Trattoria Aroma has been a front runner in supporting local farms and the farm to table movement. Take one look at the menu and you will see meats and produce that come from organic farms such as Oles Farm. In recent years there has been a major push for local restaurants to source foods locally, and the effort has been paying off for the farms and the select restaurants.
One of the farms that Trattoria Aroma has been depending on as a source for fresh food has suffered a major loss. A few days ago Oles Farm's barn burned down along with a bunch of farm equipment, leaving owner Daniel Oles and his wife at a crossroads - the family had just added a new roof ten days prior and the thought of rebuilding was just not an option without help from the community. To make matters worse, the farm was in-between insurance carriers and a new policy was not in place. It was a complete loss.
Fortunately, owner of Trattoria Aroma, Dave Casentino, decided to step up in order to help the cause. "I'm hosting one additional Farm Dinner where 100% of the proceeds will go towards rebuilding the barn," Dave told me. "The tickets are $150 and include transportation from both Trattoria Aroma restaurants (Buffalo and Williamsville) to and from the farm, live music (Vinnie DeRosa) along with a private wine tasting, an eight course meal, and tours of the farm. Guests will also be allowed to pick some vegetables and bring them home. I've been buying from Oles Farm for five years now. This is of utmost importance to help a local farmer rebuild. In countries such as Italy the villages are surrounded by farms and hills - the people have a connection with the country and the farms. That translates into freshness. We can't afford to lose a progressive farm like Oles - Dan is a leader in sustainable methods. In our country the commercial manufacturing is king - where non-organic food is transported hundreds of miles before it reaches our tables. More restaurants should support this movement, but first we need to help these guys out."
Four times a year Trattoria Aroma hosts Farm Dinners at Oles Farm. This year they are adding one extra dinner and they are asking for $150 minimum donation to get Oles Farm back on its feet.
The Farm Dinner takes place on October 20th out at Oles Farm. Check aromafarmdinners.com for more info and to make reservations.
*Buses will pick-up at 1:00pm from the Aroma restaurants and drop-off back at each location at 8:30pm.
There's also a benefit at Shango tomorrow night (Thursday). It begins at 6pm and I believe it is $25 or $30.