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Slow Food Orange County Holds Barbeque Fundraiser in Historic Bommer Canyon Slowing Down with Wholesome Food – and a Sellout Crowd – for a Good Cause On May 30, Slow Food Orange County held its first barbeque fundraiser in Bommer Canyon, in the City of Irvine. The event was tailored for the entire family and focused on awareness of what the organization calls "good, clean and fair" food. Despite a marine layer and chill in the air, approximately 170 people turned out for the sold-out event. The fundraiser featured an elaborate barbeque meal prepared by Thomas Ryan, executive chef of the Big Canyon Country Club, a team of Slow Food members, and culinary students from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. The main course was chicken from Mary's Organic Free-Range Chickens in Fresno. Mary's Organic Free-Range Chickens grow naturally with plenty of room to roam in a caring environment. The fare also included a special vegetarian main course and select wines. Seating was family-style in the cattle camp under the canopy of oak trees, providing the perfect setting for a wholesome family meal. Prior to the delicious feast, participants had the option to work up an appetite by taking a short hike led by IRC Naturalist Brian Hughes. A.G. Kawamura, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, attended the event and spoke to the audience about California's agricultural abundance and how it is a reflection of the people who make the Golden State their home. The total amount raised is still being determined. All proceeds will go toward building a vegetable garden for the Monkey Business Cafe in Fullerton, a non-profit social enterprise that provides training in the food and restaurant industries for at-risk foster care children. The goal of the training is to provide the children with hands-on work experience that will help them find jobs once their foster care benefits end at age 18. The event was sponsored by Slow Food Orange County, with contributing sponsors Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's. Some lucky guests received raffle prizes that included a pack of 10 different organic vegetable seeds, Whole Earth Market tote bags filled with locally produced foods, two Alice Waters cookbooks, two Michael Pollan books, a cooking class at Xanh Bistro, and dinner for two at the Slow Food annual dinner in October. Slow Food, www.slowfoodoc.org, is an international member-supported non-profit organization. It promotes food culture and develops sensory and taste education, while encouraging protection of biodiversity and quality in food, the environment and social life. Be sure to visit Slow Food's Web site to learn more about the organization's "good-clean-fair" philosophy toward food production and enjoyment. 
Participants of the Slow Food barbeque enjoy a wholesome meal under the
Oak trees in Bommer Canyon.(Photo provided by Curt Gibbs, Slow Food LA) |