September 28, 2018

Get tickets now for four-course dinner featuring locally grown or produced foods

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Many of the products we eat and drink are actually grown or produced in the Southern Illinois region.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Fall Farm to Fork dinner highlights some of those local items in a meal prepared by an expert chef and staff. The dinner is set for 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Trueblood Commons, 1175 S. Washington St. in Carbondale.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

SIU chef and staff will prepare tasty four-course meal

Chef Sean Eberly and staff from University Housing Culinary Services will prepare the four-course meal. The menu features:

  • Wilted spinach salad with sweet and savory pecans and hot bacon vinaigrette dressing.
  • Cheddar apple beer soup with brie.
  • Dijon herb-encrusted pork loin with sauce or vegan spaghetti squash with tomato, spinach, garlic and pine nuts.
  • Roasted root vegetables.
  • Baby carrots with local honey.
  • French baguettes with butter.
  • And apple crumble with vanilla bean ice cream.

Attendees may choose the vegan entrée when registering.

Register now – seating is limited

Registration is now underway and the deadline to sign up is Oct. 12. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-register basis.

Tickets are $35; current SIU students may purchase discounted tickets for $5. Those age 21 and older who are attending may also check out local wine and beer pairings for an additional $15 cost.

Register for the fall Farm to Fork dinner or find additional details online. Or, call 618/453-2301 for more information.

Numerous campus and community partners make it happen

University Housing is partnering with various other units on campus, including the Sustainability Office, the Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition and the Fermentation Science Institute to facilitate this event.

Numerous local farms and producers, including Flamm Orchards, Lick Creek Pork and Beef, Prairie Farms and SIU Farms, along with local beer and wine makers, will be participating.

Student volunteers welcome

SIU student volunteers are welcomed. To volunteer, send an email to sustainabilitiy@siu.edu with “Farm to Fork Volunteer” in the subject line.