The national "Buy Local" challenge is underway in Maryland and since they encourage it this last week of July, it should not be hard for all of us to follow through with the plan. As the cover story on the most recent Chesapeake Foodie website puts it, "No problem, guv!". Especially around here in July - even the Acme carries Arnold Farm corn in July. At Brooks Tavern, we've been using locally raised produce since we opened last May, through October or November pretty much, and of course Kennedyville eggs and hamburger also since we opened last year. Chicken and turkey from Locust Point Farm, in Cecil County, veal from St. Brigid's Farm in Kennedyville, shrimp from Marvesta Shrimp, Maryland crabmeat, hamburger rolls from Chestertown's Village Bakery, ice cream made at Kilby's Dairy, herbs from our garden and the back porch. So, here's the plan - to comply with the challenge to eat locally, just come on in to the Brooks Tavern. Pretty much every plate has got something locally grown, made, or raised on it. What an easy way to stick to the plan, and support a local business to boot! Won't that make all of us feel good!
The fact is, we've been doing this for over 20 years, buying local. Our eggs, for instance - we've been getting our eggs from Mary Etta Stoltzfus since soon after we opened the Ironstone Cafe in 1986. Seasonal produce back then came primarily from Joseph Towner on Morgnec Road and Mrs. Kelly in Quaker Neck. We got all of our blueberries from Mr. Elburn in Kingstown, quarts and quarts of blueberries. The newest additon to the local scene now is more readily available meats and seafood, something we are happy to take advantage of. Our dreams? To be able to buy more dairy products locally; to have a local meat processor; to see the Farmer's Market allow locally prepared foods for sale; to see people follow this challenge year round, purchasing and eating food in a seasonal way. So, while the lemons we use will still come from California, the avocados from Mexico, the De Cecco pasta from Italy, much more than ever before comes from our own back yards. Why not support them, and help them grow even bigger.
The fact is, we've been doing this for over 20 years, buying local. Our eggs, for instance - we've been getting our eggs from Mary Etta Stoltzfus since soon after we opened the Ironstone Cafe in 1986. Seasonal produce back then came primarily from Joseph Towner on Morgnec Road and Mrs. Kelly in Quaker Neck. We got all of our blueberries from Mr. Elburn in Kingstown, quarts and quarts of blueberries. The newest additon to the local scene now is more readily available meats and seafood, something we are happy to take advantage of. Our dreams? To be able to buy more dairy products locally; to have a local meat processor; to see the Farmer's Market allow locally prepared foods for sale; to see people follow this challenge year round, purchasing and eating food in a seasonal way. So, while the lemons we use will still come from California, the avocados from Mexico, the De Cecco pasta from Italy, much more than ever before comes from our own back yards. Why not support them, and help them grow even bigger.
No comments:
Post a Comment