The early group at Bela Dubby for the LOGFSN.
Lakewood Observers committed to the model of community supported agriculture (CSA), the taste of fresh gourmet vegetables, good times in Lakewood together and support for local business organized the LO Gourmet Food Security Network and held the First Harvest Soiree at Bela Dubby on July 13.
In a generous commitment to sustainable agriculture and experiential community building in third places, John Crino, owner of Bela Dubby, is proving a space for delivery, while hosting weekly Harvest Soirees for the LO Gourmet Food Security Network.
The Harvest Soiree brought the membership together for the first time in a birthday celebration of fresh vegetables delivered by Covered Bridge Gardens in Jefferson, Ohio and Lakewood’s neighborhood culture fostered through the Lakewood Observer and Bella Dubby.
Launched on the birthday of Kim Senft-Paras, one of the group’s key organizers, the LO Gourmet Food Security Network developed from Holly Whitson’s article on Community Supported Agriculture published last summer in the Lakewood Observer.
Holly Whitson’s compelling article raised the consciousness of several Lakewood Observers who realized ethical choices in food consumption needed to be made and that sustainable practices between the urban dweller and farmer hinged on mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of local food production.
Impressed with the idea of Community Supported Agriculture Lakewood Observers conversed with Holly about taking practical steps to identify a local farm in order to build a network of Lakewood Observers pledged to support its operation so that farmland could become connected with our community.
After some research, Holly identified Covered Bridge Gardens in Jefferson as a worthy local agricultural enterprise that would offer a CSA and delivery of crops to a Lakewood location in Bella Dubby.
Members of the LO Gourmet Food Security Network provided the farmer with working capital in advance, while gaining the satisfaction of knowing that the grower will receive a better price for the crops, gain a measure of financial security, while getting some relief from the time-consuming chores of marketing and selling at farmer’s markets.
At the First Harvest Soiree, members enjoyed munching on bee pollen, snap peas, radish leaves and carrot cake.
Organic eggs and micro brews were also on hand.
Chef Geoff inspected the gourmet produce. "The onions were superb," said Chef Geoff.
Jan Henderson provided the following recipe for Sauteed Radish and Radish Greens:
4 Tablespoons of Butter or Olove Oil
1 Bunch freshest radishes including greens separated
Salt and Pepper
Heat oil or butter in a saute pan, add radishes and cook over medium heat about four minute.
Transfer cooked radishes to a bowl.
Add greens to the skillet and saute 3 minute, until wilted.
Return the radishes and toss together with the radish green, heat briefly. Serve hot.
You can add garlic or onion to the first step if you like.
Season to taste with Salt and Pepper.
Next year, the goal is enlistment of 50 members in the LO Gourmet Food Security Network committed to the CSA program with Covered Bridge Farm.
A day trip is planned to Covered Bridge Farm later in the season.
If you are interested in joining the LO Gourmet Food Security Network, stop by the Harvest Soiree held at Bela Dubby on Thursdays around six p.m.
Kenneth Warren