March 16, 2018

Enjoy locally produced foods and drinks at SIU’s Farm to Fork Dinner

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — You might be surprised how many things on your table are grown or produced locally.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is sponsoring an open-to-the-public Farm to Fork Dinner, featuring an expertly prepared dinner incorporating foods and drinks from the region. It will take place at 5:30 p.m. on April 18 in the Grinnell Commons, located at 275 E. Park Street, behind the Charlotte West Stadium (softball field.)

A dining preview

SIU chefs Sean Eberly and Pam Reed, from University Housing Culinary and Nutrition Services, will prepare the four-course meal using food products grown or produced in the region.

The menu for the evening includes spring salad with champagne vinaigrette; cauliflower; pear and blue cheese soup; chicken with wild mushroom and garlic sauté; roasted potatoes; fresh asparagus; and strawberry coulis with pastry and cream. When making reservations, guests can also select the vegan entrée option – sweet potato gnocchi with vegan cream sauce and spring sugar snap peas – in place of the main course.

Tickets available Monday

Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 19, at www.housing.siu.edu/F2F.

The cost is $5 for SIU students or $35 for faculty, staff and community members. A variety of local wine and beer pairings will be available to those age 21 and older for an additional cost.

The deadline to register is April 4.

Making this event possible

SIU’s University Housing is partnering with the university’s Sustainability Office, Department of animal Science, Food and Nutrition and the SIU Fermentation Science Institute to present the 2018 Farm to Fork Dinner.

Participating local farmers and producers include:

  • All Seasons Farm
  • Big Muddy Hogs
  • Flamm Orchards
  • Flyway Family Farms
  • Miller Farms
  • SIU Farms
  • SIU Horticultural Club
  • Windcrest Dairy
  • Blue Sky Vineyard
  • Kite Hill Vineyard
  • Scratch Brewery
  • Other local beer, wine and food producers

Student volunteers welcome

SIU student volunteers who are interested in helping with the event are still needed. To volunteer, send an email to sustinability@siu.edu with “Farm to Fork Volunteer” in the subject line.

More information available online

To find the complete details, including parking information and online registration, visit www.housing.siu.edu/F2F or call 618/453-2301.