Local Flavors Rolls On! Check out 4 Amazing Farm-to-Table Restaurants on August 17th
The third installment of the Local Flavors farm-to-table dinner series, now in its 10th season, will take place on Thursday, August 17th. 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 August 17th
Augie's Front Burner, Springfield
Augie's Front Burner is taking their Local Flavors dinner to the next level. They're offering an entire Local Flavors menu featuring farm fresh fare for every appetite and budget. Always imaginative and always featuring the freshest ingredients from local farms, Augie's Front Burner is not to be missed on your list of favorite farm-to-table restaurants in Springfield.
Cyd's Gourment Kitchen, Cafe + Catering
August 14th - 18th, check out these amazing Local Flavors specials at Cyd's Gourmet Kitchen, Cafe + Catering. They'll be serving up a charred corn and rosemary pizza, as well as a grilled chicken and peach salad. Bonus...both dishes feature bacon! Produce will come from Garden Spot Vegetable Farm and Broad Branch Farm! Make lunch easy this week and dine out for Local Flavors! 309-685-1100
V. Picasso Restaurant, Champaign
We can't wait for Local Flavors at V.Picasso on August 17! In addition to their regular menu featuring farm-fresh fare from Willow Creek Farm in Urbana, Chef Leaf is pulling out all the stops and serving up a very special Farm Burger featuring juicy angus beef, ripe heirloom tomatoes, deep fried jalapanos, and a farm fresh egg, all served on a local bun from Pekara bakery. This is one for the books! Make a reservation at: (217)-351-9463
Old Bank, LeRoy
If you haven't been to Old Bank yet, the newest restaurant in the lineup from Epiphany Farms Hospitality Group, this Thursday, August 17th, is the time to give it a try. In addition to their regular menu of seasonal pub fare they'll be serving up a Local Flavors Special featuring Epiphany farms pasture raised chicken, wilted kale, roasted onion and grilled sweet corn, served with potato gratin, topped with sweet pepper jam and natural jus. All ingredients will be produced at Epiphany Farms just a few miles down the road. Mmm, mmm, good!
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!”