I am a big believer in sustainable farming and eating as much local produce as possible. We’re lucky here in Coastal Georgia to have several providers of organic produce from which to choose.
Gilliard Farms, owned by Chef Matthew Raiford and his sister, Althea Raiford, is a Georgia Centennial Farm, African American owned and certified organic. On Saturday, November 16th, the farm will open its heart to guests attending a Farm Cocktails and Film event to raise funds to support the farm.
Included in the event will be the screening of the documentary film, Ground Operations, that features Farmer Althea Raiford. Ground Operations: Battlefields to Farmfields. ‘Ground Operations’ follows the stories of an ensemble of visionary vets who are creating a new life in organic farming and ranching.
The menu of appetizers to go along with cocktails promises to be quite delicious. Joining Chef Matthew will be guest chef, Jennifer Booker. Chef Jennifer was recently named, one of only four Georgia Grown Executive Chefs for 2013 by Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black and Georgia Restaurant Association President Karen Bremer. Here’s a peek at what will be served!
Food:
*Buttermilk Biscuits with Gilliard Farm’s Pulled Pork
and Homemade Slather
*Roasted Root Vegetables with Honey Glaze and Red Quinoa
*Herb Stuffed and Roasted Gilliard Farm’s Pastured-raised Chicken
*Margarita Shrimp
*Nana’s Mini Sweet Potato Pies
Drinks:
*Peach Brandy Cocktail with Lavender Syrup
*Pomegranate Brandy with Vodka Lime Twist
*Muscadine Shrub
*Assorted beer
This farm has been in the Raiford family since 1874. Jupiter Raiford, great, great grandfather to Matthew and Althea, began the agricultura journeyl. Go here to read more about the farm: http://www.gilliardfarms.com/index.html
You can purchase tickets through the website link above. You can also find out how to volunteer and have a hand in the success of this great farm!
From the farm to your table…..this is an event you won’t want to miss!
