Logan Square Farmer’s Market – Congress Theater 2135 N. Milwaukee, Chicago 10 AM – 2 PM

Meet the Beet at the Logan Square Farmer’s Market is just one of many, many eat local activities this weekend.  The Local Beet will be at the FamilyFarmed Expo and Chicago Food Policy Council Summit all day Friday (with hopefully some live blogging).  Tonight, we will be enjoying Localicious.  Saturday, myself and Melissa Graham are speaking.  Green City Market goes on Saturday.  And then also on Sunday, the Market Watch’s Robin Schirmer throws another winter farmer’s market.  Don’t show up at the wrong place.  Our very full Local Calendar can be found here.

This was one of those conferences where I would have preferred to be in three places at once. Besides the celebrity appearances (Bill Kurtis hawking his grass-fed beef, Brenda Palms Barber discussing Chicago-made honey, Marc Shulman talking about Eli’s Cheesecake), the halls were filled with people of all walks interested in starting a food- or farm-related company, and investors and consultants with ideas on how they can help these people launch their businesses. One track of sessions focussed on farming and food businesses as a community venture, another one on the food business and a third on farming and how farmers can obtain capital.

Some of my long-standing questions on how anyone can afford to get a farm off the ground were answered. More than ever, it was made obvious to me that a good farmer must be a good businessman (or woman) as much as a caretaker of the land and livestock. “All farmers are managers of change,” said one of the speakers. Whether they manage the change in public taste from conventional to organic to local to seasonal foods, or the natural change from seed to seedling to plant to produce, farmers do not work in a static environment. A slow one, perhaps, but not one that stands still. And in order to make a living, they have to be acutely aware of costs, funding sources and risk. I’ll be writing more on this subject soon.

My role was to help moderate the chat, although there was little for me to do. I approved a few questions and tried rallying the audience into asking more. Unfortunately, I think we were bedeviled with technical issues. We lost Jim 20 minutes into the program and Alicia was unable to bring him back. Another speaker was unable to get her video working, although her audio was fine. And the chat room, well, was as chaotic as a chat room can be. Although there was no swearing, slamming or scamming going on, there were a couple civil conversations transpiring on top of one another, making it extremely difficult to follow the thread of any single line of reasoning.

It was terrific having so many experts and interested parties in the same virtual room talking about organic vs. conventional farming in a polite, rational manner. I think once the computer/networking kinks are worked out it’s going to be an even better show. I found myself wishing there was a chat room tool that allowed a person or two (or three) to maybe color code their conversation so that if their sentences were interrupted by 10 other people talking about something else, it would still be easy to follow their dialog visually.

What I was most pleased about was the fact that the entire conversation was calm and cordial. Although there were several strong advocates for “factory farming” techniques in the crowd, those who disagreed with them did not do so in an angry manner, and there was no contempt apparent from either side against the other.

I wish Alicia all the best in this new venture and look forward to following many more EcoChats in the future.

But the one thing they always have going for them, at least in the CPG world, is a label. You can look down a 20 foot section of shelving, and probably see many hundreds of products, each with a label that attempts to scream out to you, to say, “I’m here especially for you, I’m really cool, come to me, look at me, touch me, buy me, take me home with you …”

Hopefully, they’ll also tell you something about the product inside, and why you might be interested in it. Label design is an interesting agglomeration of art, science, and business.

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples. These are the labels from two of the Chicago area’s indisputably top-tier craft breweries.

What do they have in common? Not much. One’s got a wild and crazy, Mardi-Gras feel to it, the other has all the mishigas of a sherry tasting in a dark, wood-paneled sitting room at an exclusive London Men’s Social Club in the 1920s. (Thanks, editor-at-large Rob Gardner, for teaching me the word “mishigas.”)

You might be surprised to know they were both designed in Chicago. Specifically, in Rogers Park. Even more specifically, at Randy Mosher’s house.

I wrote about Randy tasting a beer here (link to article) recently. And he was on Chicago Tonight not too long ago, tasting beer with Eddie Arruza. But he does much more than just taste beers. He has a tremendous talent for taking the personality of a beer – which, after all, is basically just a fizzy brownish liquid – and expressing its character in a visual way that lets you know what you’re in for, once you pop the cap.

And, since craft beers are artisanal products, the personalities of the beers reflect the personalities of the brewers.

Take Three Floyd’s Alpha King, for example. It’s their signature brew. It’s a hop-lover’s delight. A massive beer. One sip will tell you why the phrase “it’s not normal” is on so many of their packages.

Contrast that to Two Brothers’ Domaine DuPage . It’s a carefully-considered, French-style biere de garde. It’s not in your face. It’s refined. It’s contemplative. It has manners.

Mosher, on how he designed the labels:

“Nick [Floyd] is wild. He’s tattooed. For the Black Sun Stout we actually photographed his elbow’s sun tattoo. I kinda cleaned it up and turned it into a beer label.

“He’s just kind of a biker sort of guy. A big, big personality and really likes his beers huge, and crazy, and youth oriented.

“Whereas the Ebels – one of them was an architect, one was an attorney. They’re very thoughtful, extremely quiet and shy guys. I really had to push them to put their profiles on the label, and to put their signatures on it. They were like ‘No, we don’t want to be …’

“You call it Two Brothers. People are going to want to know who the two brothers are. You can’t hide behind it. You’ve got to be out front.” So they took that to heart. But everything is kinda understated and reserved with them.

“I think the packaging in both of those brands really reflects the character of the beers – if people are looking for a wild ride, they get Three Floyds; if people are thinking along the lines of wine, and looking for that sophistication and subtlety, they’re going to gravitate a bit more toward Two Brothers.”

(I suppose, in the Chicago area, if you start with Three Floyds and count down, you’ll go to Two Brothers, one Metropolitan, and a Half Acre.)

Locally, you can also see Randy’s work on the labels for Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewing, Chicago’s Metropolitan Brewing, Flossmoor’s Flossmoor Station, and probably a bunch more I’m forgetting. There are many other examples, located, literally, all over the world.

Here’s a label I particularly like.

Maybe the Ebel Brothers are coming out of their shells, at least a little.

Although there was still snow on the ground covering up some of the parking spaces we will soon occupy, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the logistics and anticipate what issues might arise. With the snow still there, however, opening day still seems safely in the future. I know that’s just part denial/part illusion. In truth, there are still many decisions that need to be made in advance of the Grand Opening at 10 a.m. on May 29.

Still, one happy milestone is that our first vendor video has been posted. To demonstrate to our patrons that all our vendors either grow or process their food on their property, we plan to make a short video of each vendor at their farm, factory or bakery showing that they do indeed do what they say they do where they say they do it.

We’re looking for ways to make our market unique and set us apart from the surrounding suburbs, many of whom already host excellent markets. Posting the videos is one way we hope to entice visitors. The other way is by offering a drawing every week for a basket filled with either a local business gift certificate or fresh produce from the vendors. We’ve already received a number of drawing slips from patrons of Kappy’s, a restaurant at Harlem and Dempster in Morton Grove, who has generously offered to donate 10 percent of their patrons’ bills each Wednesday night in March if the patron mentions the Market to the cashier. Again, the level of generosity by Morton Grove businesses in these tough economic times has been heartwarming and encouraging. All of us on the committee have been motivated by the level of cooperation we’ve received from civic and private organizations.

An interactive conversation covering all aspects of a successful farmers market, from the initial planning phase to a sustainable market place, which benefits your community, and the farmers and food artisans who sell at the market.  Topics will include:

• Determining whether a farmers market is right for your community
• Working with relevant government agencies
• Establishing market rules, regulations and vendor criteria
• Budgeting and staffing (paid and volunteer)
• Farmer / Vendor recruitment
• SNAP / EBT
• Promotion and Advertising
• Educational Programming
• Balancing all participants’ best interests – Market, Community, Shoppers, and Farmers/Vendors 

Dennis, Karen, and I come from different farmers market models and hope to have some insights to share with you.  But consider the enumerated topics a starting point—the real agenda will be driven by you, so come with your questions, your own best practices to share, and an open mind. 

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On Saturday, March 13, from 1pm to 4pm there will be a Farmers Market Forum, an opportunity for market managers and farmers/producers/vendors to learn some of the nuts and bolts about farmers markets.  This is being sponsored by an ad hoc group of market managers and others interested in creating a statewide farmers market association in Illinois, and will cover:

• Network and share successful marketing and outreach initiatives
• Learn the latest news about GAP (good agricultural practices) training and Food Rules Updates
• Find new ways for growing your market ( including EBT/Link)
• Farmers Market Association planning update

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From 10am to 5pm on Saturday, March 13, the EXPO will include a Local Food Festival complete with chef demos, kids’ activities, and over 100 farmer, producer, and artisan exhibitors offering information, samples, purchase opportunities, and CSA applications.  But any self-respecting market manager or wannabee will surely recognize it as a chance to engage in their favorite pastime–trolling for vendors.  So come armed with your market brochures, business cards, and community’s demographics, and hope to catch the attention of  those on hand.

More about all of these opportunities at FamilyFarmed EXPO.  See you there!

By the end of the night, the statistics were staggering: Tweet And Taste attracted a whopping 66 participants from many places, including Michigan, Chicagoland, and Savannah, Georgia. The participants included a master sommelier, the winemaker for Black Star Farms, and numerous wine bloggers. In all, more than 800 tweets were exchanged.

Most participants rated the pear-forward, green apple tartness of the Dry Riesling as the best of the group, with the fruity Pinot Noir coming in a close second. The lightly oaky Chardonnay was well-received, although many in the group expressed that they were not Chardonnay fans in general.

Why is local wine relevant? Because it expresses the place from where it came. Last night’s Pinot Noir, in particular, demonstrated its origins, as people commented that, although the wine was undoubtedly an expression of the pinot noir grape, it did not taste like any pinot noir anyone had ever tasted: “Not Burgundian, but not high octane like a lot of California Pinots. More New Zealand-ish, maybe?” “[T]his [Pinot Noir] expresses the flavors of the region, our vineyards [are] young but fruit is bright and sensual . . .” “I don’t quite get rich enough fruit for it to be N[ew] Z[ealand]. I do get a feeling of fall in the level of fruit though.” Taking the comments together, it was the general consensus of the group that the wine, which was lighter and more ruby in color than most pinot noirs, was an expression of the shorter ripening season in upper Michigan. It’s an unique wine that proudly and unapologetically expresses its Midwest origins.

The full transcript of last night’s discussion can be found here. If you didn’t participate in the tasting, but still would like to try Black Star Farm’s wine, you can visit their website for ordering information. Plans are in the works for more Tweet And Tastes in the future.

Did you participate in last night’s virtual tasting, or have had Black Star Farms’ wines? If so, let us know here what you think.

Don’t be caught with all of our updates.  See how to follow us here.

Don’t be caught without a CSA.  Shares are selling out.  Find a CSA here.

Don’t be caught not knowing what we’ve been up to over the last year at the Local Beet.

If you have a financial stake in local food systems, don’t get caught missing FamilyFarmed’s Farm to Fork Conference on Thursday.

If you want to meet the Beet, don’t get caught missing talks by Rob Gardner and Melissa Graham on Saturday at the FamilyFarmed Expo.

Don’t get caught without thelocalbeet.com to live the local life.

UPDATE: The ink was barely dry on this week’s Local Calendar when we started updating.  Look for our New! items below.

See your complete Local Calendar below to live the local life.

WHAT TO BUY NOW

Very limited supplies of local food left to purchase this time of year.  Look, and you will find  apples and potatoes.   There are sightings of local carrots, cabbage, squash and rutabaga.  Maybe Cassie has some local rocket.  There will always be sprouts and mushrooms. – UPDATE: A recent visit ot Angelo Caputo’s in Elmwood Park confirmed that local apples still exist.

Think instead for dried and frozen fruits.  Tomato Mountain and River Valley Ranch offer canned local goods.

And remember, just because there is barely any local produce, it does not mean that there are not lots of other local foods to get from all our great cheeses, to meats, grains, beans, nuts, milk, eggs, etc.  There’s even local tofu at some markets.

Let us know what other local goods you are still seeing for sale.

 WHERE TO FIND LOCAL FOODS

These stores specialize in local foods:

• Downtown Famstand
• Green Grocer
• Dill Pickle Coop in Logan Square

As noted above, local apples and potatoes can be had for excellent prices.  Look soon for an update on what’s local at  the French Market at Metra Market. Until then here’s our previous report.

WHAT TO DO

MARKETS  AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

Wednesday - March 10

Check out the Hideout for Soup and Bread – 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago – 530 – 8 PM

 Two friends of the Local Beet, Chef Rick Gresh and rare tea sourcer Rodrick Markus are teaming up for a meal combining their two talents.  David Burke’s Primehouse may be a steakhouse to you, but to us it is also a place very much in line with our eat local ethos.  If you like good food and rare teas, this is a great event to try both. 

Thursday - March 11

Family Farmed Expo – Financing Farm to Fork Conference - UIC Forum, Chicago

Melissa Graham at the Downtown Farmstand – 66 E. Randolph, Chicago – 12-2 PM

Friday - March 12

Family Farmed Expo – Trade Conference – UIC Forum, Chicago

Localious Party with FamilyFarmed – UIC Forum, Chicag0 – 7 – 10PM

Chicago Food Policy Summit - UIC Forum, Chicago

Saturday – March 13

Chicago Green City Market at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m (Directions) – The theme is “Greens, Eggs and Ham”

Family Farmed Expo – Consumer Day – UIC Forum, Chicago

Sunday – March 14

Winter Farmer’s Market, Park Ridge Community Church, 100 Courtland, Park Ridge – 930 AM - 130 PM

Pig Butchering class at Mado – 1230 PM – 1647 N. Milwaukee, Chicago

Logan Square Farmer’s Market – Congress Theater 2135 N. Milwaukee, Chicago 10 AM – 2 PM

New! Maple Syrup Time –  Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Rd., Oak Brook – 1 PM

MARKETS AND EVENTS COMING

Tuesday - March 16

  City Provisions Supper Club with August Hill Winery at Logan Square Kitchen – 2333 N. Milwaukee, Chicago   

Wednesday – March 17

Wisconsin vs. the World – Cheese Contest - Monona Terrace – Madison, Wisconsin 6-8 PM

Crawford Farm dinner at Vie – 4471 Lawn Ave, Western Springs, IL

Meet the folks behind Harvest Moon Farms and learn about their CSA – Lush Wine and Spirits (Roscoe Village) – 2232 W. , Chicago – 6 – 8 PM

New! Green Acres Cook Off and Bell’s Brewery Tasting – Green Grocer Chicago – Green Acres Farm is coming upstate to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with Bell’s Brewery! Self-titled Mid-Life-Farm-Wife, Donna O’Shaugnessey, will be leaving her hormone-free, pasture raised friends in Frankfurt for the night to pan sear some sliders and stir fry some pork. Pair all of that with a dark glass of porter or stout, and your eyes will be smiling Irish heritage or not! Never in all the four counties has eating ethically tasted so good! Slainte! Whet your appetite, and check out Donna’s blog. – 1402 W. Grand, Chicago – 5 PM

Thursday - March 18

Melissa Graham at the Downtown Farmstand – 66 E. Randolph, Chicago – 12-2 PM

GreenTown: The Future of Community Main Conference – College of Lake County – 19351 W. Washington St., Building C – Lower Level, Grayslake, IL – 7 AM to 6 PM – See here for details

Saturday – March 20

Ebenezer Luthern Church – 1650, W. Foster, Chicago – 9 AM – 1 PM

Purple Asparagus Family Dinner – at Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen, from 2:30-5:00 PM

New! – Celebrate National Corndog Day with Gus at Weiner and Still Champion - 802 Demptster, Evanston

New! – Maple Syrup Festival – North Park Village Nature Center. 5801 N Pulaski Rd (between Bryn Mawr and Peterson Aves)

Sunday – March 21

Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin – 39W830 Highland, Elgin – 1 – 3 PM

Logan Square Farmer’s Market – Congress Theater 2135 N. Milwaukee, Chicago 10 AM – 2 PM

New! – Maple Syrup Festival – North Park Village Nature Center. 5801 N Pulaski Rd (between Bryn Mawr and Peterson Aves)

Monday - March 22

Pig Butchering class at Mado – 1230 PM – 1647 N. Milwaukee, Chicago

Tuesday - March 23

New! Farm Forum sponsor by the Geneva Green Market – First Congregational Church of Geneva, 321 Hamilton Street Geneva, IL – 830 AM – 1 PM

Wednesday - March 24

Culinary Conversations with Food Women – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Judith Dunbar-Hines will lead a lively conversation with five women who own and operate Chicago area food businesses to learn about their journey in establishing, operating and marketing their successful local food businesses. Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand will remain open until 8pm to accommodate post-event shoppers! Scheduled participants include: Nicole Bergere, Nicole’s Crackers; Jessica Volpe, Pasta Puttana; Jenny Yang, Phoenix Tofu; Meg Dhamer, Pigtales Twist; and Elizabeth Madden, Rare Bird. – Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand – 66 E. Randolph, Chicago – 6 – 8 PM - Call 312.742.TIXS (8497) for reservations or click here to register online.

Thursday - March 25

Melissa Graham at the Downtown Farmstand – 66 E. Randolph, Chicago – 12-2 PM

Friday - March 26

 Tiny Mahler Orchestra performs La Bonne Chanson”  at 73o in Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston on the Northwestern University campus.  Expect some neat food.

Saturday – March 27

Chicago Green City Market at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m (Directions) – The theme is still Greens, Eggs, and Ham (we think).

Portage Park – Irving Park and Central, Chicago - 10 – 2 PM

Sunday - March 28

New! – Winter Farmers Market at North Shore Unitarian Church, Deerfield - 21oo Half Day Road, Deerfield, IL – 10 AM – 2 PM 

Logan Square Farmer’s Market – Congress Theater 2135 N. Milwaukee, Chicago 10 AM – 2 PM

Choucroute Garnie Alscatian stuffing at Mado – 1647 N.  Milwaukee, Chicago – 6 PM

 Tiny Mahler Orchestra performs La Bonne Chanson”  at 7:30 pm at the Heaven Gallery, 1550 North Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd floor.  Expect some neat food.

Saturday - April 10

Chicago Green City Market at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m (Directions) – The theme is Cheese

Winter Farmer’s Market, Chicago/Beverly – Beverly Unitarian Church (the Castle) – 10244 S Longwood Ave, Chicago – 9 AM – 1 PM

BaconFest Chicago – Chef’s participating here –  Ticket info here.

Tuesday - April 13

New! Geneva Green Market, NFP Green Chatter Matters – Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual by Michael Pollan – Inglenook Pantry, 11 North Fifth St, Geneva IL – 7 pm

Thursday- April 22

Go Green Day Management Earth Day – Flair Tower – 720 N. Franklin, Chicago

Saturday – April 24

Chicago Green City Market at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m (Directions) – The theme is Cheese.

Portage Park – Irving Park and Central, Chicago - 10 – 2 PM