Are You Getting Enough Austin In Your Diet? Eat Local Week Starts Today
Eat Local Week is Edible Austin's annual fundraiser for Urban Roots, a program that puts opportunity and trowels into Central Texas teens' hands, teaching them about sustainable agriculture and what it means to contribute to the nourishment of a community.
Today's events start with the Urban Farm Bicycle Tour, which originates at various locations throughout the city, and leads participants on a local food-producer quest, stopping for farm tours and tastings along the way. Participants will have the chance to win a totally tricked out cruiser, as well as other treasures, whilst pedal-pushing their way into a greater awareness of where local culinary gems are born.
If bicycles just aren't your thing, or you're allergic to the cold, then perhaps a toasty tea party would be more your speed. Highlighting the versatility of the most imbibed liquid besides water, purveyors from local tea retailers and tea rooms will demonstrate traditional brewing techniques and ceremonies at Zhi Tea Gallery, illuminating the drink against a backdrop of well chosen music and food.
Coffee is your pick-me-up of choice, you say? Then head south side and meet some fine local roasters at the Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Coffee Talk, hosted by Katz Coffee, will give you a chance to meet the connoisseurs of caffeine from Texas Coffee Traders, Kohana, and Progress Coffee, among others. Chat them up about the process from bean to bag and thank them for their continuing contribution to society's morning alertness.
There are many other events throughout the week, so check back for updates. Also, be sure to darken the door of a couple of the participating restaurants and get something local in your belly.
