The South Florida Traveler

Last night, I attended my first Slow Foods Dinner at Cafe Boulud. Chef Zach Bell really knows how to make the mouths of foodies all around savor every bite. No wonder this $125 a plate dinner was sold out, when other restaurants are struggling to fill their dining rooms. Honestly, why would people make their way out to this landmark restaurant for this special event? Was it because the event was at Cafe Boulud? Was it because it was a Slow Foods dinner? And, what exactly is slow foods?

The movement of slow foods has been around officially since 1989, and it focuses on counteracting the effects of fast food, fast life and local traditions. Their goal is to reconnect people with the foods that are local, seasonal and sustainably grown through raising public awareness, improving access, advocating for locals farmers and focusing on the celebration of food as a cornerstone of American society. Although many chefs are strong advocates of the movement including Zach Bell from Cafe Boulud, Mark Lieberman from Forte and Dean Max from 3030 Ocean, there is still much room for growth in the area.

The Glades to Coast Convivium is a new chapter so right now is the ideal time to get involved, and from the event last night, people will be raving about it for awhile, or at least until January 15th when the next dinner takes place at 3030 Ocean.  And who wouldn’t have? Heirloom tomatoes and eggplant fresh from the farm, sturgeon and Florida pasture raised lamb, did you know that was possible to get these products locally grown in South Florida?

Here’s a list of some local vendors that you might want to look into:

• Farmhouse Tomatoes: Home of hydroponic heirloom beefsteak tomatoes that taste like the tomatoes grown a century ago.  Located in Lake Worth.
• Swank Farms: Husband and wife team Darren and Jodi Swank run this family farm in Loxahatchee. They produce HydroNatural greens, herbs and specialty produce without using pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. Available to local restaurants and consumers, their products last longer (up to 3 weeks) because they are harvested with roots attached.
• Deep Creek Ranch: Located in Deland, Florida, the provide registered Angus and South Poll cattle for breeding stock and for food.
• Mote Marine: Located in Sarasota, the Mote Marine Laboratory raises sturgeon in a safely, controlled indoor environment.
• Palm Beach Groves: Family owned gift fruit shippers located in Lantana. They have been around for over 60 years.
• Henry Davis Organic Selections: Bringing delicious wine to the table produced by small organic and biodynamic vineyards.

Photo Credit: Robyn Gallagher @ flickr

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