April 2013



Dear Slow Food DC Community, 

We had a great time over the weekend sampling coffees from around the world at SFDC's coffee cupping with Vigilante Coffee. If you weren't able to make it, don't worry! We're planning to do another cupping with Vigilante later in the year.

Now that Spring has finally arrived and the region is bursting with color, it's time to get our hands dirty. Come volunteer with us on Saturday, 4/13 at the Neighborhood Farm Initiative's organic garden in DC. We'll be planting, weeding and working compost piles. 

Our friends at Red Wiggler and Glen's Garden Market also have great events lined up this month.
Details on all the events are below. Hope to see you there!

The 2013 Snail of Approval nomination season is now open. Nominate your favorite local food and beverage producers who contribute to good clean, and fair food for our community. Nominations close on June 1st.

We rely on your support and participation to host events and advance the cause of Slow Food in our community. We welcome volunteers, ideas and contributions. To get more involved, please contact the SFDC board at [email protected].

Thanks for everything you do,
Slow Food DC
Volunteer Event: The Neighborhood Farm Initiative!
 
Come volunteer at the Neighborhood Farm Initiative and help maintain their organic, urban garden right here in DC! We will be planting, weeding, and working compost piles in the (hopefully) warm morning hours, followed by our usual deliciousness in the form of a potluck picnic.

Remember that this is dirty work, so dress the part! NFI will provide tools and gloves, but food and water are up to you, so remember to bring plenty of water and a snack! Your own reusable picnic ephemera is also appreciated.


Event: Volunteer Day at the Neighborhood Farm Initiative
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2013
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location
: To get to the garden from the Fort Totten metro station, turn left (north) and walk up the sidewalk past where the buses stop. Across from the parking lot and after some trees, you'll see a paved path going up over a slight hill on your left (going north), take that path across a field and you'll see us at the top of the hill! (If you Google 100 Gallatin Street NE-map, you'll see the field from the satellite view and the path that connects Gallatin street to the metro stop.)

Cost: This event is free, but we ask that you RSVP in advance since space is limited! email [email protected]
It's Asparagus Season!
 

 
This month's recipe is from SFDC board member Lisa Claydon.

Here are a few simple recipes to enjoy the natural flavor of this delicious vegetable at the peak of the season...

Grilled Asparagus

1 pound fresh asparagus
1 tablespoon oil, such as grapeseed which is suitable for cooking at high temperatures
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Preheat your grill. Trim your asparagus: one at a time, hold the asparagus spear at each end and bend until it snaps. The asparagus will naturally break right above where the spear turns woody. Lightly coat the spears with the grapeseed oil and salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 2 or 3 minutes or preferred tenderness. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.

Asparagus Vinaigrette

1 pound fresh asparagus (trimmed, see directions above)
2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small shallot or garlic, peeled and minced (optional)
Fresh herbs-parsley, oregano or dill, etc. (optional)
Salt and pepper

Make dressing by putting vinegar, olive oil and Dijon mustard in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until thoroughly mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste and optional herbs, shake to mix.

Steam the asparagus: put one inch of water in skillet and bring to boil. Spread asparagus spears evenly across metal steamer. Place metal steamer in skillet. Cook for 2-5 minutes to cook, depending on size and freshness. It's done when it the asparagus turns bright green. Pour vinaigrette over hot asparagus. Let the flavors meld for at least 10 minutes. Serve hot or cold.

[We'll be featuring more recipes in the coming months. If you have one you'd like us to feature, send it to [email protected].]


Snail of Approval 2013 Nominations are open!
 

Slow Food DC's Snail of Approval program aims to recognize and celebrate eateries and artisans who contribute good, clean, fair food to our community as well as spread awareness of the Slow Food philosophy and the establishments that support it.

 

This year, Slow Food DC will be awarding up to 20 additional awards, based on the criteria found here

 

Nominations close on June 1st, so get your nominations in today! 

Snail of Approval

Upcoming Events:  
Red Wiggler and Glen's Garden Market

Red Wiggler Community Farm is hosting a DC screening of Ingredients, a documentary about putting good food back on the table. Join them for the film and a panel discussion.

April 10, 7 PM at the Letelier Theater in Georgetown. Click here for details.

Glen's Garden Market is the region's first all-local, full-service grocery store. Doors officially open at noon on April 21st with a celebratory Port City Brewing Company craft beer toast.

Customers will have the chance to taste free samples of the market's in-house menu and shop the locally sourced produce, meats, poultry, dairy products and specialty foods.

April 21, noon at Glen's Garden Market, 2001 S Street NW. Visit GlensGardenMarket.com for more info. 

Slow Food USA National Leadership Conference

 

Slow Food chapter leaders and volunteers from around the US will gather in New Orleans in mid-May for a national leadership conference.

SFDC board member Sarah McKinley is attending and will help us connect our work to the national, and international, movements for good, clean and fair food.

Read more about the conference here
Become a Member
of Slow Food!
 
As of 2012, membership fees from all new members in the DC area directly benefit our Slow Food DC chapter!

This is great news, letting us continue to bring you affordable educational events and support and honor the food producers of the region. Renew or
join today!
 
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