Join Taste the Local Difference as they celebrate twenty years of uplifting Michigan farm and food businesses (read more about their story in the 2024 Local Food Guide) with good food and good folks on September 12, at Verdant Hollow Farms from 6 – 8 pm with a 5 pm floating start. Local food lovers are invited for a thoughtful strolling meal crafted by chef and author Abra Berens.
“Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the nation, and September is the most bountiful month – and my favorite time to cook,” Abra says. “The menu will showcase summer – tomatoes, peppers, eggplant – and the start of fall favorites, like delicata squash and chicories, along with juicy fruits – grapes, plums, pears, AND raspberries.”
Eaters of all palettes and preferences will find something to delight in while taking in the autumn pastoral views. All are welcome for this memorable farm-to-table experience. Tickets are available for purchase at: localdifference.org/product/michigan-made-meal/
Get to Know Abra Berens:
Abra Berens is a chef, former farmer, and writer who believes that meals should reflect the seasons and feature locally sourced ingredients. Her culinary philosophy centers around creating “simple, delicious meals that champion the region.”
Beginning at Zingerman’s Deli, her culinary journey has looked like honing her skills at a garden-focused kitchen at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork, Ireland, co-founding Bare Knuckle Farm in Northport, MI, opening and leading the café at Local Foods in Chicago, IL, to where you can find her now–serving as the Executive Chef at Granor Farm in Three Oaks, MI marrying her love of cooking and farming to create unique dinners featuring Southwest Michigan foods.
A Little About Verdant Hollow Farms:
Verdant Hollow Farms is a working produce and livestock operation in Buchanan, MI dedicated to restoring soils, water, and woodlands through regenerative practices like rotational grazing of multi-species livestock to produce grass-fed lamb, heritage pork, certified organic eggs, and goat milk. The farm emphasizes building strong relationships with visitors in and outside the community through farm stays, goat hikes, and events.
Emily Row is the Director of Communications at Taste the Local Difference. Contact her at [email protected]