Hello Sourcers!

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🎶 Music

🎬 Movies

You’ve probably figured out by now that a major factor in deciding what to share with you in Locally Sourced comes down to what happens to catch my eye. Well, this week it comes down to what happens to catch my ears.

Warmer weather always means more opportunities to see live music, but while you wait for proper outdoor shows to get up and running, there are a few series and events to take note of this week. 

The Rockwell Live! concert series lives outdoors on the Terrace in the summer, but this week will be hosting The Cody Sisters in the Gallery on Friday April 10th at 7:15. Coming out of the Colorado folks and bluegrass scene, Maddie and Meghan Cody combine propulsive instrumental solos and warm harmonies. This event is free and open to the public, but preregistration is suggested.

The Night Eagle Cafe is a music series focused largely on folk and Americana and housed in a former church that currently calls itself the Lansing Area Performing Hall (also the home to Bound for Glory, the longest running live folk broadcast). They kicked off their season last month, and this month they’re hosting YAGODY, a Ukrainian folk ensemble featuring singing bowl, bayan, and djembe, in addition to vocals, percussion, and bass. Their song, “Tsunamia,” was chosen as Ukraine’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024. This show is on Saturday, April 11th, with limited tickets available.

If folk music is a little chill for your tastes, the Ithaca DIY Music Music Festival is likely to offer something more your speed. Held over three days at various venues around town, this event celebrates local and college bands on the Ithaca scene, so it’s likely to get loud. This event is a massive collaboration between Cornell’s Fanclub Collective, Ithaca College’s Unknown Stage, and stalwarts of the downtown show scene Practice at Presents and the Ithaca Underground, bridging the town/gown divide.

WSKG also has some screening events coming up. This Sunday at 5pm, Cornell Cinema is showing Teenage Wasteland, a documentary on a student film project that uncovers an environmental threat. The screening will be followed by a conversation between Fred Isseks, the inspiring teacher at the heart of the film, and Alyssa Micha, WSKG’s Senior Creative Producer. And on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6pm, we’re showing an episode of Shared Planet, a documentary series about the inspiring, untold stories of people and wildlife flourishing together all over the world. This screening is free, but preregistration is recommended. You can reserve tickets here.

That’s what I’ve got for this week. See you soon, Sourcers!

Yours,

Bob Proehl

Locally Sourced editor

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Out of My Way- sharing stories of food across the region that I would go out of my way for…and so should you!

Farm to Feast NY

121 W. MLK Jr St.

Ithaca, NY 14850

Open Wed-Sun 8-4:00

Farm to Feast NY, located in the recently relocated K-House Karaoke & Arts Hub a few doors down from the State Theatre in Ithaca, has quickly become one of my favorite breakfast and lunch spots. Open since mid-February, Farm to Feast NY checks off several important boxes for me which is probably why I’ve visited them three times since then.

First, they prioritize using local ingredients as much as possible which means that while they have a slate of regular items on the menu, they also offer creative specials depending on what’s available or in season. This past weekend, they offered a local pork belly and duck egg sandwich which featured pork supplied by Cudlin’s Meat Market in Newfield. Sadly, I couldn’t join them for brunch on Sunday but the photos on their Facebook page looked amazing!

Second, they incorporate Japanese and Korean flavors and components into each of their dishes that elevate standard offerings into something uniquely delicious and satisfying. Some of the most intriguing are miso butter on French toast, furikake cream cheese in their breakfast burritos, and mochi in their muffins. One ingredient I’ve had on two separate visits served two different ways is their gochujang honey pork. I first tried it in a bowl of bone broth ramen as I was getting over a cold, and it was exactly what I needed to clear my head and feed my soul. Next, I had it in a sando served on shokupan with cabbage slaw and their homemade mayo. The pork was tender and flavorful and the sando itself was wonderfully messy to eat.

Third, they offer a variety of tasty and original baked goods that you won’t find anywhere else like ube mochi muffins, brown butter pandan muffins, red matcha raspberry muffins, and miso caramel cookies. They also have several gluten free options available. One of their most popular bakery items is their homemade shokupan (also known as Japanese milk bread), an impossibly soft and fluffy white bread that they use for breakfast sandwiches and lunch sandos.

On my first visit, I tried their ginger-maple sausage toast which comes on their shokupan bread and is topped with their homemade mayo, chili oil and a fried egg. It was the perfect combination of spicy and sweet and incredibly satisfying. Their toasts are served “open-faced” on a single slice of bread since it is sliced pretty thick, but you can request a second slice for $2 extra if you prefer a higher bread to fillings ratio. Their lunchtime sandos are served with the requisite two slices of bread since the filings are piled high. Fear not: if you end up falling in love with their shokupan, you’ll be pleased to know that you can also purchase a loaf (or two) to take home with you!

So, if you are also a fan of locally sourced ingredients, Asian inspired flavors, and artisan baked goods, Farm to Feast NY is a solid pick for your next lunch meeting downtown or weekend brunch adventure in Ithaca. Honestly, I would try to visit soon before word gets around, and it becomes harder to snag a table.   

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☕ Java Journey: Batch Coffee

This Java Journey takes us to a spot that many of you probably already know and love — Batch Coffee. With locations in Chenango Bridge, Endwell, and Johnson City, Batch has become a go-to for so many across our community, and for good reason.

Each location has its own vibe, but they all share that same welcoming feel, great energy, and consistently good coffee. Whether you’re stopping in to meet a friend, get some work done, or just need a quick pick-me-up, Batch always delivers.

On this visit, I went with my tried and true favorite — the Salted Caramel Coconut Iced Latte. And let me tell you… it never disappoints.

I always tell myself I’m going to branch out and try something new — they have so many fun and creative drinks — but this one gets me every time. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with rich caramel and smooth coconut coming together so well with the espresso. It’s refreshing, a little indulgent, and honestly just so good.

Paired with a sunny day, it was exactly the pick-me-up I needed. You know those moments where everything just feels right? Good weather, good coffee, and a few minutes to enjoy it — this was one of those.

Batch is one of those places that you can count on. Whether you’re a regular or stopping in for the first time, there’s always something new to try… even if you end up ordering your favorite again (no judgment here).