For the second year, the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities (formerly the Michigan Land Use Institute) is inviting the community to join in a local farm-to-table experience on the front lawn of the Grand Traverse Commons on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015.
The annual event is a showcase for the bounty produced by northwest Michigan’s farmers. Harvest will feature a multi-course family-style meal by Simon Joseph, owner of the popular Roaming Harvest food truck and the Harvest restaurant. Joseph exemplifies the thriving local food scene in northern Michigan by combining the very best of street food with quality cuisine and locally-sourced ingredients.
Dinner this year will include Jamaican jerk chicken from Double L Farms in Cadillac, roasted root vegetables and seasonal green salads from 9 Bean Rows of Suttons Bay. Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will be joining Joseph to bake a Boule sourdough bread made from local wheat, as well as a local dessert: vanilla panna cotta made with Shetler Family Farms milk and cream. The panna cotta will be topped with peach compote made with local peaches.
“Harvest@theCommons is a great opportunity to showcase the amazing food our farmers produce right here in Michigan, and we’re so happy to be a part of it,” said Joseph.
This year, Harvest has received recognition as a “Certified Local Food Event” —a new designation created by Taste the Local Difference® to highlight events that show a commitment to the local food community. Nearly 100 percent of the ingredients for the Oct. 10 meal will be sourced locally.
“The certification encourages local food sourcing and zero-waste initiatives at regional events, but also provides validation for attendees that they’re participating in a socially responsible event,” said Tricia Phelps, TLD coordinator.
The drinks at Harvest will also have a local flavor. Higher Grounds will be brewing a special new coffee blend, appropriately called “Harvest,” that will also be available in stores with proceeds benefitting Groundwork’s farm to school work. Also on hand: wine from Black Star Farms, Bowers Harbor, Chateau Chantal, and Good Neighbor Organic Winery; beer from Short’s Brewing Company; cider from Left Foot Charley; drinks from Northwoods Soda; and cocktails featuring vodka and bourbon from Grand Traverse Distillery.
Tickets are on sale via MyNorth. For more information, contact Renee Herman at renee@groundworkcenter.org.
