Five-Course Meal Pairing Fine Local Food and Specialty Cocktails to Benefit Dell Children’s Medical Center

Austin, Texas based charity supperclub A TORRID AFFAIR has announced plans for its inaugural dinner event, set for Monday, September 26 on the beautiful grounds of East Austin’s Springdale Farm (755 Springdale Road). The brainchild of Péché executive chef Jason Dodge and former Péché mixologist Michael Menley, A TORRID AFFAIR’s mission is to raise money for the Dell Children’s Medical Center through the hosting of intimate dining events in Austin while increasing awareness of the benefits of local, sustainable agriculture.

The early sunset shadows, cast by the mountains to the west, spread across the city of Boulder, Colorado, bringing with them thoughts of dinner. Idyllic Boulder, with its youthful spirit, adventurous tendencies, and environmental awareness, is the perfect spot for the conscientious diner. The city is full of choices, from college friendly fast-food to health conscious fine-dining, and even a milk and cookies specialty restaurant! With so many choices available, how does one choose? How would you choose? If sustainable, locally sourced food is on your mind, then have your feet carry you across the glowing historic downtown area and through the doors of The Kitchen.

Clearbrook Golf Club in Saugatuck, Michigan, has a vision: Chef Jeff Kudrna is taking a new approach to their menu with local, organic, and seasonal selections that emphasize sustainable and naturally raised products, sourced locally whenever feasible.

For my short visit to Buffalo, NY, I consulted Edible Buffalo for guidance on a restaurant and market to visit. They recommended Trattoria Aroma in the Elmwood Village neighborhood, a residential area with a number of restaurants and wine bars a short cab ride from downtown. The restaurant is charming with a bustling bar and a large patio area for al fresco dining.

Let’s play a word association game. I’ll say a word and you say the first thing that comes to your mind.

The word is… diner.

At the beginning of the year, I decided to explore the sustainable food scene in other cities. After going to San Francisco last fall, my curiosity was piqued about how people around the country are living locally. For my first adventure, I picked a place close to home: Dallas.

Northern Spy Food Co. is a perfect model for cities like New York City that are clamoring for more restaurants with locally sourced options. In fact, I could very easily see Northern Spy Food Co., once they get the minor kinks in service worked out, opening several locations around the city. The proprietors clearly have enough restaurant and hospitality experience that, if they are supported by the community, will respond in kind.