(From Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO: Corn Masa Tamale, Guajillo and Tomato Braised Short-rib, Queso Añejo)
This weekend at the Spence Farm Foundation Harvest Feast was beyond cool.
We spent our Sunday afternoon sampling the most amazing food from some of the greatest chefs in Chicago, with family around us and wine flowing. And to talk face-to-face with the chefs themselves?! Rad. It was so fun to be a part of such a great event supporting small sustainable family farms.
Each chef's booth had a small plate made completely of food from dozens of small family farms across central Illinois. All of the dishes were very unique and really interesting--some maybe a little bit outside my comfort zone (see below), but all were delicious nonetheless.
(From Paul Virant of Vie and Perennial Virant: Turkey Scrapple with Smothered Turkey Sausage Gravy, Green Oaxacan Corn Grits, Late Summer Pickle Salad)
(From Stephanie Izard of Girl and The Goat: Goat-Peanut Stew)
Speaking of... here she is! The nicest chef around.
(From Manny Martinez of Destihl: Green chili and beer brined Red Wattle Pork, Pickled Red Onion, Micro Cilantro, Pickled Tomatoes, Roasted Marzen Applesauce, Roasted Apples, Chimichurri Sauce)
(From Bruce Sherman of North Pond: Chicken Bratwurst with Bell Pepper Ketchup, Charred Onions Cucumber Salad)
Of course E was there, hanging out with her aunts and The Uncle.
Looking at The Uncle with complete adoration. Melts my heart.
The famous Rick Bayless!
Auctioning off a 6-person dinner in his home garden under the stars--went for $5600, drat.
Christmas picture 2011??
We got Stephanie Izard's new book a whole week early! And look:
She signed it. :)
Next year if we go back to Spence Farm we'll have to bring an extra $10,000 with us so we can win that dinner with Rick. Anyone want to give me a raise??
Some really exciting news coming up in the next few days, stay tuned!
