In order to inspire shoppers and showcase fantastic locally produced products, Slow Food Buffalo is sponsoring cooking demonstrations at the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market throughout the summer. Better yet, the demonstrators just happen to be accomplished chefs from some of the area's top restaurants and catering companies.
Each Saturday one of these talented chefs will show off their skills and culinary point of view through an on-the-spot assemblage of a dish featuring ingredients available at the market. Two Saturdays ago Chefs JJ and Kevin Richert of Torches served up arancini (stuffed with heritage breed fresh ham, locally raised spinach, onions, garlic and organic mozzarella) with a flavorful Leek Sauce produced by White Cow Dairy (pictured). This past week, Chef Bruce Wieszala of O'Connell's American Bistro prepared a pork and cheese quesadilla served with Saltamonte's Salsa and White Cow Dairy's Habanero Sauce.
The scheduled chef is asked to arrive on Saturday morning around 10AM to develop a recipe using kitchen staples and as many ingredients sold at the market as possible. Providing a spectacle, learning experience and showcase for local products has proved a popular addition to the already bustling Saturday morning marketplace. It has also provided Slow Food Buffalo with a platform in which to spread the word about preserving foodways, promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting “endangered” ingredients and rebuilding the WNY food system.
With over 1,300 farms in Erie County alone, isn't it about time you started eating local? Judy Einach of NYSAWG recently told Buffalo Rising that studies have been done that show that when citizens convert their grocery budget to include only 1% locally grown products, struggling farmers see a 5% increase in profits. Improving our regional economy is only one of the many positive effects of "eating locally".
To learn more about Slow Food Buffalo, visit their website. The schedule for Elmwood-Bidwell's Cooking Demonstrations is below. There are still a few spots available for local chefs interested in participating. Email Jo'el for more information.
See you at the market!
Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market Cooking Demo Schedule
May
31: Chefs Kevin and JJ Richert, Torches, Kenmore Avenue (Kenmore)
June
7: Chef Bruce Wieszala, O’Connell’s American Bistro, Kenmore Avenue (Kenmore)
14: Chef Avi Altman, Obviously Avi Catering (Buffalo)
21: Chefs Kevin and JJ Richert, Torches, Kenmore Avenue (Kenmore)
28: Chef JJ Richert, Torches, Kenmore Avenue (Kenmore) and Chef Chris Salvati, Ristorante Lombardo, Hertel Avenue (Buffalo)
July
12: Chef Adam Goetz, SAMPLE Restaurant, Allen Street (Buffalo)
19: Sous Chef Nicole Roarke, Trattoria Aroma, Bryant Street (Buffalo)
26: Chef Avi Altman, Obviously Avi Catering (Buffalo)
August
9: Sous Chef Nicole Roarke, Trattoria Aroma, Bryant Street (Buffalo) Tentative
16: Chef Bill Metzgar, Acme Personal Chef Service (Grand Island)
30: Chef Adam Goetz, SAMPLE Restaurant, Allen Street (Buffalo)
September
6: Chef Christopher Daigler, Oliver's Restaurant, Delaware Avenue (Buffalo)
13: Chef Bruce Wieszala, O’Connell’s American Bistro, Kenmore Avenue (Kenmore)
27: Chefs Kevin and JJ Richert, Torches, Kenmore Avenue (Kenmore)
October
4: Chef Avi Altman, Obviously Avi Catering (Buffalo)
18: Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market Harvest Festival