Save the Perennials…and Save the Community

Perennials prepare the soil of community for future growth. I read an article yesterday that demonstrates the importance of perennial & old growth: “This man is cloning old-growth redwoods and planting them in safe places”. From the article:

By cloning and replanting them in places where they once thrived but were lost, he is not only increasing their numbers but planting them in locations where they have a better chance of longevity. And the result is two-fold: Save the trees and save the planet (for humankind, at least, the planet will go on with or without us, but you know what I mean). Redwood trees are among the most effective carbon sequestration tools in the world, notes Moving the Giants, “Milarch takes part in a global effort to use one of nature’s most impressive achievements to re-chart a positive course for humanity.”

We can take his concept and create a case for the importance of identifying & supporting the long-term ‘investors’ in local communities. (A group in which I include myself).

For example, Austin is at risk of losing our identity as a sustainable ecosystem because the perennials–those who hold the history and have contributed both money & much more to the ‘soil’ in which the ‘new’ Austin has grown–are uprooting and finding new places to “get involved, stay curious, mentor others, [be the] passionate, compassionate, creative, confident, collaborative, global-minded, risk takers who continue to push up against [the] growing edge and know how to hustle” [source: Meet the Perennials]

We ‘perennials’ have come to Austin–and stayed–for reasons beyond money.  Our investment of time is the most valuable and vital for the future of the community. However, without acknowledgement and support for our contributions, we can easily leave and reroot elsewhere, something that’s happening daily. The myth of Austin is powerful, but it’s wearing thin. It is up to us to rewrite the story together.

Sources:

LOCAL – A Short Documentary

Through the eyes of some of our inspired chefs and farmers, this half hour film from award winning Director Christian Remde discusses the rise of the local food movement, the challenges of sourcing locally and how it’s become a growing part of the Austin, Texas food scene..

Do you know where your food comes from?

Charcuterie – A Documentary

Another gorgeously-produced, compelling story from award-winning Austin director Christian Remde  – Charcuterie – A Documentary..

“Charcuterie is defined as the cookery of meat but in the past 700 years, it’s become so much more.  From the Pâtés and Terrines of France to the Salumi of Italy and Spain, the world of Charcuterie is rich with tradition.  This short documentary highlights two of Charcuterie’s rising stars, Lawrence and Lee Ann Kocurek of Kocurek Family Charcuterie in Austin, Texas.”

With their deeply-traditional, yet contemporary interpretations,  I can tell you from personal experience that Kocurek Family Charcuterie are artisans in the finest sense of that term.  From Chorizo Verde to Currywurst to Cheek-to-Cheek Terrine (and well beyond),  Lawrence and Lee Ann’s passion for their craft is evident in every morsel of their hand-crafted goods.  Find @KFACharcuterie at Austin area Farmer’s Markets or online at http://www.kocurekfamilycharcuterie.com/.  Pass the duck rillettes, please!   –Ren

Farm to Trailer

The word ‘organic’ gets tossed around a lot these days, but what does it really mean for consumers who are looking to eat well, but not spend a lot of money?

Farm To Trailer, a new documentary from local film producer Christian Remde highlights the award-winning Odd Duck food trailer in Austin, Texas and chef Bryce Gilmore’s use of only locally-grown, organic food for their menu. The film also examines the Farm To Table movement, how it’s effecting the Austin food scene and the benefits for consumers.

The film was really cool for me to watch, as it honors some of the very people and causes that I’ve come  depend upon for my own nourishment (indeed, it is where most of the food on this blog comes from).  Thank you, Christian!  Thank you, Austin!

  • Farmers’ Markets in Austin (edibleaustin.com)

Austin Bake Sale for Japan

Austin Bake Sale for Japan is a group of local bloggers, foodies and businesses who have come together to raise money for relief efforts in earthquake and tsunami-ravaged Japan.

80 volunteer bakers and several business partners strong, with fundraising coordination through AmeriCares, Austin Bake Sale for Japan is scheduled for this Saturday, April 2nd at various locations around town including:

  • Downtown: Woof Gang Bakery, 1204 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, 78703 (10am-2pm)
  • North Central: Foreign & Domestic, 306 E. 53rd Street, Austin, 78751 (10am-2pm)
  • South: Hotel San Jose, 1316 South Congress Avenue, 78704 (10am-2pm)
  • East: Nomad Bar, 1213 Corona Drive, Austin, 78723 (10am-2pm)

Austin Bake Sale for Japan is still accepting donations of baked goods, volunteer help, and business support. By spreading out across Austin, Austin Bakes for Japan will give everyone a chance to pitch in and raise money for a great cause!

For more information and/or to make a donation, please visit the Austin Bakes for Japan homepage.

For press inquiries or to volunteer, contact:

Kathryn Hutchison
email: AustinGastronomist at gmail dot com
phone: 512-695-2242