Peace and Environment News* September 2001
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Peace and Environment News * September 2001 |
by Sharon Boddy
On September 9, Lakeside Gardens in Ottawa's Britannia Park will be redolent with organic aromas as the Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Organic Growers hosts their annual Feast of Fields event.
Feast of Fields pairs organic producers with local chefs. If you've never tasted the difference, this is a wonderful opportunity to sample some of the many organic fruits and vegetables, breads and grains, meats, desserts, wines, juices, coffee and teas offered by Ottawa area producers.
According to Debbie DeCooman, one of the event's organizers, "Feast of Fields is a way to reach people's hearts and minds through their stomachs." The first Ottawa-region Feast of Fields was held at the Experimental Farm in 1996, and a second festival was held in Almonte last year.
Several local restaurants and caterers are taking part in the Festival including Café Henry Burger, Juniper, Thyme & Again Catering, The Green Door, and The Table. Organic producers include Hawkwood Farms, Goldenrod Farm, Eatwell Farms, and Loretta's Pastry, among others.
This is the first year that Juniper, a west Ottawa bistro, will be participating. "As much as I can, I buy from local producers," says Richard Nigro, chef at Juniper, "and I try to buy as much organic produce as I can." Juniper has been paired with Bryson Farms and Nigro is considering a herb crepe stuffed with roasted beet and goat cheese for its dish at the Feast. "Stuart Collins [of Bryson Farms] wanted me to use his root vegetables for the dish."
The event also features an organic producers marketplace, where festival goers can chat with producers and buy local produce, and participate in a silent auction. There will also be activities for children, such as face painting and mural sponging.
Tickets are available by calling Debbie DeCooman at 448-3540, or at these local retailers: Rainbow Foods, The Green Door, The Wheat Berry, Thyme & Again Catering, Eatwell Farms, Arbour Environmental Shoppe, Sam Jakes Inn, Homestead Organics, and Domus Café. Ticket prices range from $35 for adults, $20 for children, $25 for seniors, or a family rate of $110 (2 adults, 3 children) or $65/couple.
For more information about Canadian Organic Growers, including the 2001 directory of organic producers, visit COG's web site at www.cog.ca.
Sharon Boddy is an Ottawa-based writer.
Converted November 25, 2001 - Lg
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