Sorry to have rubbed you the wrong way, Viking. I don't feel it necessary to defend myself and this piece, but I do feel it wise to address some of the comments that you've made here.

We spent a lot of time researching this article and the rest of the farming series. This included speaking to other farmers like Tony Weiss and Glenn Sanger. Both Glenn and Tony sell to Sam at the Clinton-Bailey Market, as opposed to Lenny Perry's where this piece comes from. Tony told us that he's growing small sweet peppers for Hutch, and another farmer there told us that he grows poblanos at Hutch's request. All of this is most easily demonstrated by a quick read through the many farm/harvest related articles featured in the October issue of Buffalo Rising. . Referring to Tom Tower as a spokesman was my doing, and certainly something that would cause Mr. Tower to blush. Based on the number of interviews he's done in print and for documentaries (PBS just visited the market and Lenny Perry's a few weeks ago), it seemed a reasonable title to me. I wouldn't intentionally offend any of the friendly and engaging farmers that I met at Clinton-Bailey (again, this interview happened at Lenny Perry's). Additionally, Mr. Tower was the man that many people in integral positions referred us to while making general inquiries as we began this series of articles, therefore I assume I am not the first to see him as such.

And lastly, as for the reference to Mr. Tower eating at Hutch's, I thought it was a nice twist to the story, a way to show people that the hardworking farmers who live miles outside the city, and in this case living a life free of technology and the like, make an effort to come into Buffalo and eat at one of its best restaurants. I like the thought of Mr. Tower selling Hutch something he's grown and then venturing into the city from his farm many miles away to enjoy it at Hutch's restaurant. Maybe you find it irrelevant, what can I say?

As always, Viking, I appreciate your readership and the fact that you are engaged enough to comment on the YUM boards. I'd say "Happy Eating", but based on the fact that you own a restaurant specializing in lobster, I think it's safe to say you do that every day.

benfranklin,

I think that sounds very interesting. I do know that Guercio's will deliver to your home for a small fee, a fantastic service that is not known to many. Using a CSA is a little bit like ordering directly from a farmer, as many of them ask shareholders what they'd like to have before they plant their crop.

I think that prepared meals to go and home delivery are burgeoning markets. I think that anything that allows people to have fresh food in their home with the least amount of effort required to produce a meal will be a very profitable business model for next decade or so. I'd be interested in hearing more about your program.