Hopefully we can expect better weather this weekend than we’ve had this week, because the last weekend in April marks the Sixth Annual Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival. This Saturday, April 30 from 11am to 3pm, Pastoral Artisan Cheese and Bread & Wine, together with Chicago French Market {131 North Clinton Street} and presenting sponsor Specialty Food Association is hosting nearly 100 artisan food and beverage producers for a culinary smorgasbord at the Chicago French Market.
It’s one of the largest free events of its kind in the Midwest, hosting cheesemakers, charcuterie and confectioners, and other featured purveyors. Right in the heart of the Loop, specialty food lovers can sample small-batch food, beer, spirits, and wine throughout the day, all while interacting directly with the people who produce them.
Be sure to check out local producers including:
- Food: La Quercia Cured Meats (IA)
- Wine: Firelands Winery (OH)
- Beer/Spirits: Ale Syndicate (IL), CH Distillery (IL), Half Acre Beer Company (IL), Letherbee Distillers (IL)
“The festival is the perfect opportunity for guests to meet the passionate, talented producers who make these amazing foods and libations and to truly understand their stories and the hard work and passion that goes into making them,” says Greg O’Neill, co-founder/co-owner of Pastoral. “This year, we’re honored to have several James Beard-nominated chefs attend to share their approach to sourcing product and their appreciation for artisan producers.”
The featured chefs, in honor of James Beard Awards Weekend, will be a part of this year’s stage program, and include:
- Two-time James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes Finalist Chef Erling Wu-Bower of Nico Osteria in Chicago
- James Beard 2012 Best Chef: Midwest Award Winner Chef Tory Miller of Madison’s renowned L’Etoile and Graze
- Chicago’s four-time James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes Award Semifinalist Chef Paul Fehribach of Big Jones
- Two-time James Beard Best Chef: Midwest Award Semifinalist Chef Dan Fox of Heritage Tavern in Madison with ‘Nduja Artisans Salumeria
The festival will accept a suggested $5 donation at the door with proceeds to equally benefit the Daphne Zepos Teaching Award, a scholarship fund for aspiring cheese professionals and Purple Asparagus, a Chicago nonprofit that educates children, families, and the community about eating.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
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