.

Each ice cream starts with the same foundation of milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. The only other ingredient is the flavoring. Nothing artificial. Nothing you couldn't find in a pantry. If you can't churn out your own homeade ice cream to enjoy during movie night, Haagen Dazs "five" might be a good alternative.

Could it be our food industry is listening to what consumers want? Haagen Dazs "five" is a good sign. And a good reason to keep asking for good, clean and fair food.

"Five" new flavors: mint, ginger, coffee, vanilla bean, passion fruit, brown sugar, and chocolate.

Rathbun's Blue Plate Kitchen to Open Feb. 23

2009-02-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

Kent Rathbun's new casual dining concept will feature locally grown produce and Latte Da Goat Cheese.

Read more in Restaurant News, Guidelive, or Rathbun's Website.

Time for Turnips!!!

2009-02-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

To anyone who wants any, my dad has a bumper crop of turnips. I have approximately 5 lbs of them with the greens still attached. If anyone would like any please feel free to contact me. I will have them until Sunday Feb 15 then I will have to get rid of them. Both of us just picked them this morning. Free to all....hopefully they will go quickly!

214-404-7444 if you would like to call

Sorry if this is not directly related to any foodie news or Slow Food related news.

Slow Food Gardening Series: Winter Gardening

2009-01-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 17th, Slow Food members met at North Haven Gardens in Dallas to learn about winter gardening and spring garden preparation. The class, organized by Kelly Ingram, had a good turn out and was informative no matter what the size of your garden.

The group discussed in-ground, raised bed, and container gardens. We learned about soil preparation and seasonal produce, as well as how to get rid of pesky garden critters (rascally rabbits)!

After members had a chance to ask questions of North Haven's Horticulture expert, we toured the display gardens. Even with the city's recent freeze, the gardens were abundant with leafy greens, herbs, broccoli, carrots, and more. Several members got to take samples home.

North Haven Gardens has an impressive inventory of items, and offers consultation and free classes. See their website for the upcoming event schedule:

http://nhg.com/Events.htm

Members attending this class had a lot of fun learning. We hope to see you at our next event - baking bread at Empire Baking Company!

Last Chance to Stop NAIS

2009-01-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

"Protect Our Food Supply - Stop NAIS!" is still in the running at change.org, but it needs over two thousand more votes to make it into the Top 10 Ideas. And only the top 10 entries in this online contest "win" and have their ideas presented at the National Press Club on January 16th and advocacy campaigns organized to promote them.

The competition ends this Thursday, January 15, at 5 pm eastern time. In addition to voting for stopping NAIS, please let everyone you know who is interested in supporting local, sustainable agriculture know.

Step 1: If you are not already signed up for the site, register at: https://www.change.org/admin/sign_up

Step 2: Go to http://www.change.org/ideas/view/stop_nais Be sure to click the box labeled "Vote!" to the left of "Protect Our Food Supply -- Stop NAIS!" Leaving a comment does not count as a vote.

After you click the Vote box, it will change color and show "Voted." If it does not do that, shift your mouse a bit and click again, because it sometimes take several tries.

Help Stop NAIS

2008-12-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

You may or may not have heard about the National Animal Identification System. But if you support local farmers, you'll do what you can to stop it. Our friend Judith McGeary from the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance points out two websites that are allowing people to speak up about issues they want President-elect Obama to address when he takes office and both are running questions related to NAIS.

The private website, www.change.org, will present the "Top 10 Ideas for America" to the Obama Adminsitration on Inauguration Day. The first phase of the voting ends today, and the top 3 ideas in each category will be selected for the second round of voting.

"Stop NAIS" is currently in second place in Agriculture, and the voting is very close! A few votes may make the difference between the Stop NAIS message making it to the next round, or not!

Step 1: If you are not already signed up for the site, register at: https://www.change.org/admin/sign_up

Step 2: Go to http://www.change.org/ideas/view/stop_nais Be sure to click the box labeled "vote!" to the left of the Stop NAIS! Simply leaving a comment does not count as a vote.

And the Obama Transition Team has set up a section calld "Open for Questions" on the official website. They have not specified the deadline for submitting or voting on questions, but said they will respond to the top issues "in the new year."

Step 1: Go to http://change.gov/page/content/openforquestions20081229/

Step 2: Type "animal identification" into the box next to "Search Questions" There are currently 8 questions that involve NAIS that can be found by searching those terms.

Step 3: Click on the checkmark by the question to vote "yes". If you are not already signed in, you will be asked to, with a link at the top of the box.

Slow Food Sunday Pot Luck at Sloans Creek Farm Cancelled

2008-12-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

The promise of sub-freezing temperatures and 30-40 mph wind gusts have forced the cancellation of the Slow Food Holiday pot luck at Sloans Creek Farm. The farm visit has been rescheduled for March 22. Should be warm enough by then.

Deconstruct Chili with Grass-Fed Beef

2008-12-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Peter Schaar, of Slow Food Dallas, shows how to make a "deconstructed" chili that is more like a traditional chili with grass-fed stew beef.

View it here at the Dallas Morning News.

See our web site for grass-fed beef and other local foods.

rs.

Petition for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

2008-12-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Quoting from an e-mail from Slow Food president Josh Viertal:

"In these final days before President Elect Obama makes his selection for Secretary of Agriculture, we urge you to spread the word to your members about a petition they can sign to express their support for dynamic and sustainable choices for the post. The petition lists six suggestions, including Gus Schumacher, Former Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Slow Food leader Neil Hamilton, the Director of the Agricultural Law Center at Drake University.

"Erika and I are on the list of original signers, as are several SFUSA board members and leaders around the country. You can find the petition here: http://www.fooddemocracynow.org/.

"Even if the new administration doesn’t pick one of the listed candidates, signing the petition sends a strong message that we want a good, clean and fair food system and that we expect our new administration to make choices that support that vision."

So what are you waiting for?

Read the Gourmet Interview with the New Slow Food USA President

2008-12-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

We have a new leader in the US and Gourmet Magazine interviewed him recently on his plans for the organization. A quote:

"I can imagine Slow Food over time having a membership and a reach that enables it to put real pressure on federal policymakers in the next food and farm bill discussion in the same way the Natural Resources Defense Council or the Sierra Club could affect policy for the environmental movement."

It's worth taking a few minutes to read.

Fire Destroys Maveric Heritage Ranch; Help Sought

2008-11-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

Slow Food USA has put out a call for donations to help restore Maveric Heritage Ranch in South Dakota, which was nearly destroyed in a fire last week. The barn burned to the ground killing over 40 rare breed hogs, sows with babies and owner Arie McFarlen's treasured horse. Arie is a member of the Ark of Taste committee. You can read her letter about the disaster on the Slow Food USA blog.

Donations can be made online at www.maveric9.com or sent to the “Endangered Hog Foundation” in care of Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. at:
Endangered Hog Foundation
Maveric Heritage Ranch Co.
47869-242nd St.
Dell Rapids, South Dakota 57022

Americans Become Farmers

2008-11-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

An article in QSR magazine about the growing popularity of home gardening -

Organic Trade Association Launches Unprecedented Marketing Initiative to Promote Organic

2008-11-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

In an effort to resolve confusion surrounding organic purchases, the OTA has launched an initiative to educate consumers on the benefits of buying organic. This initiative comes at a time when consumer research groups like Mintel and The Hartman Group are both predicting a slow down in the growth of organic purchases.

According to Christine Bushway, Executive Director of the OTA, "Never has there been as much evidence backing the benefits of organic to public and environmental health, as many organic farmers on the land, and as many educational programs preparing a new generation of organic farmers. But never in recent years has there been as high a level of consumer spending confusion and concern. The role of this campaign is to set the record straight and help consumers make the educated choice."

Sunflower Farmers Market to Open in Plano

2008-11-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

Sunflower Farmers Market, founded by Wild Oats founder Mike Gilliland, will open its first Texas location in Plano on November 12th.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the market positions the produce section at center, housing fruits and vegetables sourced from local growers and suppliers. A variety of almost 800 different private label groceries can be found inside.

The market offers "Serious Food at Silly Prices," and strives to fill the value segment of natural and organic groceries.

The chain announced $30 million dollars in equity financing from PCG Capital Partners to fund rapid growth in December 2007, and plans to add 50 new stores to its existing 13 over the next 5 years.

Slow Down at the Friends Hoedown

2008-11-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

It's not too late to taste the harvest at the 14th Dallas Farmers Market Friends Hoedown, Thursday, November 6th. Tickets can be purchased from the Friends site, http://www.dfmfriends.org/.

Chefs, local farmers sow partnerships

2008-11-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

This article from USA today examines ways chefs and local farmers work together to lower costs and make good, clean food.

The Perfect Cappuccino To Be Shown At Dallas Video Fest

2008-10-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Cappuccino , directed by Slow Food member Amy Ferraris, will be shown at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Angelika Film Center at 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane. It was screened last month during the Thin Line Film Festival in Denton, so if you missed it, now's your chance to see what has been described as the story of "one woman's obsession with a beverage."

The 90 minute video is "a personally narrated journey that traces the origins and current social meaning of one beverage-the cappuccino. Along the way it confronts a series of larger questions: Why is the Starbucks chain-store model a uniquely American approach to coffee? Is there something in our character, as Americans, that pushes us toward expansion and mass standardization? Is this human nature? Is it American nature? Are we a culture that values business enterprise? Or a culture that is ruled by it? Blending the voices of baristas, cultural critics, business leaders and coffee geeks everywhere, this film will use the cappuccino as a means to chart the strange intersections of individualism and mass culture that make up the contemporary American character."

Ferraris is a graduate of UCLA's MFA film program, where she received awards from AMPAS, the Women in Film Foundation, Edie and Lew Wasserman, the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, and the MPAA.

Tickets are at the door or at www.videofest.org.

Critique and Rebuttal on Slow Food Movement

2008-10-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

Reported by California's East Bay Express:

Slow Food For All?

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/restaurants/slow_food_for_all_/Content?oid=839944

SUNDAY (10/11/08) NY TIMES MAGAZINE SECTION DEVOTED TO FOOD

2008-10-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

Entire Sunday Time’s Magazine was devoted to Food.

Articles are still online:

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/magazine/index.html

Good article by Michael Pollan.

Local Wines are Here

2008-10-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wine meets the "Eat Local" movement on the recently launched drinklocalwine website. Local wine writer, Jeff Siegel, co-founded the wine Internet writers project:

"to highlight the growth of local wines throughout the United States and Canada. During "Regional Wine Week" - the week of October 6 - writers in various newspapers, Internet publications and blogs around the United States and Canada will be featuring some of their local gems. You can find links to their writings on www.drinklocalwine.com.

Local wines - broadly defined as any wines not from the West Coast ..."

Rehoboth Ranch In the News

2008-10-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Robert Hutchins from Rehoboth Ranch sent along links to four recent samples of media coverage featuring Rehoboth and the wisdom of eating green--three of them from the Dallas Observer and one from Channel 33.
Looks like the word is getting out.

They are worth checking out.

From the Observer:
Texas Meats is named Best Grass Fed Beef
FOOD: Everything Old is New Again
Un-Super Size Me: One Week of Eating Local (One man’s attempt at slow food living in the Dallas metroplex)

From Channel 33
Greenville's Rehoboth Ranch's Natural Meat

2008 Dallas Annual Meeting Synopsis

2008-09-30T10:36:00.001-07:00

Hello to all Dallas Slow Foods Members,

I promise this is not a long winded type-a-thon and wanted to start off by introducing myself. My name is Shane Stephens and my wife (Melissa) and I are new to the group but not really new to the cause. My parents basically raised me with the ideas of family and great local organic produce (who can get more local than your own garden). There were no organic or grass fed beef producers in Dallas 20 years ago or if there were there was little publicity. That is a bit about me!

I wanted to pick up where we left off at the meeting as I don't want our discussion and ideas to die. I will give a synopsis of the meeting for those who weren't able to make it.

1. Many of the members were very interested in community/school gardens. This brought about a myriad of questions that perhaps this blog entry will help to answer

2. A member suggested quarterly pot luck dinners. Who doesn't like eating in this group?

3. A member suggested starting information drives, speeches, etc. at local universities. This is where our future members lie!

4. A member suggested an information booth or coordination of efforts at the Dallas Farmers Market. (Just throwing out ideas here Farmers Market volunteers/ambassadors that spread the word of the market and Slow Foods)

5. Another member suggested annual/semi annual producer appreciation dinners featuring producer products.

These are some of the highlights and I know for certain that I have forgotten a good number of suggestions. I would strongly encourage our members to contribute both in what was discussed and also solutions to what we are trying to achieve.

Searching for "The Perfect Cappuccino"

2008-09-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Amy Ferraris, longtime Slow Food member in California, will be screening her documentary, The Perfect Cappuccino, a documentary about coffee, consumerism and being American, on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 11am at the Thin Line Film Festival in Denton.

Have you ever had a perfect cappuccino? Not a latte. Or a frappuccino. But a perfect blend of espresso and milk in that unique, unforgettable texture that can only be described as velvety?

THE PERFECT CAPPUCCINO is the story of one woman's obsession with a beverage. The film accompanies, Amy on a personally-narrated journey that traces the origins and social significance of the cappuccino.

Blending the voices of baristas, cultural critics, business leaders and coffee geeks everywhere, the film uses the cappuccino as a means to explore the strange intersections of individualism and mass culture in America.

Click here for the trailer

Tickets: The 2008 Thin Line Film Festival

Location: Fine Arts Theater, 115 N. Elm Street, Denton TX 76201

The film will also be screened as part of the Dallas Video Festival, Nov. 6-9 in Dallas.

EatGreenDFW is Open For Business

2008-09-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

EatGreenDFW officially opened its on-line farmers market this week offering products from North Texas ranchers and farmers along with other sustainable food and non-food products.

The site was originally focused on locally produced food but has grown to include an eclectic mix of products bound together by their connection to natural, sustainable food or their connection to Texas. A basic listing on the site is free and currently there are 24 producers listed.

The on-line farmers market offers products from twelve of them including meat and poultry from JuHa Ranch in Barry, Dominion Farms in Denison, P.O.P. Acres in Purdon, Sloans Creek Farm in Dodd City and JZJ Natural Beef in Troy; sun-dried tomatoes from Oak Grove Farms in Ennis; and natural pet treats from Ol’ Maggie Bakery in Plano.

Additionally the store offers wild Alaska Salmon from Fred’s Alaska Seafood; organic gardening supplies from Edens Organic Garden Center in Balch Springs; and books written by Texas authors and published by Dallas-based Atriad Press and Lone Star Productions. Soon to come: pickles and relishes from Dis & Dat Organic Farm in Purdon.

Full disclosure: Yours truly is part owner.

GO TEXAN Statewide Dine Out Day: October 1 Restaurant Round-Up

2008-09-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Texas will host the first-ever, statewide dine-out day called the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up. It’s a celebration of Texas food and wine and kicks off Texas Wine Month in October. If your schedule allows, please eat out on Wednesday, October 1 and support this inaugural event. For a list of participating restaurants and to sign up to win some Texas-sized giveaways, go to www.GOTEXANRestaurantRoundUp.com.

Treasures from Slow Food Nation

2008-09-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Ghee, apricot jam, heirloom potatoes, pistachios and almonds, a Gravenstein apple, Massa organic brown rice, and a hunk of goat cheese — put them all together and what have you got? A suitcase that’s four pounds over the limit when Jacqueline and I flew back to Dallas with the treasures we bought at the Farmer’s Market at Slow Food Nation in San Francisco.

It was tempting to add to our loot by surreptitiously swiping fresh figs and zucchini flowers and melons from among the dozens of crops growing in the Slow Food Victory Garden. A sense of honor (plus tight security) dissuaded us from helping ourselves. Planted in the plaza directly in front of City Hall on July 1, by opening morning the Victory Garden’s fruits and vegetables were ready for generous distribution to the needy.

The Victory Garden and Farmers’ Market were at one end of town, in Civic Center Plaza. At the other end of town, on the bay between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge, was the pavilion at Fort Mason where the Slow Food Tasting event was held. All four 3-hour tastings (Saturday and Sunday, afternoon and evening) were sold out weeks in advance.

An hour before the doors opened the line of ticket-holders was several hundred people long and snaked two hundred yards down the waterfront, turned right, and continued well past Greens Restaurant, the 29-year-old temple of vegetarian delight. And the crowds continued to build.

For a few minutes immediately after the doors opened it was possible to get to a food stall without having to wait in an additional line. But the overflowing crowd soon resulted in masses of Slow Fooders trudging slowly forward in lockstep for a glass of red wine or a three-cheese sample plate, jostling each other in the slow, step-by-step-by-step procession. Curiously, samples at the booze bar were free (including the truly dangerous 140-proof absinthe that years ago was banned and vilified) while cheese, wine, olive oil, coffee and other ordinary staples were two ”Slow Food bucks” each — two bucks on top of a $65 ticket to stand in line to spend it. No bargain here. Perhaps three hours of sporadic noshing was sufficient to satisfy the hunger that builds up while waiting in a slow line for tiny samples, but we were ready for a real meal once the Tasting event was over.

Dick and Jacqueline Grote

Slow Food Member Sid Greer Featured in DMN Article

2008-08-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Texas Farmers Blogging for Business and Pleasure
07:29 AM CDT on Monday, August 25, 2008
By JESSICA SIDMAN / The Dallas Morning News

"Texas farmer Sid Greer was checking on his cattle last summer when it suddenly began to pour. He ducked behind a tree and watched as the rain filtered through the pine trees, glowing in the sun. The sight of the rain and the smell of the earth were so overwhelming that Mr. Greer ran inside to write a blog post. "It was almost a sensuous experience, so I wanted to share it immediately," said Mr. Greer, 59, of Daingerfield, Texas."

To read more of Sid's musings, please see his blog: http://www.greerfarm.com/blog/.

DMN Notes SF "Woodstock of Food "Gathering

2008-08-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Our own Dallas Morning News has taken note of the Labor Day weekend gathering of the nation's super-foodies (that would be us) in San Francisco.

Joyce Saenz Harris, writes in Sunday's edition: "Some 50,000 people are expected to participate in this country's first Slow Food Nation event, a gigantic 'Woodstock of food' to be held over the long Labor Day weekend in San Francisco."

Her article traces the roots of Slow Food Dallas from Timothy Mullner's kitchen in 2003 to our convivium-soon-to-be-chapter's 160 members today.

Current leadership team member Mark Monfrey notes that many Dallas members are "more interested in the social networking that Slow Food provides," but says that the political side also plays an important part in the movement's mission. "If we don't take an active role in government and politics," he says, "these small farmers won't have a chance."

Here, here.

Anyone out there interested in adding to our 160-strong membership roll should mark two dates on their calendar:

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6:30 pm when there will be a new member "Meet and Greet" at the Veritas Wine Bar at 2323 N Henderson Ave. (between 75 and Greenville).

Sunday, Sept. 28 - Annual Meeting at a time and place to be determined.

Also if you're planning to attend the gathering in San Francisco let our current leader Jennifer Uygur know at juygur at sbcglobal.net. She'll connect you with other Dallas Slow Foodies who plan on going.

NAIS: Putting Local Ranchers Out of Business

2008-06-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

Seems Congress is now trying to help the US Department of Agriculture make what has been billed as a voluntary system, mandatory, and in the process shut small farmers and ranchers out of the farm-to-school program. The system is the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) which is a USDA plan to electronically track every livestock animal in the country (an ill-conceived, bureaucratic nightmare that masquerades as a food safety measure).

Today, the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a provision of the 2009 Agriculture Appropriations Bill that was introduced last week by Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). It would require all meat products for the school lunch program be purchased only from livestock premises registered with NAIS. Long story short: The extra cost NAIS imposes on small ranchers and farmers will in many cases put them out of business and out of the farm-to-school program.

Ironically, the farm-to-school program is all about improving children's nutrition while providing family farms with a reliable market.

A lot of groups are opposed and are trying to get the measure defeated. If you're interested in supporting local agriculture (and if you're a Slow Foodie you probably are), you owe it to yourself to get smart on NAIS and actively oppose it.

Here are some good sources:

The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance. Based in Austin, it's a leader in the fight against NAIS.
The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund, which is filing suit against the USDA to halt the implementation of NAIS.

Eden's Organic Garden Center to Launch New CSA

2008-06-25T06:09:00.001-07:00

Eden's is taking the pulse of the southeast DFW area to see what level of interest in supporting a new CSA there is. Marie is looking to break ground for a fall garden - cool season veggies mostly and a salad eaters dream come true. So, if you're interested, let her know via her website/email (mailto:eogc@airmail.net) or call her at 214-348-3336

A CSA or Community Supported Agriculture is, according to Local Harvest "a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become "members" (or "shareholders," or "subscribers") of the CSA. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some farmers will accept weekly or monthly payments. Some CSAs also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season.

"A CSA season typically runs from late spring through early fall. The number of CSAs in the United States was estimated at 50 in 1990, and has since grown to over 1000."

Texas Inspired Stilton Soup

2008-06-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the recipe for the Bosque Blue soup that Susan and I brought to the recent Summer Potluck Dinner hosted by Peter and Julie Schaar.

It is actually a recipe for stilton soup but Veldhuizen Farms Bosque Blue is so close to stilton it is a very fitting substitute. http://www.stiltoncheese.com/us/recipes/bluesoup.html

Veldhuizen Farms Bosque Blue is, at present, only available directly from the creamery. Their web site, with an ordering page, can be found here: http://www.veldhuizencheese.com/

The wine used in the cheese was the 2005 Barking Rocks, Blanc du Bois, Granbury Texas . Their web site can be found here: http://www.barkingrockswine.com/

Enjoy!

Andrew Chalk

Mozzarella Company's new raw milk cheese

2008-04-29T08:59:00.001-07:00

At a recent visit to the Mozzarella Company, we bought a new creation called Palo Duro. It's made from raw cow's milk and bathed with wine as it aged. According to Paula Lambert, "it was made last August, so it has been aged for almost 9 months. It is quite firm and can enjoyed as is with fruit chutneys and fruit pastes and it can be grated for salads and even melted in all manner of dishes.

It has a gorgeous reddish rind that comes from bacteria linens that have developed naturally. This lush exterior brought to mind the gorgeous colors in West Texas' famed Palo Duro Canyon which was the inspiration for its name.

Only a limited quantity of Palo Duro was produced, so when the supply is gone there will be no more until next year. It is only available at the Mozzarella Company in Deep Ellum. So, hurry to get a wedge or even a small wheel of this magnificent cheese."

If you miss this one, you can get Paula's other raw milk cheese, Blanca Bianca which debuted at our 2003 American Farmstead Cheese Tasting event and was showcased at Slow Food Cheese 2005 in Bra, Italy.

rs

Set a Course for Texas Wines Tasting - March 31

2008-03-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

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)

Taste Portugal's answer to Texas heat

2008-03-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

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

The Farm Bill

2008-03-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

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

Food Fight at AFI Dallas - Sat, April 5th & Sun, April 6th

2008-03-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

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:
http://www.foodfightthedoc.com/foodfight.html

Too Much Tuscan Sun author Dario Castagno Booksigning at Flavors From Afar

2008-02-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

Nancy and Gary Krabill invite Slow Food members to extend their Italian holiday Monday March 3 by visiting Flavors From Afar where author Dario Castagno signs his latest book A Day in Tuscany. His first book Too Much Tuscan Sun outlines his adventures as a Chianti tour guide, and his second lays out a typical day in Tuscany. The signing takes place from 3-7, and will be accompanied by wine and cheese from the colorful gourmet boutique.

Where: Flavors From Afar
6712 Snider Plaza
214.696.2327
www.flavorsfromafar.com

David Uygur taping Taste of ...

2008-02-29T07:13:00.000-08:00

See and hear our 2006 Terra Madre delegate, David Uygur, at the taping of "Taste Of ...". Slow Food members get $10 off the ticket price to the taping. Mention that you're with Slow Food when you order tickets.

Milestone Culinary Arts Center presents a live taping of “Taste Of…” with hosts Dan Potter and Chef Sharon Van Meter. Chef David Uygur, Executive Chef at Lola joins us on March 3rd.

David Uygur is the Executive Chef of Lola the Restaurant and The Tasting Room at Lola. Raised by a working American mom and a Turkish journalist father, he began his culinary adventures at a young age. He has worked in fine dining restaurants in Austin , Atlanta and Portland , Oregon . In April 2003, he became the opening Executive Chef of the Tasting Room at Lola in Dallas . The restaurants offer seasonally-based menus that change frequently. Bill Addison of The Dallas Morning News lists Lola as one of his Top Ten Upscale Favorites of 2007. Chef David was invited to cook at the James Beard House in 2005. In 2006, Slow Food selected David as a Cook Delegate to represent Dallas at Terra Madre, a biennial meeting of World Food Communities held in Turin , Italy .

"Taste Of" audience members can look forward to sampling different types of gnocchi prepared by Chef Uygur including Gnocchi Verdi with Lemon Butter, Potato Gnocchi with Pancetta and Sage, Semolina Gnocchi with Mushroom Ragu, and Gnocchi de Susine. Audience memebers will also enjoy wine pairings provided by our "Taste Of" wine sponsor, Glazer's

To sign up call Millstone at 214.217.2811 or go online at www.vikingcookingschool.com

Monday
March 3, 2008
6:30- 8:30pm
Please arrive 6:15pm
Tickets $40.00

Show will air Sunday March 9th at 2:00pm on KLIF 570-AM

See David's Terra Madre slides - pdf

DMN - Eating green: Buy food produced close to Dallas

2008-02-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

In the Dallas Morning News Food section, fellow Slow Food member, Kim Pierce, details how you can buy and support locally produced foods that taste good and are healthy. Beyond getting rid of plastic bags and bottles, "eating greener really comes down to paying attention to what you eat, where it comes from and whether it required a lot of processing."

Link to Dallas Morning News article and list of local producers.

Slow Food / Slow Art

2008-02-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Calling all Slow Food art lovers…

Gestures of Resistance: Craft, Performance, and the Politics of Slowness
http://www.performingcraft.com/caa-2008/ is both an exhibition and a panel presentation at the College Art Association Conference taking place this year in Dallas.

Slow Art is sponsored through Slow Food USA. Slow Art asked artists to bring pieces to exhibit that would fit the criteria for Slow Art. This is the first time that we know of that such an idea has been implemented. Slow Food Dallas is participating by co-sponsoring the opening reception, and by encouraging our members to come and view the exhibition.

Gray Matters Gallery
113 N Haskell Ave
Dallas TX 75226
214-824-7108.

Exhibition runs February 20 - March 22, 2008
Gallery will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 12-6 pm.

During the College Art Association Conference (Wednesday, February 20 - Sunday, February 24) the gallery will be open daily 12 - 6 pm.

More Details on the Exhibition
§ One panelist, Kelly Cobb, is presenting on her 100-mile suit (a direct translation of the 100-mile diet) which involved making a man's suit (including underwear, shoes, and tie!) with materials and labor all sourced within a 100 mile radius of her home in Philadelphia.

§ Robyn Love has over fifty volunteers working with her to knit a mile of duplicate yellow stripe to be installed along a Dallas road.

§ Sherri Wood will be publicly sewing her Repent/Mercy banners at the Conference Artspace. She invites your participation.

§ Anthea Black is producing a limited edition postering campaign around Dallas.

Workshop with Frau Fiber: White Collar Shirt Production
KO Manufacturing–every little bit helps.
Saturday, February 24th 10am to 5pm

This workshop presents an alternative to participating in the consumption of disposable garments. Participants will learn sewing construction techniques for producing a “white-collar” shirt. Knocking off a ‘white-collar’ shirt originally purchased at a Tesco’s store for $7 generated the pattern for this garment.

Tesco is a UK-based international grocery and general merchandising retail chain. It is the largest British retailer by both global sales and domestic market share, and is the worlds third-largest retailer, behind Wal-Mart of the US and Carrefour of France.Workshop Materials: old disassembled clothes, recycled domestic linens, found or borrowed thread, scissors, tape measure, sewing machine, pins and a pencil.

Frau Fiber will provide – pattern and instructions.

Recommended donation $20.
To sign up for workshop send e-mail to performingcraft@gmail.com .

The Slow Life Picks Up Speed

2008-02-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

Great article by Penelope Green in The New York Times on Slow Design...designers that Slow Food priniciples of "good, clean and fair" in their work.

Here's an excerpt...
"I HAVE a little spiel I like to give about thread,” Natalie Chanin said the other day. “The ladies laugh at me and call it my Oprah moment, but here’s how it goes: It’s called loving your thread, and it’s all about talking to the thread, coaxing it to take the path of least resistance. At the crux of it, that’s what Slow Design is all about.”

Ms. Chanin runs a company, Alabama Chanin, that sells hand-stitched garments made from old T-shirts and home goods like flea market chairs with seats woven out of Goodwill neckties. Designed by Ms. Chanin and her collaborator, Butch Anthony, and hand-made by artisans — the ladies, as she calls them — in her hometown of Florence, Ala., her products are examples of Slow Design, which is not so much a metabolic term as it is a philosophical one.

Slow means that Alabama Chanin is run on the tenets of the Slow Food movement, which essentially challenges one to use local ingredients harvested and put together in a socially and environmentally responsible way. Above all it emphasizes slowness in the creation and consumption of products as a corrective to the frenetic pace of 21st-century life. “Good, clean and fair” is the Slow Food credo, and it has — rather slowly — begun to make its way out of the kitchen and into the rest of the house.

While Slow Food is now in its third decade, an established global movement with an official manifesto and about 85,000 members in over 100 countries, Slow Design is still in its infancy. But it does have an increasing number of proselytizers, like John Brown, an architect in Calgary, Alberta, whose year-old Web site, theslowhome.com, urges consumers to say no to “fast-food architecture,” and Geir Berthelsen, a Norwegian motivational speaker whose Web site slowplanet.com, which is to go online in mid-March, has as its goal to be a hub for all things slow, from slow travel to slow shopping to slow design, he said. Ms. Chanin, meanwhile, has a book, “Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting, and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Design” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) due out in March. It gives instructions on how to make her stenciled, poetry-embellished sheets and teaches her Slow credo, which is to use discarded materials to make something new — and to take as long as necessary doing it.

For some designers, that means leaving the studio. Christien Meindertsma, a Dutch designer, knits rugs on needles as long as yardsticks with wool spun from the fleece of Welsh sheep she’s seen in person. That’s very slow, meeting your wool. (Ms. Meindertsma’s company is called Flocks.)"

To read the whole article, click here.

What The World Eats - Photo Essay

2008-01-17T05:10:00.000-08:00

Wow. Here's an eye-opening photo essay that shows what's on family dinner tables in fifteen different homes around the globe. The pictures are by Peter Menzel from the book "Hungry Planet." There's also an accompanying article, "How The World Eats": http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1626795_1627112_1626671,00.html

The photo of the Aboubakar family in Chad and the photo of the Revis family from N. Carolina. presents a startling contrast. In the Revis family portrait, American bounty is represented by brightly packaged processed foods and takeout pizza. The only fresh produce seems to be grapes and a couple of tomatoes.

Another surprise was the prevalence of soda...especially Coke...on tables from Poland to Cairo.

What would a week's worth of your family's groceries look like?

(Thanks to member Peter Schaar for giving me a heads up about this...)

"The Future of Food" is happening now

2008-01-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people who want to know what's in my food...where it came from...who grew it...and what I can do with it. Of course before I even start down that path, I want to be sure it is safe and will continue to be safe while I cook it and consume it. The fact of the matter is, I believe at the very least, all the food in the marketplace should be safe. Safe for me, safe for my family and anyone I might want to serve it to. Its incredible to me that more and more food is arriving at the marketplace that isn't. Because I'm extremely interested in food, I'm aware of that, but so many others are not. Like it or not, we all need to be aware of what is happening to the food we eat every day and what impact it has on our health and our way of life, both now and in the future.

Slow Food Dallas is sponsoring the screening of "The Future of Food," produced by Deborah Koons Garcia. Deborah Koons Garcia is the widow of the famous rocker Jerry Garcia. Deborah has produced several documentaries and was concerned enough about what was happening around her to produce this one about genetically modified food. I think you'll find it enlightening and it just might change the way you shop, cook and eat.

The film is being screened at the Nasher Sculpture Center this Sunday afternoon at 2 pm in the private dining room at the Nasher. Tickets are available through Slow Food Dallas at their website: www.slowfooddallas.org. Seating is limited.

Here a Moo, There a Moo, Everywhere the Same Moo

2008-01-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal reports today that the FDA is expected to declare early next week that the meat and milk from cloned animals and their offspring are safe to eat. The lead on the story says it all:

"Get ready for a food fight over milk and meat from cloned animals and their offspring."

Sounds like another step down the monoculture road.

Zituna World Food Market opens in Richardson

2008-01-04T07:41:00.000-08:00

Miss the closing of Worldwide Foods on Greenville a few years back? Well, now you can head up north to Zituna World Food Market. Opening late last year, Zituna offers a huge selection of fresh and packaged Middle Eastern, Greek, Persian, and Eastern European foods. Worth the drive for the olive and nut bar.

Located at 970 N. Coit #3025 (SE corner of Coit & Arapaho), Richardson, 75080; 972.470.0101

Thanks to the DallasFood.org blog for the scoop.

What's This NAIS Thing and Why Should We Care?

2007-12-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

NAIS is an acronym for the National Animal Identification System, a program which the US Department of Agriculture says is needed to "protect the health of U.S. livestock and poultry and the economic well-being of those industries." NAIS, it avers will enable the USDA to quickly and effectively trace an animal disease to its source so we'll know exactly which animals are sick and where they are. But there’s much more to NAIS than meets the eye. Many small ranchers and farmers see it as a threat to their very existence.

The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, an Austin-based non-profit, has been one of the leaders in the fight against the implementation of NAIS. Judith McGeary, the executive director, has called to our attention an eye-opening article about NAIS published on-line by The Nation.

This quote from the article sure got my attention. I think she's talking about us. I think it shows why we should care.

"NAIS is going to truly coalesce the food supply," said (attorney Karin) Bergener. "All the people who like to go to a nice farmers' market so they can buy fresh eggs and chickens from a farmer they can look in the eye won't be have anywhere to go. We won't be there anymore. We won't exist."

Another Must-Read Michael Pollan Article

2007-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Be sure to read Michael Pollan's article in today's New York Times Magazine. He uses this year's outbreak of MRSA and the mysterious epidemic that hit the nation's beehives to demonstrate the "precariousness of monocultures."

Latte Da Dairy Tastings Coming Up

2007-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Latte Da Dairy will be doing in store tastings this next week at the three Central Markets it serves:

Dallas CM (Lovers & Greenville) Saturday, Dec. 15 from 12-4.
Fort Worth CM (Hulen) Sunday, Dec. 16 from 12-4
Southlake CM (FM1709) Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 10:30- 4.

Anne and her divas are also offering a chevre with the "works" (dill, garlic, red pepper & black pepper) that she says,"looks quite festive with the green and red of the spices ."

Stop by and tell Anne that Slow Food sent you.

Holiday Cheeses Available

2007-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Slow Food cheese makers Paula Lambert and Tonia Ashworth-Kuesel have special Christmas cheeses in stock that can be ordered on line or picked up at their stores. The Mozzarella Company's Christmas Cheese is a once-a-year treat that is made from Thanksgiving through New Years. In keeping with the season, the fresh, spreadable cheese is mixed with a red chile puree and topped with fresh jalapenos.

Over at Chateau de Fromage, Toni is offering here prosecco cherry, brandied cranberry and the year-round favorite, truffled chevre, along with gift certificates and holiday baskets.

Both offer gift baskets and Chateau de Fromage offers gift certificates as well. Order through the Mozzarella Company's and Chateau de Fromage Website. Or email Tonia at orders(at)chateaudefromage(dot)com.