Fair Food Program and the CIW in NYC Today

The Fair Food Program (FFP), spearheaded by the Coalition of Immokalee Worker (CIW) and the Florida Tomato Grower Exchange, is a partnership between farmworkers, Florida tomato growers, and tomato buyers.  Implement in 2010, this program works to provide better wages and working condition for tomato growers in the state of Florida.

Wendy’s, is the last of the five largest fast food corporations in the country not participating in the Fair Food Program. However, today, hundreds of people will be gathering at Union Square in NYC in a demonstration for farmworker justice and Wendy’s participation in the program.

To learn more about the Fair Food Program, click here.

Miami and Egg and Dart

I recently visited Miami.  Even though I use this blog to talk about food.  I can't help mentioning how incredible Miami's Design District is.  Still a growing neighborhood, it is filled with shops that are more like contemporary art museums, new small farm-to-table restaurants, independent art spaces, and historical neighborhood with some of the most beautiful homes, at least out the outside.

I ate at Egg and Dart with my cousin.  I choose this restaurant because I love Greek food and restaurants that offer small plates.  I tried their lamb meatballs, calamari, ceviche, and a Greek dish called, "Saganaki," a lightly pan-fried melted goat cheese dish. It really satisfied any salt craving you may have.  Oh, and the best thing about this place is they give you bacon as an appetizer!

Marando Farms in Fort Lauderdale

Last weekend I finally visited the husband and wife owned Marando Farms in Fort Lauderdale.  Best know for it year-round farmers market, Marando Farms provides South Floridians with a wealth of fresh local produce, grass-fed beef, honey, fresh baked goods, and an extensive supply of natural pet food. Also, there is an on-site café that offers fresh juices and veggie sandwiches.  That day I bought some Sunburst squash, honey, and a fresh loaf of rosemary sourdough bread. 

Marando Farms is also known for it commitment to supporting local farmers and it advocacy around sustainable agriculture.  Marando Farms works closely with local farmers to offer a community supported agriculture program and the farm provides educational workshops focused on gardening and growing sustainably to residents in the community. I am looking forward to visiting again!

Recently I visited Cheese Culture, a wine bar, cheese and charcuterie house located in Las Olas Fort Lauderdale.  With an European exterior, rustic interior, and super friendly staff, Cheese Culture offers a sophisticated and laid back experience for cheese lovers.

My companion this day was my 11-year-old cousin.  I wanted to introduce her to a different type of grill cheese sandwich.  I think I may have been too ambitious. We tried a special sandwich (not on the menu) one with blue cheese, fig spread and green apples.   She ate two bites of the sandwich and express her disdain for blue cheese.  I ate the rest of the sandwich and salad.  Wanting her to leave with a positive experience, one of the servers gave her a few slices of hard salami which she loved.

Before leaving Cheese Culture, my little cousin had a question about a hanging plaques with the restaurant's logo--A Whey of Life.  She was unfamiliar with the word 'whey' and I only understood this word as a type of protein for shakes.  Our server said that most guest don't really know what whey is. Whey is a by-product of cheese making, formed when the cheese curds separate from the milk or cream. After the curds are formed, the remaining liquid is called whey; it is typically thin and watery and will sometimes have a bluish tinge.

For my next visit, I hope to try one of their cheese board with wine. The weekdays, during lunch, is a good time to visit, if you want to chat with staff, get their recommendations on food, wines, and what is happening locally. Fridays evenings are the best days to go if you want more of a social experience.

Turf Adventures in South Florida!

I am now in South Florida!  Too new to know what the food culture is or what exciting sustainability projects are happening in my neighborhood. I also what to just relax a bit, get to know people and what folks value instead of coming into a new place with a food justice or any kind of agenda. That said, there are no new Turf projects brewing. Right now, I will just share some of my experiences in a new city and maybe some resources and info in case you decide to visit.

First is Old Fort Lauderdale Breakfast House, a restaurant that uses local foods and is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Last week I had a craving for pancakes and decide to try this place out. I saw Florida Corn Oven Pancakes on the menu and knew I had to try it. Baked in a buttered cast iron skillet, made with fresh corn, and served with Vermont maple syrup it is a delicious combination of sweet and savory and it's enough to share.

March on Wendy's Tomorrow at 2pm!

Join the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and their families and friends in urging Wendy's to commit its buying power to farms that comply with the industry's new Fair Food Program to improve wages and ensure basic rights to farmworkers.

When:  Saturday, March 18th at 2pm
Where:  Union Square (14th Street side)

For more information on the march, email claudia@sfalliance.org or call 239-503-0695.

To learn more about the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), click here.

Meet the Farmer!

Parkchester CSA invites the community to come say hello and meet with Cheryl Rogowski, of W. Rogowski Farm!

Learn about how to buy fresh locally grown vegetables directly from a farmer.

When: Saturday, May 25^th (10am—2pm)

Where: St. Paul Lutheran Evangelical

Church,1891 McGraw Avenue, Bronx (enter on Virginia Avenue)

RSVP at parkchestercsa@gmail.com

Join Parkchester CSA!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are so important to folks that want to eat healthy and know where their food comes from.  Joining a csa gives you access to local, fresh produce, often from a nearby family farm.  Also there are so many community and environmental benefits for joining a csa. We are fortunate to have a csa in Parkchester.  Join Parkchester CSA! For more info, go to http://parkchestercsa.blogspot.com  (on the right, click on csa application).  For more information on csas in general, go to Just Food’s website. 

Turf’s breast cancer support group, Eat to Live!, met on March 30^th at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.  The group spent time sharing stories of surviving breast cancer, discussing challenges around eating healthy this Easter weekend, and reflecting on our cultural traditions around food.  A significant part of our meeting was also devoted to learning how to prepare a dish using quinoa and lentils and understanding the nutritional value of including both in our diets.

Our next workshop will be on April 27^th at Parkchester Public Library located at 1985 Westchester Avenue (at Pugsley Avenue), Bronx, NY  10462.  Members of Eat to Live! will be leading this workshop focused on preparing healthy meals for families. If you would like to attend, please call 917-432-8494 or email contactturf@yahoo.com (registration is required).