I've longed turned to Gourmet magazine for inspiration in the kitchen. The photos, essays on dining around the world, and the accompanying recipes have lured me to spice shops and untold hours at the stove.
Recently, however, I've been purchasing the magazine for the articles. Last month it was a must-read story about the way Wal-Mart is changing what we find on supermarket shelves. This month (July) their annual produce issue focuses on eating locally--how could I resist? And lucky for those of us in the northeast, there is news we can use.
The first story I'd recommend is an essay by Bill McKibben titled, "A Grand Experiment", which chronicles his attempt to eat locally. In Vermont. In winter. He offers a dose of inspiration for those of us who will be participating in the August challenge to eat within our foodshed.
The second article is "New York State of Mind" which describes the farm to table food scene right here in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. The piece describes some old favorites like Doug's Fish Fry as well relative newcomers like the Restaurant at Elderberry Pond in Auburn and Suzanne Fine Regional Cuisine in Lodi. These good eats are, in many cases, less than an hour away from Syracuse. I can't wait to check some of these places out. Pick up a copy if you can and get out to the country and enjoy the culinary bounty in our midst.
Jen - I was seriously about to email you about that finger lakes - area article. Sounds like some fun things to check out! This month's edition of Gourmet is the one that has *finally* pushed me over the edge into subscribing.
Posted by: jen | July 01, 2005 at 12:20 PM
Oh Jen I know what you mean! I purchased the last two issues on the stands--at nearly $8.00 for two, I really ought to pay the subscription fee (2 years at $24 is a really good deal). But yeah I was elated to see the Finger Lakes piece. I'm on my way to the Restaurant at Elderberry Pond RIGHT NOW. My vacation starts today and I'm going eating!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 01, 2005 at 01:31 PM