The farm-to-table movement took off in the 2000s, but it got started in 1971 with the success of a restaurant called Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California owned by Alice Waters. Waters got her idea from dinners she had enjoyed while living in France.
“…[F]arm-to-table restaurants get their food from local farms, so the food is picked at peak freshness and is bursting with flavors and vitamins,” says webstrauntstore.com. Because the produce is usually very flavorful, many farm-to-table operations don’t dress their food up with complex sauces and overpowering flavors, instead preferring to let the freshness and flavor of the food speak for itself.”
Aiming to reduce the distance food travels from its source to the consumer’s plate, the farm-to-table movement promotes sustainable agricultural practices, supports local economies, and creates more nutritious meals. It is a response to Americans becoming tired of over processed foods or bland foods picked before they are fully ripened so they can be shipped large distances.
“The farm to fork movement has come a long way since Alice Waters first opened Chez Panisse,” says webstrauntstore.com. “It’s now one of the fastest growing food trends in the [United States.]”
During the months of August and September 2024, three popular farm-to-table dinners will be offered to those interested in seasonal meals created from local farm products.
August 19
Farm-to-Table at the Fair
Wilson County Fairgrounds
945 East Baddour Parkway,
Lebanon, Tennessee
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $60 per person or $350 for a table of six (includes admission to the fair)
This one-of-a-kind experience will feature local farm-raised produce and meats, along with artisan breads and beverages, followed by a delicious summer dessert. Proceeds from this dinner will go to the Tennessee State Fair Association, a 501(c)(3) corporation, Youth Development Program, dedicated to raising the next generation of agriculture leaders. For a copy of the menu and to buy tickets click here.
August 24
8th Annual Portland Chamber of Commerce
Farm-to-Table Dinner on Main Street
106 Main Street
Portland, Tennessee
Time: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $100 per person
Under string lights hung over Main Street, about 165 people enjoy a farm-fresh dinner catered by Colorado Grill which includes wine from Sumner Crest Winery and local craft beers from BS Brew Works, appetizers, an entree, a dessert and live music. The event is sponsored by many local businesses with products from Big Sky Farm TN, Bryant’s Country Store, Country View Creamery, Pure Pasture Farms, Smiley’s Produce Market, Wade Farmz and ZK Ranch. For a copy of the menu and to buy your tickets click here.
September 28
4th Annual Gallatin Farm-to-Table Dinner
Historic Downtown Gallatin
146 North Water Street
Gallatin, Tennessee
Time: 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Presented by Public One, the annual Gallatin Farm-to-Table dinner talks place in the heart of historic downtown. It is a celebration of local farmers market vendors through a four-course meal, live music from Lucas Collier, tastings, special exhibits, a silent auction and local art. To learn more and to purchase tickets click here.
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