Hidden amid the latest news of this restaurant closing or that bar opening is the work done behind the scenes by groups of individuals interested in raising the culinary bar here in Middle Tennessee. We’ve shared information about Les Dames d'Escoffier and their activities in the space in the past, but they have recently been joined by another group, a resurgence of the Slow Food movement here in Nashville.
Slow Food USA had a fairly active Nashville chapter back in the middle of the past decade, but the group sort of fizzled out. Not that their members didn’t stay active in promoting the agricultural and culinary community on Nashville, they just moved on to do it in different ways. But now a newly organized group has formed under the name of Slow Food Middle Tennessee.
According to their mission statement, Slow Food Middle Tennessee strives “to facilitate accessible educational programs; provide awareness of and equal access to good, clean and fair foods; and advocate for a healthy, delicious, sustainable and diverse food system for the community of Middle Tennessee.” The group has officially organized under the Slow Food USA umbrella and selected their first chapter governing board:
Diana Barton, chair; Caroline McDonald, vice chair; Tony Galzin, treasurer; Caroline Leland, secretary; and Vivek Surti, community engagement chair.
To introduce the new board and celebrate their incorporation, Slow Food Middle Tennessee has planned a kickoff party for Sunday, Feb. 12, at Jackalope Brewing Co. From 6 to 8 p.m., attendees are invited to learn more about the group’s plans to strengthen the Middle Tennessee community through our local foods and enjoy a brew or two for purchase from Jackalope.
The event is free to attend, but they do ask that you RSVP in advance at the event page so that they can get a headcount.
Today Les Dames d'Escoffier officially put tickets on sale for two events on Sunday, April 23, to benefit their scholarship fund and to support Mayor Megan Barry's Opportunity NOW Initiative, an effort to put 10,000 Nashville youth in internships this summer as well as provide books and equipment for culinary students and allow women to continue their education in the fields of food, farming, beverage, and hospitality.
The day will also celebrate the tradition of farming in Bells Bend and surrounding areas by offering two events in one under the umbrella of Tour de Farm 2017. The first opportunity is a VIP Farm Tour followed by A Global Feast, a seated, globally inspired dinner at Green Door Gourmet orchestrated by celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan of Chauhan Ale & Masala House, plus pastry chef Jessica Collins and restaurateur Cara Graham of Lockeland Table — all members of Les Dames Nashville.
The VIP Farm Tour costs $195 per person for the chance to travel travel via bus to five area farms to meet the farmers and learn how your food is grown. Along the way, riders will enjoy lunch at Old School Farm. Farms signed up to participate include Green Door Gourmet, Old School Farm, KLD Farms and others. At each farm, guests will sample recipes prepared using freshly harvested ingredients and enjoy spring drinks poured by members of Les Dames.
Tickets for the VIP Farm Tour include admittance to A Global Feast, or you can purchase individual tickets for A Global Feast for $75, which includes wine, beer, tax and gratuities. Tickets are now on sale at the organization website.
