The restaurant business is hard, no doubt about it. And because it is hard many restaurants fail. However, I truly believe that one way a restaurant can stay in business is by being a ”farm to table” type of restaurant.
What is a ”farm to table” restaurant?
A farm to table restaurant is an establishment that believes in supporting local farmers and the community by sourcing their produce and other goods from them. Some of these restaurants are lucky enough to have their own farm to source food from but many seek products from their community. Some farm to table restaurants are able to continue this idea by sourcing their energy from nature such as solar energy, wind energy, water energy and so forth.
Why is all of this so important?
People are starting to research and care about what they are putting into their bodies and it all starts with the source of food. If a restaurant offers farm to table food then that alone takes the guesswork and worry out of where the food is sourced from. Even if space is an issue and the restaurant owners are not able to have their own farm to source from, it is always possible to seek out products from local farmers. Transparency seems to go a long way with customers.
I came across an article that discusses these farm to table restaurants and found a section that I believe applies so well here. As said by the owner of Farm and Table Cherie Montoya, a native to Albuquerque, “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” It is this deep love and respect that led Montoya to create Farm & Table. (https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/best-farm-to-table-resturants-usa)
So, I started to research the various ”farm to table” type restaurants in the united states and this is only a fraction of what I found!
The Spillover- Florida
The Spillover screams local Miami love! This is a seafood restaurant that also serves craft beers. The owner, Matt Kuchar strongly believes in supporting the local community by sourcing the restaurant’s food, materials and even the artwork from local businesses and artists. The seafood is caught daily so it is always fresh! They also run on solar and wind energy!
Lula Cafe-Illinois
Lula Cafe is located in Chicago, Illinois. This self-proclaimed bohemian bistro started out with a four-burner stove, self-taught chefs and second-hand pots and pans. Lula Cafe strongly believes in supporting their local farmers and therefore they only serve locally grown/made seasonal products.
Farm Spirit-Oregon
Located in Portland Oregon, Farm Spirit serves its guests at an Ash counter, sourced from Oregon, of course! This restaurant boasts local pride by using carved wooden spoons, artisan wine, handmade pottery, and plant-based cuisine. They support local farmers and believe sustainability is key.
Quiessence at the farm- Arizona
Located in Phoenix, Arizona this Italian restaurant stands out! This restaurant is plopped on a working farm and uses locally sourced produce and other products the restaurant needs. Quiessence at the farm offers a simple menu but bursting flavors! As a perfect ”cherry on top” of an already perfect farm to table restaurant, Quiessence at the farm also serves Arizona-made wine!
Odd Duck-Texas
Built-in Austin, Texas Odd Duck was once a popular food truck owned by the Gilmore brothers is now a full farm to table restaurant that stresses sustainable cooking methods, supporting their community and local farmers. They may be big meat lovers in Austin, Texas but even this vegetable-forward restaurant wins them over with these seasonal ingredient dishes.
