Thrive's Eat Local Challenge Week starts this Friday, September 10th and will run through Sunday, September 19th- although hopefully you will be motivated to continue incorporating more and more local foods into your diet year round. It is a fun-filled week celebrating the delicious bounty of locally-grown food in the Rogue Valley. By taking the challenge and participating in the week's events, we will all learn about our "food shed" and nurture our valley's agricultural economy.
When you take the challenge, you are making a difference in preserving our local agriculture system. Not only does local food mean better taste and more nutritional value, but supporting family farmers builds a stronger local economy, and lightens the ecological costs of long-distance food transportation.
There are an abundance of events scheduled throughout the week centered on being a locavore:
Friday, September 10, 2010
Applegate River Wine Fest
Cantrall-Buckley Park, Hamilton Road, Applegate, from 5-8pm
This annual fundraiser is hosted by the Greater Applegate Community Development Corporation, a registered non-profit organization. Proceeds from a silent auction will benefit the Applegate and Williams Elementary Schools. Top quality wine tasting and appetizers are being donated by local wineries and restaurants. Live music will round out this popular event. Cost is $25. Register online at www.gacdc.org.
Brian's Green Thumb Farm Tour & Samplings
Brian's Green Thumb Farm, 327 E. Gregory Rd., Central Point
Tours at 11am, 2pm and 5pm each day. Taste 12 varieties of tomatoes, plus samplings of the other vegetables of the season grown organically, in raised beds. Tastings of locally made flavored sugars, salts and meat rubs and other locally made items. Call 541-879-1188 or email
briansgreenthumbfarm@charter.net .
Hillcrest Growers Market at RoxyAnn Winery
RoxyAnn Winery, 3285 Hillcrest Rd., Medford from 3-7pm
541-690-5120,
vikki@roxyann.comFrom local farm to your kitchen in just one click! Order local products from your own home on
www.roguevalleylocalfoods.org. Ordering period begins today and runs until Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 7:30pm.
Shibui Tasting at Paddington Station
Paddington Station, 125 E. Main St., Ashland from 11am-3pm
The Rogue Valley’s own Chef Jay, Creator of Shibui, “the sauce that makes you a Master Chef” will be offering tasty samples of his reduced balsamic vinegar glaze with local fruits. This reduction goes great with everything…fresh fruits, vegetables, meats…you name it! Whatever your imagination can come up with…Shibui!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Brian's Green Thumb Farm Tour & Lunch
Brian's Green Thumb Farm, 327 E. Gregory Rd., Central Point
Tours at 11am, 2pm and 5pm each day. Taste 12 varieties of tomatoes, plus samplings of the other vegetables of the season grown organically, in raised beds. Tastings of locally made flavored sugars, salts and meat rubs and other locally made items. All local lunch at 12 pm, by reservation only, catered by First Street Cafe. Call 541-879-1188 or email
briansgreenthumbfarm@charter.net .
Eagle Point Saturday Market
Between the Butte Creek Mill and Eagle Point Museum on Royal Avenue from 8:30am-1:30pm
541-826-3760/541-826-2258
Eat Local Festival at the Ashland Food Co-op
Ashland Food Co-op, 237 N. First St., Ashland, from 11am-3pm.
Sign up for the Eat Local Challenge at the second annual Eat Local Festival 2010 featuring local music and food. 541-482-0207 www.ashlandfood.coop.
FARM to FORK
Blackberry Lane Farm, 2926 Lower River Rd., Grants Pass from 5-8:30pm
Tour Blackberry Lane Farm and enjoy a gourmet dinner on the farm that sustains the food on your plate. Our menus are inspired by the season's harvest and prepared by local chefs. Visit www.farmtoforkevents.com to purchase tickets.
Grand Release of Sprakling Pear Wine with pear tasting
RoxyAnn Winery, 3285 Hillcrest Rd., Medford 11am-6pm
Join us for a debut tasting of Hillcrest Orchard pears and the grand release of the new Sparkling Pear wine at RoxyAnn Winery. 541-776-2315
Grants Pass Growers Market
Corner of F & 4th, Grants Pass from 9am-1pm
541-476-5375, www.growersmarket.org
Illinois Valley Farm & Garden Festival
Jubilee Park in Cave Junction from 10am-4pm
Spiral Living Center presents the Second annual Illinois Valley Farm and Garden Festival. Come celebrate local farms, local food and local folks! Free workshops, activities for children, a local food competition, farm animals, local farm-related businesses, crafts, food vendors, and a farmer's market. No entrance fee but donations gladly accepted. 541-592-3642
-spirallivinginfo@gmail.com - www.spiralliving.org.
Oil-Free Dressing Delights!
Rising Sun Farms, 5126 S. Pacific Hwy., Phoenix from 2-4pm
Join us as we tempt you with recipes made with our newly-released Oil-Free Dressings and Marinades! Lemon Thyme, Fig, Pomegranate, Raspberry, YUM! 541-535-8331 x201
Preserve the Local Bounty!
Seven Oaks Farm, 5504 Rogue Valley Hwy., Central Point from 10am-2pm
Master food preservers demonstrate and answer questions on food preservation. 541-664-2060
Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market- Ashland
Downtown Ashland, Lithia Way & First Street from 8:30am-1:30pm
541-261-5045, www.rvgrowersmarket.com
Saturday Medford Market
Between Poplar Dr. and Biddle Rd. on McAndrews, Medford, from 8:30am-1:30pm
541-621-1864, www.medfordsaturdaymarket.com
Save the Orangutan Soap demo
Ashland Food Co-op, 237 N. First St., Ashland 11am-12:30pm
Diggin' Livin' Farm & Apiary will be giving a demo at the Ashland Food Coop for their Save the Orangutan Soap. The soap has a strong message, that is to lessen the distance from Farm to Bath by increasing awareness about rainforest destruction for palm oil plantations as well as using local and regional ingredients.
Shibui Tasting at Paddington Station
Paddington Station, 125 E. Main St., Ashland from 11am-3pm
The Rogue Valley’s own Chef Jay, Creator of Shibui, “the sauce that makes you a Master Chef” will be offering tasty samples of his reduced balsamic vinegar glaze with local fruits. This reduction goes great with everything…fresh fruits, vegetables, meats…you name it! Whatever your imagination can come up with…Shibui!
Talent Harvest Festival
Downtown Talent, 6am-4:30pm
Vendors, Artists, Music, Food, Run/Walk and many Children’s Activities. 2010's Harvest Festival will be extra special because it is Talent's Centennial Year.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Grand Release of Sprakling Pear Wine with pear tasting
RoxyAnn Winery, 3285 Hillcrest Rd., Medford 11am-6pm
Join us for a debut tasting of Hillcrest Orchard pears and the grand release of the new Sparkling Pear wine at RoxyAnn Winery. 541-776-2315
Join us for a fun and educational tour of food and farms in Wimer, 9am-3pm Sunday September 13th. Learn more about the importance of bees in local farming as we tour the diversified Swallow Springs Farm before moving on to the chickens of Bradford Family Farm and the goats of Pholia Farm. $20 includes lunch; children, $10. Call 541-488-7272 for reservations.
Rogue River Sunday Market
Monday, September 13, 2010
Local Foods as Medicine
The Right Plan, 706 Cardley Ave., Medford from 11:30am-1:30pm
Taste healthy fats that reduce inflammation utilizing produce from Rummymede Farm, Rogue Creamery and Rising Sun Farms. 541-772-PLAN (7526).
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market- Ashland
East Main Street & Whightman, Ashland from 8:30am-1:30pm
541-261-5045, www.rvgrowersmarket.com
Last day to order local products from the comfort of your own home on
www.roguevalleylocalfoods.org. Don't forget to pick up your products on Thursday and come back to shop again on Friday!
Taste Our Local Flavor!
Ashland Food Co-operative, 237 N. First St., Ashland from 4-6pm
Come by the Culinary Kiosk at the Ashland Food Co-op to taste delicious recipes made from all local products.
World Tour Night at The Vine
The Vine, 1610 Allen Crk. Rd. Ste. 111, Grants Pass at 5pm
Tonight's World Tour lands in the Rogue Valley, featuring the delicious products of our local family farms and vineyards. 541-479-8463
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Blondies' Bistro Guest Chef Night/Thrive Benefit
Blondies' Bistro, 226 SW G St., Grants Pass from 5-8pm
Guest Chef featuring specials made with local products and specials on local wine & beer. 10% of proceeds to be donated to Thrive! For more information call 541-479-0420.
Community Food Forum
Ashland Food Co-op Community Classroom, 300 Pioneer St., Ashland at 7pm
Join us for a discussion about wheat production in the Rogue Valley.
Grants Pass Growers Market
Riverside Park, Grants Pass from 9am-1pm
541-476-5375, www.growersmarket.org
Talent Evening Market
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Brian's Green Thumb Farm Tour & Samplings
Brian's Green Thumb Farm, 327 E. Gregory Rd., Central Point
Tours at 11am, 2pm and 5pm each day. Taste 12 varieties of tomatoes, plus samplings of the other vegetables of the season grown organically, in raised beds. Tastings of locally made flavored sugars, salts and meat rubs and other locally made items. Call 541-879-1188 or email
briansgreenthumbfarm@charter.net .
Celebration at Rogue Valley Local Foods Pick-Up Site
Rogue Creamery, 311 N. Front St., Central Point from 4:30-7pm
Special wine & cheese event at the Rogue Creamery pick-up site for Rogue Valley Local Foods online farmers market. Spice up your weekly grocery shopping by ordering your local goods online and enjoying a local wine and cheese celebration when you pick it up! 541-665-1155 x104
Downtown Grants Pass Progressive Dinner
Downtown Grants Pass
Progressive Dinner downtown Grants Pass with stops at Lunch N' Thyme, Blondies' Bistro, Rosso's Trattoria and One Fifteen Broiler. Call Molly at 541-471-6460 or stop by Blondies' (226 SW G St.) to get your tickets.
Local Food & Wine Pairing at The Vine
The Vine, 1610 Allen Crk. Rd., Ste. 111 at 5pm
Rogue Valley-themed food and wine pairing dinner. Four-course meal with pairings of local wines with each course. 541-479-8463
Local Food & Wine Demo
Tarks Market, 215 E. Wagner Ave., Talent from 4-7pm
Head to Tarks Market to taste local Rogue Valley wine and food products.
Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market
1701 S. Pacific Hwy., Medford from 8:30am-1:30pm
541-261-5045, www.rvgrowersmarket.com
Pick up your
Rogue Valley Local Foods order at either Rogue Creamery in Central Point, Grains Beans & Things in Medfordor Club Northwest in Grants Pass.
Taste Our Local Flavor!
Ashland Food Co-operative, 237 N. First St., Ashland from 4-6pm
Come by the Culinary Kiosk at the Ashland Food Co-op to taste delicious recipes made from all local products.
What's On Your Plate?
Science Works, 1500 E. Main St., Ashland, Reception at 6pm, Film Screening at 7pm.
THRIVE, Rogue Valley Farm to School & ScienceWorks present: What's on your Plate, a witty and provocative documentary about kids and food politics. www.whatsonyourplateproject.org
Friday, September 17, 2010
Brian's Green Thumb Farm Tour & Samplings
Brian's Green Thumb Farm, 327 E. Gregory Rd., Central Point
Tours at 11am, 2pm and 5pm each day. Taste 12 varieties of tomatoes, plus samplings of the other vegetables of the season grown organically, in raised beds. Tastings of locally made flavored sugars, salts and meat rubs and other locally made items. Call 541-879-1188 or email
briansgreenthumbfarm@charter.net .
Downtown Throwdown
Downtown Medford from 5-7pm
A food competition in the spirit of Iron Chef challenges restaurants including Elements, 38 Central, Downtown Market Co., Deli Down, Rosarios and Great Harvest Bakery to best express themselves by creating tastings featuring a secret locally-grown ingredient. Enjoy drinks from Organic Nation Spirits, Edenvale Winery and Red Lily Vineyard. Cast your vote at Terra Firma Home, My Daughter's Closet, Rogue Art Gallery, Facets Jewelery Store and Lawrence Jewelers. 541-621-0754
Hillcrest Growers Market at RoxyAnn Winery
RoxyAnn Winery, 3285 Hillcrest Rd., Medford from 3-7pm
541-690-5120,
vikki@roxyann.comLocal Food & Wine Demo
Tarks Market, 215 E. Wagner Ave., Talent from 4-7pm
Head to Tarks Market to taste Rogue Valley wine and food products.
Rogue Valley Local Foods
From local farm to your kitchen in just one click! Order local products from your own home on www.roguevalleylocalfoods.org. Ordering period begins today and runs until Tuesday, Sept. 21.
Shibui and Sushi!
Paddington Station, 125 E. Main St., Ashland from 11am-3pm
Please stop by Paddington Station where Terry Davis, our culinary buyer, and Janelle Savides, a local aspiring chef, will be offering samples of their own created with amazing Shibui and a vegetarian sushi roll.
Wine Down at Plaisance Ranch
Music by Jerome Prairie Dogs. Plaisance Ranch Estate wine by the glass or bottle, hamburgers and hot dogs made from certified organic Plaisance Beef with buns from Windmill Bakery in Grants Pass. 5-8pm at 16955 Water Gap Rd., Williams. 541-846-7175
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Brian's Green Thumb Farm Tour & Lunch
Brian's Green Thumb Farm, 327 E. Gregory Rd., Central Point
Tours at 11am, 2pm and 5pm each day. Taste 12 varieties of tomatoes, plus samplings of the other vegetables of the season grown organically, in raised beds. Tastings of locally made flavored sugars, salts and meat rubs and other locally made items. All local lunch at 12 pm, by reservation only, catered by First Street Cafe. Call 541-879-1188 or email
briansgreenthumbfarm@charter.net .
BBQ Revolution
Gary West Meats, 690 N. Fifth St., Jacksonville from 12-4pm
Five local ranchers will be grilling their own best beef. Learn how the animals are raised. Sample organic, grain and grass-fed beef. 30% off all jerky Saturday only. Call 541-899-1829 or go to www.garywest.com.
Eagle Point Saturday Market
Between the Butte Creek Mill and Eagle Point Museum on Royal Avenue from 8:30am-1:30pm
541-826-3760/541-826-2258
Grants Pass Growers Market
Corner of F & 4th, Grants Pass from 9am-1pm
541-476-5375, www.growersmarket.org
Local Food Treasure Hunt for Kids and Families
Bellview Grange, 975 Tolman Crk. Rd., Ashland from 10am-4pm
Kids and families will enjoy a day of fun visiting local farms, harvesting vegetables, joining in fun activities, preparing a nutritious and kid-friendly meal, then sitting down in community to savor the fruits of their labor (and fun). Storytime, food art and fun educational opportunities related to food will abound for all ages. Space is limited, so get your tickets early. Cost is $10 per family. For more information, call Terry at 541-821-5130.
Oil-Free Dressing Delights!
Rising Sun Farms, 5126 S. Pacific Hwy., Phoenix from 2-4pm
Join us as we tempt you with recipes made with our newly-released Oil-Free Dressings and Marinades! Lemon Thyme, Fig, Pomegranate, Raspberry, YUM! 541-535-8331 x201
Preserve the Local Bounty!
Seven Oaks Farm, 5504 Rogue Valley Hwy., Central Point from 10am-2pm
Master food preservers demonstrate and answer questions on food preservation. 541-664-2060
Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market- Ashland
Downtown Ashland, Lithia Way & First Street from 8:30am-1:30pm
541-261-5045, www.rvgrowersmarket.com
Saturday Medford Market
Between Poplar Dr. and Biddle Rd. on McAndrews, Medford, from 8:30am-1:30pm
541-621-1864, www.medfordsaturdaymarket.com
Shibui and Sushi!
Paddington Station, 125 E. Main St., Ashland from 11am-3pm
Please stop by Paddington Station where Terry Davis, our culinary buyer, and Janelle Savides, a local aspiring chef, will be offering samples of their own created with amazing Shibui and a vegetarian sushi roll.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Brian's Green Thumb Farm Tour & Samplings
Brian's Green Thumb Farm, 327 E. Gregory Rd., Central Point
Tours at 10am, 12pm and 5pm each day. Taste 12 varieties of tomatoes, plus samplings of the other vegetables of the season grown organically, in raised beds. Tastings of locally made flavored sugars, salts and meat rubs and other locally made items.
Location: RoxyAnn Winery, 3285 Hillcrest Rd., Medford
Thrive invites you to enjoy an evening of local flavor – an elegant 5-course dinner combining the fresh flavors of local farms and the culinary talents of the Rogue Valley’s finest chefs: Neil Clooney of Dragonfly, Eric Bell of Standing Stone, Chandra Corwin of Cucina Biazzi, Bill Heubel of the Jacksonville Inn and Scott Frankenberger of Porters. Held under the stars at RoxyAnn Winery, the Rogue Flavor Dinner and Auction is the Rogue Valley’s premier farm to table event.
Tickets are $75/person including wine, and can be purchased beginning August 15th at the Ashland Food Co-op, Club Northwest in Grants Pass, and at RoxyAnn Winery in Medford and by calling Thrive at 541-488-7272. All proceeds benefit Thrive’s programs to create a more sustainable local economy. Call 541-488-7272 for more information.
Rogue River Sunday Market
110 Pine St. in the Umpqua Bank parking lot from 9am-1pm
541-621-2730,
rrsundaymarket@yahoo.com
These great locally-owned restaurants are offering menu specials featuring mostly local ingredients for the Eat Local Challenge. Be sure to ask your server. Ashland:
Artik Creamery at the Growers Market
1420 E. Main St. / Wightman St., Ashland
Sept. 14 8:30am-1:30pm
Brothers' Restaurant
95 No. Main St., Ashland
Daily: 7am-2pm
Greenleaf Restaurant
49 N. Main St. on the plaza, Ashland
Lunch and dinner daily 11am-9pm
Grilla Bites
47 N. Main St., Ashland
Mon.-Sat. 11am-8pm and Sun. 11am-4pm
Larks Restaurant
212 E. Main St., Ashland
Mon - Fri: 11:3am-2pm & 5:30pm 9pm
Sat - Sun: 11am-2pm & 5:30pm-9pm
Pangea
272 E. Main St., Ashland
Daily: 11am-8pm
Standing Stone Brewing Company
101 Oak St., Ashland
Daily: 11:30am-Midnight
Tease Restaurant & Bar
303 East Main St., Ashland
Daily; 5pm-late
The Black Sheep Pub & Restaurant
51 N. Main St., Ashland
Sept. 10-19; 11:30am-1am
Grants Pass:
Blondies' Bistro
226 SW G St., Grants Pass
Sept. 15 from 5-8pm
Lunch -N- Thyme
111 SE G St., Grants Pass
Sept.13-17 10am-2pm
Rogue Coffee Roasters
237 SW G St., Grants Pass
Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm & Sat 8am-2pm
Summer Jo's
2315 Upper River Rd. Loop, Grants Pass
Thurs.-Sun. 9:30am-2pm & 5-8:30pm
The Vine
1610 Allen Crk. Rd., Grants Pass
Sept. 10-19 11am-9pm
Wild River Brewing Company
595 NE "E" St., Grants Pass
Sun-Thurs 10:30am-10:30pm & Fri-Sat 10:30am-11pm
Jacksonville:
Bella Union
170 W. California St., Jacksonville
Sept. 10-19 11:30am-10pm
Gary West Pub & Grill
690 N. Fifth St., Jacksonville
Sept. 10-19 Mon-Sat. 11am-6pm & Sun. 11am-5pm
Jacksonville Inn
175 E. California St., Jacksonville
Daily: Dinner only
Medford:
38 Central
38 N. Central Ave, Medford
Mon.-Fri. 11:30-close, Sat. 5pm-close
Artik Creamery at the Growers Market
1701 South Pacific Hwy., Medford
Sept. 16 8:30am-1:30pm
Elements Tapas Bar & Lounge
101 E. Main St., Medford
Daily 4pm-late
Restaurant closed to the public on Sept. 13 & 15
Organicos Natural Cafe
226 E. Main St., Medford
Sept. 10-19 11am-7pm
Porters- Dining at the Depot
147 N. Front St., Medford
Sept. 10-19 5pm-close
Parkside Cafe
110 Hawthorne Street, Medford
Daily: Lunch and Dinner
Redrock Italian Eatery
17 West 4th St., Medford
Sept. 10-19 4pm-10pm
Taste Kitchen at the Downtown Market Co.
231 E. Main Street, Medford
Sept. 10, 11, 13-18: 11am-2pm
Shady Cove:
Madrone Kitchen and Wine Tavern
21900 Highway 62, Shady Cove
Sept. 10-12 4pm-close & Sept. 18-19 4pm-close
Talent:
Downtowne Coffeehouse
200 Talent Ave., Talent
Sept. 10-19 6am-5pm
Inti Latin Soul
109 Talent Ave., Talent
Sept. 10-19 11:30am-2pm and 5pm-8pm
A forlorn, shadow-gray building on Medford’s industrial Fir Street is now the home to the much ballyhooed Footstone Jive wine operation. It’s a far cry from Canadian businessman Steve de Jaray’s original vision of opening a high-volume winery with an intoxicatingly entertaining wine bar and steamy distillery on Jacksonville’s tourist-luring main street.
