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

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

For as long as I have lived in Florida (just over 3 years), the Las Olas/Fort Lauderdale/Broward County area has carried a negative stigma as being subpar as far as restaurants, clubs, action goes. When you look for a great restaurant or something of that sort, Miami and Palm Beach are the places to go. Tonight, as I was eating at The Grill Room on Las Olas at the Riverside Hotel, I second guessed myself, yet again, I experienced a great restaurant right in the heart of Las Olas. This is happening more and more often, as I keep experiencing great places in this forgotten territory – including Trina, Himmarshee Bar & Grille, Cero, 3030 Ocean and now The Grill Room (OK, they’re not all on Las Olas, but close enough).

A few things you must check out or take note of:

1) The wine cellar- It’s fabulous. This is not an ordinary wine cellar, but a state of the art masterpiece. I wish I had a picture to post, but its something that you need to stop by to see for yourself.

2) The Caesar Salad – Made tableside It has the same feel as when guacamole is made right next to you at the table in your favorite Mexican restaurant. But what happens, when you don’t like guacamole (I know call me crazy!) you miss out on that experience. Not anymore, the Caesar is fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of garlic and parmesan.

3) The staff is extremely knowledgeable and will be happy to help you select an entree or pair your food and wine. From everyday wine to the more exotic (some wines they have to prepay for and order a year ahead of time just to ensure that they will have the best wine for their guests), they have it all.

4) Chocolate covered strawberries – to finish off your meal, guests are served a large, succulent strawberry dipped in chocolate. A perfect sweet taste to linger in your mouth.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler