The past week has been a whirlwind of local food activity for Josh and I but it’s been great (it’s me Ingrid).  Last week, I went to a panel discussion called “Building and Maintaining a Local Food System” at URI.  The speakers were Jennifer Corbin-Huntley (Jen’s Dish), Matt Jennings (Farmstead, La Laiterie at Farmstead), and Don Minto (Watson Farm) – and the moderator was Rick Rhodes (URI).  It was great having all those superstars of the Rhode Island food scene in one place – talking about food, food policy, food systems, local food, what food they would want on a desert island (chocolate, cheese, and wild boar came up more than once).  And as Josh wrote about earlier this week, we went to the Brooklyn Brewery dinner at La Laiterie at Farmstead – amazing food and beer.  I even liked one of the beers!

Last night Josh and I went to a talk put on by Slow Food Rhode Island and Southside Community Land Trust.  It was Novella Carpenter, author of Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer and Rich Pederson from SCLT talking, reading, and making us all laugh about urban farming.  I’ve mentioned Novella’s book before but in case you missed it – get it – read it – and enjoy!  It still makes me laugh when I think about it.  It was a very fun, entertaining night, but also a thought provoking discussion about urban farming.  The audience ranged in ages and walks of life but everyone was so engaged – it’s hard not to be with Novella and Rich.  And Amy‘s cookies (that she was crazy enough to make with all the stuff she has going on) were fabulous!!  We also stopped back at La Laiterie after the talk to have a couple of drinks and some food – I had the apple crisp with burnt caramel ice cream which is made on premises – oh, it was so delicious!!

And tomorrow is the second week of Wintertime Farmers’ Market in Pawtucket – I’m looking forward to a chocolate almond croissant from Seven Stars Bakery and some cider from Hill Orchard.  It would be great if I could track down some oxtail as well but the vendors typically sell out of that pretty fast (I’m sure our friend Denise will be very happy to hear that!).   Lots of fruits and veggies to buy as well but really – right now – it’s the croissant that’s calling my name!