The Farmplate Blog

Food Justice, Social Ideals & Beautiful Design – Not Your Average Corner Store
Jeff Gangemi Jan 27, 2012 News Fare 0 comments
Brother and sister Allison and Alphonzo Cross were recently highlighted in a great interview in Grist. In the interview, the siblings describe how they decided to open an extraordinary corner store – one that sells local and sustainable fare – in a rapidly changing neighborhood of Atlanta. The Boxcar Grocer just opened this week, and though the community has been supportive of the Cross’ endeavor, the journey taken by these two food movement newbies was anything but easy. Allison and Alphonzo faced a number of challenges during the two years it took to realize their vision. Banks weren’t lending, food movement insiders were dismissive, and it took lots of legwork to find the best...
These Days, Even Dogs are Eating Local
Jeff Gangemi Jan 25, 2012 News Fare 0 comments
For many dog owners, man’s best friend is fast becoming a true member of the family. Now there are businesses that — quite literally — cater to them.  From raw grass-fed beef produced by Minnesota-based Thousand Hills Cattle Company to dog food made locally with Ferndale Market free-range turkey to gluten-free treats, all the way to doggie ice cream, a fun piece from The Twin Cities Daily Planet describes how the locavore movement has crossed over to our canine companions. Read on for more, and search FarmPlate for local and sustainable pet food in your area. For other doggie things on FarmPlate, click here.    “There’s no denying that the locavore movement is...
Chinese Takeout Meets Farm to Table?
Jeff Gangemi Jan 24, 2012 News Fare 0 comments
Everyone who indulges in Chinese takeout knows that feeling of inevitable guilt that follows the pleasure of eating the famously sauce-laden and MSG-laced creations. But that’s starting to change, at least in New York City.   A great piece on WSJ.com follows several highly-trained NYC-based chefs that not only bring their technical culinary skill from respected kitchens, but also their penchant for fine ingredients. It remains impossible to match the bargain basement prices common at the City’s ubiquitous takeout spots, but some restaurateurs are hitting that middle price range just right. Hopefully this is a trend that continues. To search FarmPlate.com for good Chinese restaurants in...
Strong Showing for Northeastern Food Artisans at Whole Foods/ Gilt Taste "Good Food Awards"
Jeff Gangemi Jan 23, 2012 News Fare 0 comments
Sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Gilt Taste, The 2nd Annual Good Food Awards were presented on January 18 in San Francisco. The Awards are designed to reward both the incredible tastiness of our country’s local and artisanal food products, and also those businesses that support sustainability and social good.   Winners are selected in eight categories: beer, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, pickles, preserves and spirits. Of the 99 winners designed to reward businesses in each of five geographic regions, the Northeast did a great job representing local food at this national event, particularly in the cheese, pickles and preserves categories. Click on the profiles below to...
A Quick Bread to Warm Your Heart and Home
FarmPlate Jan 20, 2012 Real Food Recipes 0 comments
This flavorful quick bread is perfectly suited to be served with slices of Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery’s Coupole, a dense, aged goat cheese. Really, any creamy goat cheese would be delicious alongside the bread. Pair this with "Howl,” Magic Hat Brewing Company’s Black-as-Night Winter Lager, for a perfect start to a blustery winter evening. Enjoy! CRANBERRY-WALNUT QUICK BREADfrom Mary's Restaurant in Bristol, Vermont 2     cups all-purpose flour - try King Arthur Flour or Green Mountain Flour 1½  teaspoons baking powder 1     teaspoon salt ½    teaspoon baking soda 2     large eggs - from your...