Slow Food USA, Community Meal & Discussion

We are delighted to welcome Slow Food USA Executive Director Kris Reid for this very special evening. Illinois is one of America’s largest grain-producing states, yet much of what we grow enters a global commodity system bound for livestock feed, fuel, export, and industrial processing rather than directly reaching our tables. Join us for a joyful meal and thoughtful conversation about slow grains and the growing movement to bring more grain back into our regional food system, grown for flavor and nourishment, milled close to home, and connected to the farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, chefs, and neighbors who give it value.

The evening begins at 4 p.m. with open doors and bar service. At 5 p.m., Slow Food USA Executive Director Kris Reid will offer remarks, followed by a panel discussion featuring local producers working to preserve and strengthen our regional grain economy. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Featured speakers include:

Harold Wilken, Janie's Mill

Marty Travis, Spence Farms

Jeff Hake, Funk's Grove Heritage Grains

Our locally sourced buffet dinner will feature:

• Artisan cheeses from Prairie Fruits Farm

• Wheat berry salad featuring grains from Funks Grove

• Freshly baked corn bread, made with stone ground cornmeal from Janie's Mill

• House smoked local meats including chicken leg quarters from Abundant Pastures

  and pulled pork from Kilgus Farmstead

• Seasonal vegetables from Down at the Farms

A cash bar will be available throughout the evening, offering craft cocktails featuring Silver Tree Spirits along with nonalcoholic craft beverages.

4 p.m. — Doors open and bar service begins

5 p.m. — Remarks from Kris Reid and Slow Grains panel discussion

6 p.m. — Dinner

Space is limited. Reserve your table now and join us for a thoughtful conversation and a generous meal rooted in our local food system. $50pp plus tax and service

Buy your tickets here on our Tock Reservation site

Learn more about Slow Food USA here: https://slowfoodusa.org/