The Crossfield Farmers' Market will once again be putting the spotlight on local food and local ingredients by offering a unique cuisine experience at its second annual Long Table Dinner on Aug. 19.
Coinciding with Alberta Open Farm Days and Alberta Local Food Week, the event offers a one-of-a-kind taste experience sourced mainly from its own local food vendors in the Crossfield Farmers' Market.
“It had been a dream of the Crossfield Farmers' Market to host a Long Table Dinner which features our vendors, and some local businesses even before COVID,” explained Crossfield Farmers' Market manager Cheryl Shea. “It helps our local producers shine.”
This year’s main dish will feature pork sourced from Didsbury’s Whispering Wind Farms, which will be prepared by Crossfield-based Red Seal Chef Jess Head.
“Jess is absolutely phenomenal, and she has prepared a menu and meal with three appetizers and a three-course meal that is absolutely spectacular – and is all local,” Shea said.
Shea promises the Long Table Dinner will be a wonderful slow food experience for everyone who comes out.
“There is no shortage of food,” she explained. “You will leave with a full belly and a happy heart. It is just an intimate evening that you can sit, and linger, and chat over great food, and just have a great time.”
And, according to Shea, attendees will have the added pleasure of knowing that what they are eating is truly a “taste of place,” with everything served coming from local food providers in the region.
“I think the consumer is getting a lot wiser to buying direct, and buying from local small businesses,” she said. “They want to know where their food comes from, and with our farmers' market, you can actually talk directly to that producer.”
Tickets for the event are $125 each, and can be purchased by contacting the Crossfield Farmers' Market directly at [email protected].
Those wishing to take part will have until Aug. 11 to purchase their tickets.
Cocktails are at 6 p.m. and the dinner starts at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19.
“It is a fantastic evening that is featuring local food from this area,” summarized Shea. “It really is a nice, charming evening. You can enjoy your food and enjoy the company you are with.”
