Friday, August 17, 2012

Eagleville Country Horse Show: The food!

Nutrisha Caters: Eagleville Country Horse Show



This event, Nutrisha's first event of this scale, exemplified the Nutrisha concept. The week leading up to the day of the event I was in contact with known and unknown local food sources. Utilizing local food, supporting small farmers and using the freshest food possible is one of the main objectives of the Nutrisha concept. From the nutrition standpoint and culinary arts using the farm fresh local produce provides more nutrient efficiency and better flavor respectively. The food offerings were created with as much local in season produce as possible and provided a fresh concession option for participants and spectators. In the spirit of local economy and community the Eagleville Country Horse Show is an annual event that supports the Community Center which provides a free or low cost venue for activities in the small town.


  Local produce shopping began on Tuesday with a call to the Bee Sweet Berry farms for a gallon of their fresh berries. A trip on Wednesday provided the berries to create sorbet, parfait and fruit kebobs.


Ron and Judi were gracious as always during my visit, taking time to chat and take photos in the middle of their harvest work. The photo represents the Fall Gold (yellow) raspberries and the Caroline (red) raspberries featured in our menu. As we parted Judi even told me to help myself to a patch of large cherry tomatoes at the end of a raspberry row.




When a farmer gives you such liberty I never hesitate, just a please and thank you. I look forward to visitng them next berry season and offering their produce in the mobile market.







Marshall County, which borders the portion of Rutherford County that is Eagleville, holds a producer only farmers market every Friday from 6:00am - 12:00pm. When I visited to shop for supplies I learned that the market is also provided to the farmers with no overhead charge that often comes from booth rental at a farmers market. What a fantastic opportunity for small town farmers and citizens to commune. I believe Eagleville desires to develop a similar concept and may become a project in the Nutrisha mobile market. More will be revealed, as a wise man says. 

At the Marshall County Farmers Market I found cucumbers, tomatoes and watermelon. The cucumbers and tomatoes partnered so very well in a veggie/cheese kabob that I drizzled with a freshly made vinegarette. By the time of service the vegetables and cheese were marinated and nearly jumped off the stick! The vinegarette constisted of organic olive oil and vinegar, fresh sprigs of sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic cloves, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Patrons were also given the bottle of marinade to add flavor to their kabob as desired.


The produce was from Mr. Tommy from Columbia TN in the photo, who informed me that next week we should expect crowder peas and that I missed some of the earlier items. Guess you have to get up early to meet the 6:00am crowd!





The prep work was fast and furious as the menu was still yet to be finalized as the produce was all tentative until the market trip. We were able to come up with some fun, fresh and nutrient dense offerings for the show.


Honey Greek Yogurt layered with coconut almond crust/granola, red and yellow raspberries.


Sous Chef Sarah has the delicate art hands and created the beautiful partaits!


The MOST popular items of the evening. Fresh Fruit Kabobs!



Fresh cut veggies for the Buffalo "Chick" Dip: Imagine a vegetarian mix between hummus and buffalo chicken dip. Good!!!!!

The BLT wrap: The only meat item on the menu. Come on, who doesn't like bacon?


Two happy customers enjoying the Buffalo "Chick" Dip with veggie sticks.


 This was a wonderful opportunity and I am very grateful to my support team and the Eagleville group that allowed me to set up a booth at the event. Looking forward to next year!! We learned a lot and will be even better!

 

No comments:

Post a Comment