Local Flavors Rolls On! Check out 4 Amazing Farm-to-Table Restaurants on July 20th
The second installment of the Local Flavors farm-to-table dinner series, now in its 10th season, will take place on Thursday, July 20th. The series highlights locally-owned restaurants in Springfield, Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, and Bloomington-Normal with a commitment to sourcing from central Illinois farmers. The series also provides central Illinois residents with the opportunity to experience a farm-fresh meal featuring the true flavors of Illinois while also supporting local businesses, sustainable farming, and their communities.
Local Flavors events take place on the third Thursday each month, June – October, and rotate to a different restaurant each month. Chefs from participating restaurants create a “Local Flavors Special” featuring seasonal produce and proteins sourced directly from central Illinois farmers.
While all participating restaurants are sourcing local ingredients in some capacity, the “Local Flavors Special” will be made up of almost 100% locally-grown ingredients. Customers can stop by any participating restaurant on their scheduled date during their regular business hours to order the Local Flavors Special. Some restaurants are even choosing to take the Local Flavors Special to the next level by offering more than one special or offering the special for the entire week. Check out the Local Flavors locations, and descriptions below to find out what your favorite restaurants are serving on July 20th!
Reservations are encouraged and can be made by contacting participating restaurants directly
Local Flavors Locations for July 20th
Driftwood Cocktail & Eatery, Springfield
Driftwood Cocktail & Eatery is taking their Local Flavors dinner to the next level. They've teamed up with Big Thorn Brewing to offer a special 4 course menu paired with hand-crafted brews, all for just $45. This will be their final special event dinner before they relocate to St. Louis, so make your reservation today for one last chance to get a taste of Chef Lewis's creations. Always imaginative and always featuring the freshest ingredients from local farms. (217) 572-1906
Harvest Cafe, Delavan
Chef Kyle of Harvest Cafe has created a menu full of sunshine for his Local Flavors dinner on July 20th! Sun-ripened summer squash, golden corn, oozy honey- all of summer's sweetest flavors make their way onto his 3-course tasting menu. Order a la carte, or try the full menu for just $40. Good for you. Good for your community. Good for the earth. Now that's a bite we can all get behind. (309) 244-7000
Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works, Champaign
Local Flavors at Destihl always pack a punch....in the most delicious way possible. On July 20th, Chef Chris is serving up all the flavors of the rainbow with a Local Flavors dish featuring Red Russian kale, blue cornmeal polenta, heirloom tomatoes, and bright green broccoli shoots....oh and salty, succulent, slow braised pork. Pair it with one of their hand-crafted brews and you've got yourself the finest flavors of Illinois. Make a reservation at: (217) 356-0301
BraiZe Restaurant, Bloomington
The guys at Braize know their way around a sandwhich. And in honor of Local Flavors, they've created a sandwhich to end all sandwhiches. The Gut Shot features slow roasted pork belly, sweet and salty collard greens, cheddar blue cheese, and the ringer...peach mayo! This is some wholesome, hearty, good-for-your-soul food. Check out their new location at the Parke Regency Hotel and make your reservation today: (309) 262-2270
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Dates and Locations for the full season of Local Flavors events are as follows:
Springfield June 15: American Harvest Eatery July 20: Driftwood Cocktail and Eatery Aug. 17: Augie’s Front Burner Sept. 21: Engrained Brewing Company Oct. 19: Maldaner’s Restaurant
Peoria June 15: Harvest Cafe in special partnership with Driftwood Cocktail and Eatery, Delavan July 20: Harvest Cafe, Delavan Aug. 17: Cyd’s Kitchen, Cafe + Catering Sept. 21: Black Angus Cafe, Pekin Oct. 19: TBD
Bloomington-Normal June 15: Epiphany Farms Restaurant July 20: BraiZe Aug. 17: Old Bank Sept. 21: Kelly’s Bakery and Cafe Oct. 19: Destihl Restuarant and Brew Works
Champaign-Urbana June 15: Big Grove Tavern July 20: Destihl Restaurant and Brew Works Aug. 17: V. Picasso Sept. 21: Timpone’s Restaurant Oct. 19: Bacaro
The Local Flavors series is organized by Illinois Stewardship Alliance in conjunction with local partners, including Slow Food Springfield, Local First Springfield, Downtown Springfield Inc., the Old Capitol Farmers Market, The Peoria Riverfront Market, the Peoria County Government, the University of Illinois Extension, the Urbana Market at the Square, the Land Connection, Visit Champaign County, the Downtown Bloomington Association, and the Ecology Action Center.
These events are designed to support small-scale farmers, promote restaurants with a commitment to sustainable sourcing, and raise awareness for the importance of buying locally. According to a 2011 Ken Meter Study, if Central Illinois shoppers bought 15% of their food directly from their local farmers it would generate $639 million in new income annually for the region. Restaurants buying direct from local farmers stand to create an even larger impact.
“Their are lots of challenges for restaurants that source locally,” says Molly Gleason, Illinois Stewardship Alliance Communications Director, “The Local Flavors series gives us an opportunity to shine the light on local businesses that are making the extra effort to support area farmers and make their communities a vibrant, healthy place to live. Plus the food is delicious!”