The Observation Deck

First Harvest Soiree for LO Gourmet Food Security Network


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

And the basil was heavenly...

Jeff

We made pesto - according to their recipe and it was incredible. The whole family loved it.

Lynne:

I am delighted you tried the recipe and realized the value-added "Gourmet" benefits of our CSA experiment together.

Yesterday Kim mentioned how your company with Don helped keep her birthday party at the Harvest Soiree reaching into deep chords of community and parenting together. Her daughter Molly, on her way to Med School at the Mayo Clinic, was very happy to catch up on lives unfolding beyond the swim team into inspiring careers.

What touched us after the First Harvest Soiree was that our adult children thoroughly enjoyed the playful LO cast of characters and would later remark how bright and funny we all seemed together. The enjoyable cross-generation platform so marvelously supported in Bela Dubby captures an essential quality of life in the Wood, and memories we will never forget.

You and Don quickly supported getting involved with a new idea and helped us reach the initial membership goal needed to launch the LO Gourmet Food Security Network.

I am very grateful for your trust and willingness to experment in community building and sustainability initiatives.

Kenneth Warren

Ken-

Your post remninded me of one of my hopes surrounding the Observation Deck-that we could lift something and publish it in the LO.

It is my hope that you will add it to the mix at

http://lakewoodobserver.com/members

Sorry to miss the inaugural meeting, but I am a member, and I did pick up both my vegetables and microbrew.

Let's grow this into a full-scale Lakewood street market that puts Shaker Square's to shame...

Tom:

The platform is Lakewood Observer GOURMET Food SECURITY Network.

The accent is on GOURMET. This is not cake for the masses.

Nor is the Harvest Soiree occasion, paradoxically enough, for fussy Crocker Park tomato heads to turn noses up at kale that will steam in the pots of network homies making them feel secure in the seredipity and farmer's bounty putting "whatever" in their bag.

Membership is strictly limited due to the special relationship a CSA Food SECURITY network is cultivating with the farmer.

Membership will reach capacity in due time.

It's not for everybody. As the Master said, "Many are called; few are chosen."

And that goes for fruits and vegetables, too.

Kenneth Warren

If any of you, over age 21 vegatable picker-uppers would like another microbrew sampler pack please let me know and I will make some up. I will add some different than last time.

John:

You know I am in for the 10 weeks. I believe six others have likewise committed to your microbrew program.

Kenneth Warren

On the topic of growing the CSA into a full-blown street market:

From the perspective of the farmer, the CSA is more advantageous than a farmer's market. Both farmers/families whose CSAs I've subscribed to have expressed an interest in getting away from the farmer's market and only selling CSA shares. It allows them to be bettered prepared for the season, and ensures buyers for their products.

While I'm definitely in favor of expanding the Lakewood farmer's market, the CSA is another aspect of "civic agriculture" and is best viewed separately.

Holly-

Can you please explain the "share" system to me?

Are shares available for individual items?

How does this work?

Anyone reading this who is coming to pick up their love,please let me know if you would like another assortment pack of microbrews....$10.

We had an enjoyable Harvest Soiree this evening.

Welcome Ken Lipka to the LO Gourmet Food Security Network.

Mick Prochko at Covered Bridge Gardens provided a great mix with corn and potatoes and onions and radishes.

If anyone wants to speak with Mick about the possibility of still obtaining a CSA with Covered Bridge Gardens and delivery to Bela for this year, his number is (440) 858-2569. E-mail mpro@suite224.net. It might still be possible to get in this season.

Dan Slife provided fabulous appetizers for everybody from India Garden.

Tim Liston stopped by to talk bikes and canning.

He wondered whether or not there are sufficient individuals interested in taking the food security concept up to the next level.

Buying large amounts of produce in bulk and having a canning weekend, wherein some heavy time commitments are required.

He wondered whether the Masonic Temple Kitchen or some Church kitchen could be rented for such an event.

These are big questions and big commitments.

Let us know if this is something that appeals or repels.

Thanks again to John Crino for making Bela Dubby the essential place for
our community building through civic agriculture.

Kenneth Warren