I often ramble on about “eating seasonally and locally”, “supporting family farms” and “purchasing CSA (community supported agriculture) shares from local farms”. I do practice what I preach, to the best of my ability, because I realize the ramifications we’ll face if local farms vanish. In addition, local farmers, unlike corporate farms, support their communities and have a relationship with their customers. Relating face to face with someone adds a human factor to business as usual.
Family farms have much to offer in the way of sustenance, including ultra fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, eggs, jams, grains, flours, milks and cheeses. With DIY everything becoming more a lifestyle choice than a craze, many farms also offer classes. You can become your own cheese maker, pickle pundit, meat cutter or preserve canner. Corporate farms, on the other hand, aren’t people – they’re money makers – and money makers don’t want you to learn to do it yourself.
Bottom line is that we need to keep our money close to home (as much as possible) and support our local farms. You can help save farms and farmland while enjoying a delicious, fresh meal. October 16 – 23 is American Farmland Trust’s second annual “Dine Out for Farms Week”. This celebration educates diners about the importance of farms while raising money to save farmland. Restaurants in twenty-two states, and the District of Columbia, are participating by offering a special dish, donating a percentage of sales or making a direct contribution to help save farms.
Sadly, I found only one Portland restaurant on the American Farmland Trust list of “Dine Out for Farms Week” supporters, and that’s Isabel Pearl. Folks who care about family farms and want to support others with the same ideals can enjoy a meal at Isabel Pearl where Isabel Cruz “serves up food for body and soul”. Open everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Isabel creates beautiful, fresh cuisine. Dine there between October 16-23 and your meal will both sustain you and help sustain our farms.
Isabel Pearl Restaurant, 330 NW 10th Avenue, Portland, 97209, 503-222-4333
Open everyday: 8:00 am -3:00 pm for breakfast and lunch and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm for dinner
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