September 9, 2015

Rootstock Field Fresh Experience

With so many amazing opportunities this year for Open Farm Days, it was tough to decide where to visit! One of the incredible experiences we decided to enjoy was Rootstock, held on Fisher Farms just outside of Didsbury. The event was presented by Fisher Farms (the host venue), and the Food Water Wellness Foundation, an organization created to foster the development of innovative ecological design creating sustainable food, water and wellness systems for communities throughout the world.

Rootstock is the coming together of rural and urban, people from cities, towns and the country, enjoying a celebration of gorgeous food and drink and amazing music that is being grown in our area in support of the launch of an regenerative agriculture online learning and networking platform called “We All Grow”. Check out the program video here!
Guests were transported by bus (or you could camp onsite!) from Calgary to Fisher Farms, just west of Didsbury. Upon arrival they were welcomed with two signature cocktails: Fallentimber Meadery Sweet mead mojitos and Eau Claire Distillery High Vibe “Sustainable Caesars”. Local farmers and vendors were onsite showcasing their produce and products at a mini farmer’s market, while Dominique Tricot played a fantastic acoustic set in the garden.

Dinner was served in a tent furnished with vintage furniture, china, white tablecloths, mason jars and fresh flowers and candles. Guests cozied up to each other on the straw bale seats that will be used on the farm after the event.

David Cousineau, of The Bison, Banff, along with other chefs will be creating a four-course culinary menu including:

• Selection of appetizers sourced from local sustainable farms
• Waldorf Kale salad
• Smoked organic grass fed beef cross rib roast from Top of the Mountain Meats
• Pasture raised chicken by Acme Farmer Owen Rodger
• German butterball potatoes from Fisher Farms
• Local Candy Cane Beets

Desert by Carol Valleau of Café Radio and Paired with coffee and tea pour overs by Bean Broker

• “To Die for” chocolate peanut butter cake
• Rhubarb Raspberry Cake

The evening was topped off with live music by Alright Gents, Nadine Kellman and the Black Wonders, and Cowpuncher and dancing under the stars.

A fantastic first year event, we’re very much looking forward to seeing what wonderful experiences they will come up with for next year!

 

This article was posted in Blog Event Recap and tagged: alberta bison chef culinary culture dinner event food harvest local rural seasonal taste