Food Rule Number Seven: Support Local Purveyors.

Yes! Eating at Redfish ,overlooking the bay in Port Orford, has become one of our weekly excursions. Their offerings change almost weekly, and use  local products. Valley Flora  Farm (where I picked my berries for the cobblers in my previous post) provides the greens. Sweet Ranch provides the meats. The wines come from many sources, including many Oregon wineries.

If you want to continue to eat great food, served in great surroundings, you need to support these businesses. The local chefs depend on you. So, make a point to support and encourage local talent.

Hubby and I tend to eat out on a regular basis for two reasons. One, I like to try new things. Second, I get inspired when I see what talented chefs prepare.  My cooking improves; the business stays solvent; my mood and stomach appreciate the change of pace.

So, go on out and splurge, now and then! Chefs spend many years honing their skills; they, in turn, develop relationships with local purveyors, the ranchers and farmers that provide the meats and greens that are served to you. Everyone benefits!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Right here at the mouth of the Pacific, by Floras Creek, we have an excellent CSA.  CSA are local farms supported by local people.  Our Valley Flora Farm   http://valleyflorafarm.com/ is run by the Bradbury family, three women who are dedicated to providing locally grown produce to individual families, restaurants and shops in the vicinity.  Their fresh produce travels at the most 50 miles after being picked.

Besides providing pick up points, and Upick times, Valley Flora Farm has a website where recipes are posted weekly to support the food available for consumption at that time.  Now, that's a great thing.  This week, their food blog features fennel, one of my favorite Italian vegetable/fruit.

Now, fennel bulbs are available year round in your store. Most people have no idea what to do with them.  Do check out your local CSA. They are worth every penny!
Now, I need to stock up on such a delicacy.
Bye, it's Wednsday and a Upick day for us.