By Vanessa Toye

Green is the new black. Going green is not just about flicking off or simultaneous international concerts, but being more environmentally conscious about how it creeps into everyday living. Local Food attempts to go beyond the popular concept of healthy organic eating by reducing the distance your food travels to your mouth and exposing what it takes to get that pineapple on your table.
Farmers’ markets are the most easily recognizable source for Ontario-grown food, but a new system of Community-supported Agriculture (CSA) has been growing in popularity. Farmers for CSAs will grow food for customers that have paid an annual fee to purchase a portion of the harvest. Although not certified with ambiguous organic standards, pesticides and chemicals are not used throughout their farms to ensure a natural and healthy product. Many CSAs offer a delivery program or have a pick-up point in urban centres, but sometimes the struggle comes with knowing what to do with the surprise box of goodies.
Harvest Wednesdays at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West) makes it easier by bringing “the farm to table experience to Queen West.” Every Wednesday from July 11 to September 19 they will be holding culinary events with seasonal menus by Chef Marc Breton. Each menu will feature local produce from Chick A Biddy Acres CSA Farm and locally produced wines and beers from Country Cider Company and Estate Winery and Church-Key Brewing.
The first event will be held this evening as a cocktail party style “tasting” event. Future events range from buffets to communal style plates and to fine dining experiences. The last event marks the end of the Harvest season with special seven course Final Harvest meal. Tickets should be purchased in advance but you can drop by the main desk of the Gladstone to get any remaining tickets on the day or just before it begins. Details for the full season of events are available at their website.
Photo courtesy of the Gladstone Hotel’s Flickr account.