Boston To Host A Selection Of Sustainability Events
Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in what exactly we are putting into our mouths. From a greater awareness in the produce and products we buy on a weekly basis in grocery stores, to the reality of what chefs put on their menus, people are taking the state of our environment, its bounty as well as its fragility, into mind. All across America, there are festivals and conferences built with a focus on sustainability, health conscious eating and other important factors that are now in the forefront of the food and restaurant scenes. Boston is an active participant and below are a few of the upcoming events held this fall that will promote healthful and environmentally conscious food habits, from seafood to vegetables.
Taste of the WGBH
From the 19th-22nd of September, WGBH hosts their annual Food and Wine Festival. With over 2000 participants last year, including guests, food purveyors and chefs alike, this festival is about celebrating and communicating good food. Opening with a Chef's Gala Reception, this weekend will be full of samplings, chef demonstrations and educational seminars. Find out about the current trends in the industry all weekend long with seminars ticketed at 30-40 dollars each. On Saturday, the grand tasting event will be held, The Artisan Taste (50 dollars), which will feature chefs from all over New England, and some of their favorite dishes. Buy your tickets to any part of this festival here.
Experiential Studies for the Food Industry
From the 21st- 22nd of September, BU is hosting the Experiential Studies for the Food Industry. Consider this your inside look on anything and everything that is going on within the food industry. From culinary arts to nutrition, food and beverage studies and public policy, there will be something of interest and relevance to everyone. Guests can expect seminars and lectures headed by experts in the field as well as seafood and wine reception, lunch hosted by Boston's favorite food trucks and...naturally, a lobster bake! Tickets for the weekend of activities are 250 general admission and 150 for students. Let your eternal student out and enroll, by visiting this webpage.
Eating with the Ecosystem
On a different level, Eating with the ecosystem is another wonderful way to approach issues of sustainability and the impact we are having on our environment. Chefs have come together to offer diners a menu made up of fish we might not usually see regularly. As the fish we are accustomed to eating become more and more endangered, chefs must rise to the challenge of incorporating other species of fish that are more plentiful. All along the east coast, Eating with the Ecosystem joins expert scientists, commercial fisherman and creative chefs in a series of traveling dinners. This fall, there will be three happening right here in Boston. The first, will be at Henrietta's Table on the 10th of September, the second, at Lumiere on the 8th of October and the third and final dinner, at Tremont 647 on the 4th of November. Reservations can be made by contacting the restaurants directly.
On September 24th, take a stroll along Charles Street in Beacon Hill and make your way to Beacon Hill Bistro, where Executive Chef Josh Lewin partners up with a team from New England Aquarium to bring you an evening of deliciously fresh, honest and sustainable seafood dinner. There will be no 'mystery fish' and certainly no miss-labeled fish on this menu. In addition to the five course menu (wine pairings available), informative talks will be made by guests from Wellfleet and Scituate, two locations where Chef Lewin makes personal connections and obtains the tastiest sea treats. Dinner is one seating only, on Sept. 24th at 7:30, 65 $, or 55 $ if you are a member of the NEA. Call the restaurant at 617-723-7575 for your reservation.
Boston Seafood Festival
Finally, on the 27th and 28th of September, Boston Fisheries Foundation will be hosting its 2nd annual Boston Seafood Festival and Boston Seafood Gala. On the evening of the 27th at the Exchange Conference Center on the Boston Fish Pier, an opening conference and fundraising gala will be held to kick things off. The 28th will be where most of the fun happens though. From 11 am to 10 pm, make your way to the Bank of American Pavilion and, for 10 dollars, enjoy samplings of all kinds of different seafood, chefs' demonstrations and seminars on the sustainable approach needed to keep our waters healthy and fishful. Purchase tickets to the Gala here and festival tickets here.
For a city that thrives on its bounty from the sea, it is no wonder Boston is such a leader in this area. Be sure to sign up for one or all events to really open your eyes to the issues we as a people, can begin to remedy.