Late-harvest offerings to be served up at Fair Food Food Fair

Late-harvest local food prepared by local chefs, a musical ensemble, comedy all presented to benefit Fair Food Matters, a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes local food throughout Southwest Michigan. What’s not to like?

They’re calling it the Fair Food Food Fair, from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 20, at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 South Park Street, Kalamazoo.

Chefs from 15 of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers will each prepare a unique “small plate” dish using the best late-harvest local ingredients.

Those taking part are: Jared Dellario of A.F.A. Gourmet; Bravo!; Bronson Food & Nutrition Service; Channon Mondoux of the Eclectic Kitchen; Crow’s Nest; Food Dance; Noel Corwin of Gorilla Gourmet; Oakwood Bistro; Park Club; People’s Food Co-op; The Strutt; Union Cabaret & Grill; Water Street Coffee Joint; Zazios; and Zooroona.

All those attending will have the chance to vote for their favorite dish, and the winning chef will be presented with this year’s Golden Ladle Award.

Fair Food Matters also will present its “Locavore of the Year” award to the person or organization that has done the most for the local food movement in the past year.

Entertainment will be provided by Quintette à Vin, a musical ensemble from Kalamazoo; improv and sketch comedy group Crawlspace Eviction; spoken word duo Kinetic Effect; vinyl mixologist DJ Jenna; and British songstress Fiona Dickinson.

As part of the benefit, participants will have an opportunity to bid on local art, food items, kitchen gear and more in a silent auction.

A cash bar will feature Michigan-made beer and wine. Soft drinks will be available as well.

Tickets are available online or by visiting Fair Food Matters offices at 323 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, during business hours.

The Fair Food Food Fair is sponsored by Bronson Hospital.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Paul A. Stermer, Fair Food Matters