Slow Food Columbia

Take a Bite Out of Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel Edgeworth) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:04:00 +0000

Environmental buzzwords like local, organic and sustainable are nothing new to our ears as the phrased "green movement" continues to sweep throughout the nation. According to Ad Age, the term "sustainable" was named as one of the most "Jargoniest Jargon" words of 2010, and while companies and consumers are both searching for ways to be more socially responsible, we want to break the misuse and abuse of "sustainable" and share the slow take on it.

While local and sustainable necessarily don't mean the same thing, their importance go hand in hand. Utilizing sustainability functions through our local and regional food systems, rather the global industrial alternative, which greater negatively impacts our environment through transportation pollution, monocropping and the over-consumption of fossil fuels. On the latter, family-run farms practice sustainability through composting techniques, minimal pesticide use and less product packaging.

The goal of sustainability is to produce food in ways that will protect the quality of public health, the environment and animal welfare on a long-term basis for our community, economy and planet.

Join us and urge the importance of sustainability in your local community!

Eat good, feel good, make for a better tomorrow.

Image by http://calclimateag.org

June 17: Slow Food Happy Hour at Saluda's!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Broom) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:06:00 +0000

Join us Monday, June 17th from 6pm-7:30pm at the bar at Saluda's in Five Points for a super casual happy hour!

Cash/credit bar for drinks and apps. Let's just hang out.

It's summer, after all!

Saluda's Chef Blake Faries at Slow Food at Indie Grits. Image by Jonathan Sharpe.

Join Slow Food now to vote in board elections!

As a 100% volunteer-run non-profit, we are looking forward to growing internal leadership teams, increasing our dues-paying membership, and hosting more small gatherings for our Slow Food Community.

We will be holding elections for new board members soon!

To vote, you MUST be a current, dues paying member of Slow Food USA.

What would *you* like to accomplish as a member of our Slow Food community?

(Have you joined or renewed at Slow Food USA? Go for it!)

Good luck to the Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival!

While we aren't co-organizing this year, we hope you'll attend July 20!

Slow Food Columbia is trying to focus on internal growth and infrastructure this year, so we're not co-producing the 2013 Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival. However, we'd like to encourage y'all to attend and support the organization with whom we co-founded the event in 2010, Sustainable Midlands!

Sustainable Midlands has partnered with the Rosewood Merchants' Association for this year's festival. Check it out and give 'em your love!

Yours slowly,
Slow Food Columbia

Where Being Slow Has Its Advantages...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel Edgeworth) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:44:00 +0000

In a modern society where every hour is rush hour, the ideal of being slow is typically frowned upon. While here at Slow Food we may not have an answer to ones everyday "hurry sickness," we have an answer to why slowing down in the kitchen has its benefits.

Health
Living farm-to-table brings more than fresh taste and vitality - it's a peace of mind. Enjoying food right at its peak will not only enrich a healthier diet but will engage in a lifestyle of giving back to the earth.

Community
Buying local gives back. It allows to invest the dollar close to home, where it continues to support the farms and small businesses in our communities and the greater region. Slow Food promotes food and health education in hosted events year-round, spreading the mission of sustainability.

Environment
When food is produced in a clean way, fewer pesticides are used, pollution is reduced and biodiversity is preserved. According to the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC), “Transporting food long distances uses tremendous energy: it takes 435 fossil-fuel calories to fly a 5 calorie strawberry from California to New York.”

So ask yourself, what's the rush?

Image: slowfoodspringfield.org

Join the slow movement here!!

Eat, Drink and Be Local - Keep It Going

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Broom) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:34:00 +0000

We still love this action campaign.

What are your favorite locally owned, independent restaurants? Why?

3rd Annual Slow Food at Indie Grits, April 14, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Meredith) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:06:00 +0000

Chefs Mike Davis, Tim Peters, Eric McClam, and Alex Suaudom du Monde

3rd Annual "Slow Food at Indie Grits" Sustainable Chefs Showcase, April 14th, 2013 4-7pm at 711 Whaley

Chefs from Columbia's top farm-to-table restaurants including Terra, Motor Supply Company Bistro, Rossa Tattoria, Rosewood Market and Deli, Baan Sawan, Saluda's, Spotted Salamander Catering, Blue Marlin, The Oak Table, Drip, Whole Foods, Jake's, Scott Hall Catering and Tombo Grille will serve signature bites at a "Sustainable Chefs Showcase" and party on April 14th, from 4-7pm at 711 Whaley in Columbia, South Carolina.

For tickets, visit http://www.indiegrits.com/food.

To volunteer in exchange for free admission, go here! http://slowfood2013.eventbrite.com/

Slow Food Columbia proudly hosts Slow Food at Indie Grits to bring Columbia's sustainable food community together to celebrate the Slow Food motto of promoting Good, Clean and Fair food ways. Slow Food at Indie Grits is an official partner even of the 7th Annual Indie Grits Festival.

Enjoy the record-spinning talents of the Greater Columbia Society for the Preservation of Soul, a cash bar by The Whig with South Carolina beers (from Columbia's new Conquest Brewery and Ridgeland, SC's River Dog Brewery) and wines hand-picked by AdVintage, party pics by Jonathan Sharpe Photography, and event design by Flock and Rally, in collaboration with Andrew Stinson of WAS Designs. Thank you to our venue, 701 Whaley!

Slow Food at Indie Grits

Sustainable Chefs Showcase and Potluck

Presented by Slow Food Columbia

Date: Sunday, April 14, 2013
Time: 4-7pm
Venue: 711 Whaley, Columbia, SC 29201, in the market building

Price: $20 general, $15 members of Slow Food or The Nick, $10 for potluck bringers

Tickets on sale now: http://www.indiegrits.com

If you've joined Slow Food and don't have your member

The green community flocks to this annual event; the food + socializing are some of the best you can get in the Midlands. Each chef's dish must feature at least one locally, sustainably produced major ingredient, and chefs really try to outdo each other with innovation and quality. This fun, friendly party was a sold out success in 2011 and 2012, and is sure to be a "don't miss" event for foodies in 2013.

Slow Food at Indie Grits 2012. Image: Jonathan Sharpe

2013 Slow Food at Indie Grits Sustainable Chefs:

Chef Mike Davis, owner, Terra
Chef Tim Peters, Motor Supply Company Bistro
Chef Kristian Niemi, owner, Rosso Trattoria
Chef Benoit St. Jacques, Rosewood Market and Deli
Chef Alex Suaudom du Monde, owner, Baan Sawan Thai Bistro
Chef Blake Faries, Saluda's
Chef Jessica Shillato, owner, Spotted Salamander Catering
Chef Brian Dukes, Blue Marlin
Chef Joseph Jacobson, The Oak Table
Sean McCrossin, Drip Coffee and Drip on Main
Joseph Stover, Whole Foods Market
Chef Corey Paul, Jake's
Chef Andrew White, Tombo Grille
Chef Scott Hall, Bone-In Artisan BBQ on Wheels and Scott Hall Catering

For a lower priced ticket, guests are invited to bring a potluck dish to contribute. At this ticket level, guests should bring roughly 20 taste portions of a dish made with at least one sustainable, local ingredient.

Slow Food Columbia potlucks are a place where resourcefulness, simplicity and creativity shine! Past Slow Food potluck favorites include dishes like radish butter, tomato-chocolate truffles, and free range coq au vin.

Other ticket levels are available for those who do not opt to bring potluck dishes.

Image: Lindsay Lybrand, 2012

About Slow Food Columbia
Slow Food Columbia is one of 200+ Slow Food USA Chapters. Our mission is to support the movement behind GOOD, CLEAN and FAIR foodways. We host workshops, potlucks and other events throughout the year that celebrate local + seasonal flavors; showcase the culinary talents of our region's chefs, farmers, + artisan producers; strengthen connections between members of our local food community; and educate the public about the importance of knowing where their food comes from.

Image: Lindsay Lybrand, 2012

About Indie Grits
In 2010, Indie Grits was named one of the world's 20 coolest film festivals by Movie Maker magazine. The 2012 festival was featured in Garden & Gun and Southern Living as well. The festival is hosted by the non-profit art cinema, The Nickelodeon Theatre. For full festival info, visit http://www.indiegrits.com.

Website: http://www.slowfoodcolumbia.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/slowfoodcola
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16629285309
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/slowfoodcola

Beautiful poster for Slow Food at Indie Grits, April 14, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Broom) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:17:00 +0000

Presenting: the Slow Food at Indie Grits 2013 poster, designed by Sam Spina!

Our annual Sustainable Chefs' Showcase is Sunday, April 14, 2013, from 4pm-7pm. Tickets are $20 general/$15 Nick and Slow Food members/$10 potluckers. (We lowered prices this year to make it more accessible to our Slow Food community!)

Tickets on sale March 15 at http://www.indiegrits.com/! Click here to volunteer in return for free admission.

Fish can be a fishy thing...

noreply@blogger.com (Meredith) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:00:00 +0000

We know buying local is better, and we know buying sustainable is best, but even still, how can you tell what fish is the freshest?

Image: Slow Food USA

Slow Food USA recently posted an article with a few tips and tricks to help you make sure you know exactly what you're looking for!

How to pick a fresh fish: Slow Food USA

Ever wanted to eat your way from Atlanta to Charleston?

noreply@blogger.com (Meredith) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Calling all East Coast Slow Food travelers!

Ever been on a road trip and absolutely dread to stop and eat, because your best choices seem to be a frozen cheeseburger dripping in chemically enhanced grease, or the questionable salad in the back of the gas station cooler section?

Well, fear no more! The Food Republic has provided you with their ultimate guide.

Image: Food Republic

Presenting:

Southern Food Road Trip: How to Eat Your Way From Atlanta to Charleston
Author Chris Chamberlain takes you on a Slow Food adventure pinpointing some of the southeast's most delectable and sustainable restaurants.

"If you’re looking to head to the source to experience authentic Southern cuisine, here’s an eatinerary that should get your mouth watering and put a close-to-home road trip on your Fantasy Travel agenda."

With enough places picked out for the mornings and nights of four days, you can be sure you'll never be left unsatisfied.

(Nice shout-out to Cafe Strudel here in West Cola, btw.)

His descriptions alone are enough to make your mouth water. To read the whole article, head over to FoodRepublic.com/SouthernFoodRoadTrip.

Happy eating and traveling!

Take Our Survey, Midlands Farm Tour list, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Broom) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:29:00 +0000

From our Feb. 22, 2013 newsletter:

Monday's meeting is cancelled...

Please accept our apologies! We'll be back on our normal schedule of third Mondays on March 18, 6:30pm.

Take our first-ever survey!
Will you spare 90 seconds for this quick survey?

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BRPFXLT

Deadline to respond is midnight this Sunday, Feb. 24. It is just 10 very short questions!

Your answer will help our PR intern from USC this semester with his research to gauge current interest and opinions regarding Slow Food Columbia from members and community supporters. Please click through and take a moment. Thanks!

Meanwhile, do consider Monday's Farm to Table with Kristian Niemi dinner at City Roots.

See below for the Midlands Farm Tour list for April 6-7!

p.s. Soda City Farmers Market will happen inside the new Taylor Street parking garage tomorrow morning, 9am-1pm! Free parking. Pretty great little solution to the weather problem, we've got to say!

Slow Food at Indie Grits

Sustainable Chefs Showcase

The GCSPS is spinning again this year at Slow Food at Indie Grits!

Sunday, April 14, 2013
4pm-7pm
711 Whaley Street
(at 701 Whaley)
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
@slowfoodcola
@indiegrits
info@slowfoodcolumbia.org
Tickets $20 general
$15 Slow Food and Nickelodeon members
$10 for potluck bringers

On sale March 15, 2013 at http://www.indiegrits.com
Festival passes go on sale March 1.

Featuring tasting tables with the most conscientious chefs in Columbia, with a Slow Food community potluck, tunes by the Greater Columbia Society for the Preservation of Soul, cash bar with local beers served up by The Whig and wines by AdVintage, this food and drink fiesta is an official partner of the Nickelodeon Theatre's 7th annual Indie Grits Festival.

Confirmed Sustainable Chefs for 2013:

Chef Mike Davis, owner, Terra
Chef Tim Peters, Motor Supply Company Bistro
Chef Kristian Niemi, owner, Rosso Trattoria
Chef Benoit St. Jacques, Rosewood Market & Deli
Chef Alex Suaudom du Monde, owner, Baan Sawan Thai Bistro
Chef Blake Faries, Saluda's
Chef Jessica Shillato, owner, Spotted Salamander Catering
Chef Brian Dukes, owner, Blue Marlin
Chef Joseph Jacobson, The Oak Table
Sean McCrossin, Drip Coffee and Drip on Main
Chef Andrew White, Tombo Grille
Chef Scott Hall, Bone-In Artisan BBQ on Wheels

CFSA Midlands Farm Tour April 6-7, 2013

Slow Food Cola has been getting more involved with the Carolina Farm Stewards Association (CFSA), which is very active in North Carolina. We love to see that they are getting more involved in SC, too!

Join us in getting enthusiastic about the first-ever Midlands Farm Tour, the weekend of April 6-7, 2013! Sponsored by Whole Foods, it'll be a weekend of hopping around about a dozen local farms.

Image: Gennifer Carragher

FARMS ON THE TOUR:

DOKO FARM - JOE and AMANDA JONES
Eggs, Pork, Lamb, Ducks, American Guinea Hogs, St. Croix Sheep, Cayuga and Saxony Ducks, and Narragansett Turkeys
2101 Cedar Creek Road | Blythewood, SC 29016
803-873-7739 | dokofarm@gmail.com | www.dokofarm.org

CAROLINA BAY FARMS - JAMES HELMS and SHARON RAY
Eggs, Wood, Quail, Early Vegetables
5301 Lower Richland Blvd | Hopkins, SC 29061
803-422-4929 | Carolinabayfarms5301@gmail.com

ROUND RIVER FARMS - TRUDY and LUNDY PIXTON
Vegetables, Eggs, Goats
258 Riddle Road | Leesville, SC 29070
803-532-0557 | roundriverfarms@gmail.com | www.roundriverfarms.com

CITY ROOTS - ERIC and ROBBIE MCCLAM, BEN MARSHALL, BETH LUND, COURTNEY BROOKS
Produce, Eggs, Microgreens, Fish, Vermicompost
1005 Airport Blvd | Columbia, SC 29205
803-254-2303 | cityroots@cityroots.org | www.cityroots.org

CROOKED CEDAR FARM - SELVIN and EDWINA HARRELL
Produce, Eggs, Perennial Flowers, Daylilies
1464 Lawhorn Road | Blythewood, SC 29016
803-786-4841 | crookedcedarfarmsc@gmail.com | www.sites.google.com/site/crookedcedarfarmsc/

TERRA KOTTA FARMS - SCOTT and ALLISON STAPLETON
Eggs, Produce, Grapes, Rain Barrels
2412 Lewie Road | Leesville, SC 29070
803-580-9642 | rscottstapleton@gmail.com

HERITAGE FIELDS FARM - DAVID DERRICK
Seasonal produce
10350 Broad River Rd | Irmo, SC 29063
David@heritagefieldsfarm.com | www.heritagefieldsfarm.com

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY FARM and GARDEN - SUSTAINABLE CAROLINA STAFF
Educational Garden, Herbs
1216 Wheat St, Building C | Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-0833 | weiland@fmc.sc.edu | artsandsciences.sc.edu/greenquad/garden

WIL-MOORE FARMS - KEITH and ROBIN WILLOUGHBY
Eggs, Beef, Pork, Lamb, Goat
1916 Three Branches Road | Lugoff, SC 29078
803-438-3097 | keith@wil-moorefarms.com | www.wil-moorefarms.com

PARADISE ACRES FARM - TOM HORDNES and DENISE BACHMANN
Turkeys, Eggs, Seasonal Fruits, Gluten Free Pies & Cookies
374 Gettys Rd | Elgin, SC 29045
803-427-6943 | DKBachmann@paradise-acres-farm.com | www.paradise-acres-farm.com

NOMA COMMUNITY GARDEN - JACQUELINE WILLIAMS
Vegetables, Ornamental Flowers
2700 River Drive | Columbia, SC 29201
803-545-3100 | http://www.columbiasc.net/communitygardens/491

The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association helps people grow and eat local, organic food by advocating for fair farm and food policies, building the systems family farms need to thrive, and educating communities about local, organic farming. www.carolinafarmstewards.org

Slow Food U.S.A. Annual Southeast Regional Leaders' Meeting, Feb. 24

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Broom) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:27:00 +0000

This just in from the mothership! If you are a current member of Slow Food Columbia and would like to attend this meeting, let us know at info@slowfoodcolumbia.org and we'll introduce you to Jovan Sage via email in advance. Thanks!

The Slow Food Southeast Regional Leader's Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2013 from 9:30a-4:30p in Atlanta, Georgia at the Clarkston Community Center (3701 College Avenue, Clarkston, GA 30021).

Keynote Speakers include Paolo Croce, General Secretary, Slow Food International and Richard McCarthy, Incoming Executive Director of Slow Food USA. The meeting will be facilitated by Jovan Sage, Leadership Program Manager of Slow Food USA.

Many of the chapters in the southeastern United States are very actively involved in the food movement, and there is strength in numbers. The annual Southeast Regional Leader's Meeting is just around the corner and we are welcoming chapter leaders from the rest of the South to join us.

We hope to build a stronger sense of community amongst the southeastern US Slow Food chapters. During this daylong meeting we will be exploring ways to increase unity and strengthen the network. Ultimately, we want to take the work of the region to a deeper level of commitment, but we need involved members to help determine what that work should be.

This will be our first opportunity to begin building a stronger sense of community within the southeastern United States. Please pass this onto your membership as this meeting is open to Chapter leaders and member representatives.

Registration is now open on BrownPaperTickets.

P.S. To be connected to a homestay please contact Gabraelle Lane at 240.460.0111 or gabraellelane@gmail.com.

Slow Food at Indie Grits is set for April 14, 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Broom) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 17:11:00 +0000

Returning for its third year, Slow Food at Indie Grits is on for Sunday, April 14, 2013!

This showcase of the Midlands' most sustainable chefs is part cocktail party, part noshfest, part green networking event. Mark those calendars, y'all.