Austin Texas

Save the Perennials…and Save the Community

/ Ruth Glendinning

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:

Charcuterie – A Documentary

/ Ren

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

Related articles

Farm to Trailer

/ Ren

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!

Related articles
  • Farmers’ Markets in Austin (edibleaustin.com)

Austin Bake Sale for Japan

/ Ren

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

Related Articles

Breakfast Tacos Redux

/ Ren

AFAR, named as America’s Best Travel Magazine by the Society of American Travel Writers, has just published an article entitled “Wander, a guide to four unexpected destinations” in its March/April 2011 edition.  Featured are Singapore, Cartagena, Columbia, Azores, Portugal and Austin, Texas.

Mentioned in Austin’s article are local staples SXSW, the Congress Avenue bat colony, music, theater, arts and of course, breakfast tacos.

I’m really honored that AFAR chose to use one of my photos (Tortilla Sunrise, above) to illustrate the breakfast taco, one of our most favorite comestibles.

Thanks, guys!  Come again anytime!

Family Farms and Local Foods Education Day

/ Ren

 

FAMILY FARMS AND LOCAL FOODS EDUCATION DAY
Citizens Gather at the Capitol to Speak with Legislators

 

AUSTIN, TX (February 8, 2011) – Local food supporters from all over Texas will gather at the State Capitol on Monday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to meet with legislators about issues concerning family farms and local foods.  The education day is a free event, open to the public, and organized by the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA), a Texas-based non-profit that advocates for independent agriculture and citizens who support local foods.

“We are mobilizing citizens from across the state who support their local food community, purchase foods locally, and value their relationship with their farmers, ranchers, and food producers,” said Judith McGeary, director of FARFA and a leader in local food advocacy in Texas and nationally.

The Family Farms and Local Foods Education Day is an opportunity for Texas citizens, farmers, and ranchers to speak up for local food systems.  Participants will have the chance to learn about the legislative process, meet legislators and their staff, and work together in support of improved access to local foods.  Prior to the event, participants are asked to make an appointment with their legislators.  On the day of the event, the group will convene for a short meeting about citizen activism, communicating effectively with legislators, and the specific bills that the Legislature is considering.

Topics that will be discussed at the education day include:

HB 75/SB 237, (the “Raw Milk Bill”) to increase access to licensed raw dairy products;
Reducing unnecessary regulation of farmers’ markets;
Allowing “cottage food” producers to sell directly to consumers;
Reducing fees on small-scale cheese-makers; and
 Fair property tax treatment for urban farms, community gardens, and sustainable producers.

“We need laws like these that allow local farmers and rural economies to thrive,” McGeary said.  “Texans have already been voting for local foods with their dollars, buying direct from farmers in ever increasing numbers.  Now it’s time for our legislators to catch up.  If you care about what you eat, come tell your legislators.”

FARFA invites all concerned citizens to join in the conversation by attending this free event.  For more information about how to participate and to RSVP, visit www.farmandranchfreedom.org/upcoming-meetings.

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To receive email updates throughout the legislative session, join our mailing list.
To support our work on the local foods campaign during the legislative session, please make a donation today!

About Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA)

FARFA advocates for farmers, ranchers and homesteaders through public education and lobbying to assure their independence in the production and marketing of their food, and to prevent the imposition of unnecessary regulatory burdens that are not in the public interest.  FARFA also advocates for consumers’ access to healthy foods of their choice. For more information, please visit www.farmandranchfreedom.org.