Come to the Table - September Pot Luck

Our September Slow Supper, a seasonal pot luck for members and friends, will be Sunday, September 18th. This event is open to everyone, but we need to know you're coming.  We'll be gathering at the home of Mary and Steve Weiss, 14 Winding Creek Place in Sylvania,  at 5 PM.

RSVP:  slowfoodmaumeevalley@gmail.com 

Summer Sunday Supper

On July 17th, we're partnering with The University Church Garden and Fowl & Fodder to offer a spectacular Russian-inspired supper featuring organic produce from the garden and creative cooking from Scott Bowman at the restaurant.

Seating is strictly limited and reservations are required. Interested?
Contact us at slowfoodmaumeevalley@gmail.com

Summer Sunday Supper 

July 17th, 6:00 pm at Fowl & Fodder, 7408 West Central Ave.

Cost:  $25 per person to Slow Food Maumee Valley

Surprise starter

Beet Borscht with housemade bread

Selection of mostly vegetarian / organic salads

Cheese and (optional) Meat Plate

Pound cake with seasonal fruits and whipped cream

Tea, Coffee, Lemonade provided, BYOB allowed

Everybody deserves to eat good food.

At Slow Food, we believe that good, clean, and fair food should be accessible to all.  And we can help make that happen. 

Each year, a few of our members combine efforts to make and serve dinner at St. Paul's Community Center This year, the date is March 31st and the menu is pasta, salad, bread, cookies and ice cream.  Here's a message from Mary Weiss, event organizer:



March 31st is when we will make and serve supper at St. Paul's. If helping serve, please be there by 5:00.

This is what is needed:
Pasta dishes to serve 12  (4)*
Salads to serve 12  (3)
Bread
Cookies 3 dozen (2)
Beverages
Ice cream 3 half gallons, different flavors (1-3)

* number of people needed to bring each food

Please let me know if you are able to cook and/or serve.
Thank you,
Mary Weiss
419-509-4900
mweiss@bex.net

2015 Ottolenghi Dinner II

In 2014, like cooks all across the country, we loved Ottolenghi's Jerusalem and found it was the perfect source of recipes that were good (overwhelmingly delicious!), clean (lots of vegetables, local meat, and relatively few exotic or out of season ingredients), and fair (mostly purchased from the Phoenix Earth Food Co-Op).  

Several cooks got together in a couple of kitchens to prepare the meal, and then we re-grouped, with some additional eaters, to enjoy an incredible feast which, since we did all the work ourselves, was emininently affordable.

On Saturday, March 28th, SFMV member/leader Anita Levin will be hosting Ottolenghi Dinner II.  

We'll announce the menu soon.  A few spots are left for eaters; call Anita at 419 475-0256 if you haven't already made your reservation.  

Cooking With Bitters

Join us for a follow-up to our bitters tasting last November. Many people know how bitters can enhance their cocktails. Now find out what happens when we take them into the kitchen, adding that special touch to dressings, sauces, desserts and more.

We'll have someone from Toledo Spirits on hand to tell you about their varieties of specialty bitters. Slow Food members will offer a cooking demonstration (in a beautiful show kitchen!) of how versatile bitters can be. You'll be able to sample three simple yet elegant dishes and walk away with the inspiration to use bitters in your own home.

When:  Tuesday February 10th at 5:30

Where:  WS Solutions LTD 901 Jefferson Ave, Toledo, Ohio 43604

$6 members, $10 non-members
RSVP slowfoodmaumeevalley@gmail.com 

Annual Soup Supper Potluck

The holiday season is upon us, and we're all going to enjoy it, probably to excess.  That's why Slow Food Maumee Valley has started each new year since 2008 with a comforting, low-key, family-friendly Soup Supper.  

This year's event will be Monday January 12th from 6 PM to 9 PM at The University Church, 4747 Hill Avenue.  Members and friends are welcome.  Free for Slow Food Maumee Valley members, $5 per person for friends.  Bring soup or something that goes with soup.  No alcohol, please.  

RSVPs strongly suggested:  e-mail us:  slowfoodmaumeevalley@gmail.com 

Happy holidays!  

Chutney for the Holidays

image Brian Lynch, Flickr

Pronunciation: [CHUHT-nee]
From the East Indian word chatni, this spicy condiment contains fruit, vinegar, sugar and spices. It can range in texture from chunky to smooth and in degrees of spiciness from mild to hot. www.foodterms.com

Still filling in the Thanksgiving menu?  Or looking for something delicious to add to turkey sandwiches all weekend? Join SFMV on Sunday November 23rd at 3:00 pm to make chutney.  

This event is open to members and friends.  Attendees will be asked to pay for the cost of ingredients used.

To save a spot and get the address, e-mail us asap.  

Harvest Pot Luck

Bread Bakers know that Slow is good. 

Harvest soups are the best! 

Most Novembers. Slow Food Maumee Valley members converge on the Leizerman's lovely home and help fill the table and the counters with delicious harvest dishes.  We eat, we talk , we drink and we eat some more.  It's a lovely bookend to a year filled with convivial gatherings.

This year, our Harvest Pot Luck will be Sunday, November 9th, beginning at 4 PM.  To reserve your place, e-mail us and we'll send you the address and directions.  This event is free for members with a modest fee for guests.  

If you're not yet a member, it's easy!We're a chapter of Slow Food USA, and you can join here.

Sometimes the food is so good we forget the pictures...

Slow Food at Toledo Spirits

Did you ever wonder about how whiskey is made?  Are you curious about what "bitters" is (are??)?  Interested in how a distillery is part of the ag/food system? 

Mark your calendars now for a chance to get answers at a tour/tasting reception we've arranged for Slow Food Members to visit an exciting new Toledo business.

Slow Food at Toledo Spirits

Thursday October 23rd

5-7 PM

More details to follow soon.  Watch this space and our Facebook page.

Everybody Deserves Good, Clean, and Fair Food, and You Can Help!

On Thursday July 17th, Slow Food Maumee Valley will bring and serve dinnersto guests at  St Paul's Community Center in downtown Toledo.  

Mary Weiss is co-ordinating this opportunity to advance Slow Food's mission: good, clean and fair food for all.  Mary is suggesting stuffed vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, etc) and salads. 

Call Mary @ 419 842-0005 to volunteer.  

Sunday Supper Update

The weather is looking good for Sunday's seasonal supper featuring Chefs Ben Cohen, Jason Vahle and Sarah Cohen. Weather permitting, we will begin with cocktails (provided) in the garden. If you're lucky enough to have reservations, please plan to arrive between 5 and 5:30 to enjoy a glass of something bubbly before we begin dinner at about 6:00.  Parking is allowed on Brookside on the house side, as well as on Park Road and Orchard.  Map here.

Thanks in advance for helping Slow Food Maumee Valley celebrate the season in style and support local growers and chefs. Diners are invited to bring their own wine to enjoy with dinner. Price for this event is $50 for Slow Food members, $60 for guests.  If you don't have reservations but are interested, contact Ben Cohen. 

Updated Menu: 

Passing
Assorted Cheeses // Curried Nuts // Crispy Kale Spring Rolls // 
Wild Mushroom Duxelles /// Chicken Liver and Cognac Crostini // 

Salads
Kale/Mint/Parsley/Toasted Almonds/Strawberry/ Honey/Lemon 

Arugula // Mustard Greens // Radish // Sugar Snap Peas // Sprouts with a Ginger Dressing 

Little Taste of Soup
Soup of Morel Mushroom and Sherry 

Another Small Taste
Grilled Asparagus with Truffle Oil and Chèvre Polenta

Main
Angel Hair Pasta with Mizithra, Spring Herbs, Brown Butter, Lemon, Thin Zucchini and Morel Mushrooms 

Pan Seared Walleye with Spring Herbs, Roasted Turnips and Parsnips and Caramelized Fennel with a Tomato Chutney  and Sage Honey Balsamic Reduction
Grilled Cornbread with Homemade Ice Cream and Rhubarb Compote 

June: A Seasonal Slow Supper

Members are invited to reserve now for our June 1st supper - a seasonal 5-course meal prepared by Chefs Ben Cohen and Jason Vahle of The Happy Badger,  Seats are limited, and Slow Food members get first dibs (and a discount).  The member price is $50 per person, payable in advance, inclusive.  You're invited to bring your own wine.  To reserve  your seats, send your check to Slow Food Maumee Valley c/o Michael Leizerman:  717 Madison Avenue, Toledo OH 43604.  

Pre-dinner drinks will begin at 5:00 with dinner served at 6:00.  Seats are limited, and we'll open the event to non-members after Monday May 19th, so send your check now.  Just to be sure, you can alert us when your check is in the mail:

Passing

Assorted Cheeses // Curried Nuts // Crispy Kale Spring Rolls // 

Wild Mushroom Duxelles /// Chicken Liver and Cognac Crostini // 

Salads

Kale/Mint/Parsley/Toasted Almonds/Strawberry/Honey/Lemon 

Arugula // Mustard Greens // Radish // Sprouts with a Ginger Dressing 

Little Taste of Soup

Soup of Wild Mushroom and Sherry

Main

Citrus Glazed Walleye with Spring Herbs and Braised Fennel  (Poached in Parchment Paper)

Angel Hair Pasta with Mizithra, Spring Herbs, Brown Butter, Lemon, Thin Zucchini 

Grilled Asparagus with Truffle Oil 

Dessert

Grilled Cornbread with Homemade Ice Cream and Rhubarb Compote 

May Film Showing

Growing Cities is a film about urban farming in America. At a time when so much negative 

attention is paid to the food system—from mad cows to factory farms—this film tells the 

inspiring stories of city-dwellers who are transforming their communities one vacant lot, 

backyard beehive, and rooftop farm at a time. Along the way these growers show that the 

urban farming movement is about a whole lot more than simply food and that everyone can 

take part in creating a healthier, more just, and sustainable food system. 

Join us and co-hosts Phoenix Earth Food Co-op and The University Church 

Thursday May 8th, 7 PM 

The University Church 

4747 Hill Avenue, Toledo 43615

$5 suggested contribution

Slow Food Coming Up Fast

It's finally spring, and the SFMV leadership group has planned a range of activities celebrating this season and the next and all the wonderful opportunities they will bring to enjoy food that is good, clean, and fair.  

Take a look at these events, choose the ones that interest you, and put them on your calendar.  Most events are open to both members and friends; members receive a discounted cost.  

If you're not yet on our mailing list, for questions, or to make early reservations, send us an e-mail:  sfmv@ameritech.net

If you're not yet a member but want to join, you can do that here: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/ 

More details will be coming, more events may be added, and some things will probably change. Like our Facebook page and watch for updates. 

May

Thursday 8^th: 7 PM 

Showing of Growing Cities: A Film About Urban Farming in America

Sponsored by SFMV, Phoenix Earth Food Co-op, and The University Church

 The University Church, 4747 Hill Avenue Toledo 43615

Suggested Donation $5 per person

June
Sunday 1^st:  5 PM cocktails, 6 PM dinner

5 course dinner by chefs Ben Cohen and Jason Vahle of the Happy Badger

John and Paula Ross’s home

$50 per person members, $60 per person non-members

July

Thursday 10th: Private Dining with Chef @ Element 112

$100 per person includes tax and tip, alcohol extra

Thursday July 17^th Prepare and serve dinner at St. Paul’s: volunteers needed

August

Saturday 23^rd Market Demos / Kids activities : volunteers needed

Toledo Farmers Market

September

Sunday 21^st  Farm Visit / Potluck @Sage Organics

Saturday 27^th  Market Demos / Kids activities:  volunteers needed

November

Sunday 9^th  Harvest Potluck Dinner @ Leizermans

March Slow Supper

The March Slow Supper will be held on Saturday March 1st, and we're making a feast!  We've chosen recipes from Jerusalem, the wildly popular cookbook that many of us have come to love.  Many of the ingredients for our meal are coming from the Toledo Farmers Market and the Phoenix Earth Food Co-op, so we're looking forward to a meal that is good, clean, and fair!

This meal is by reservation only, and priority will be given to members.  For more information or to check availability, e-mail us:   sfmv@ameritech.net .  The cost of ingredients will be shared, and non-members will pay a small surcharge.  

Annual Soup Supper Details

The buzz is building around our annual Soup Supper, so we want to offer a few hints and reminders:  

• The entrance to My Brothers Place at Trinity Episcopal is at 316 Adams Street.  Street parking is available.  
• Bring soup or something that goes with soup Soup should be hot, in a crockpot if possible.  Bring a ladle if you have it. We'll supply bowls and utensils. 
• Please bring a card describing the ingredients in  your dish. 
• We'll supply non-alcoholic beverages; if you want wine BYOB.  
• No cost for SFMV members; $5 for guests.  Membership available here.  
•  Feel free to invite friends.  RSVP appreciated.  

Annual Soup Supper Returns!

Beginning in 2008, almost every January SFMV has invited members and friends to gather for a delicious and low-stress post-holiday gathering . This year, our annual Soup Supper will be Monday January 13th at 5:30. We'll get together at My Brother's Place at Trinity Episcopal Church, 316 Adams in downtown Toledo. This will be a pot luck gathering, with no charge for members and a small fee for guests. Mark your calendars now and begin thinking about what you'll bring: We suggest soup or something that goes with soup. We're planning an exciting schedule of events for 2014, so now is a good time to join or renew your membership. Do you know someone who's interested in being part of our global, grassroots organization with more than 150,000 members and 2,000 food communities throughout 150+ countries? A membership in Slow Food would be a great holiday gift!

Annual Meeting: Lots of Energy and Exciting Plans

Lots of energy at the November 18th annual meeting, and lots of exciting events coming soon for Slow Food Maumee Valley. Watch this space and your e-mail for news on the time/place of the first event of 2014: our annual Soup Supper. New chapter board members were elected: Paula Ross, Chair; Mary Weiss, Vice Chair; Michael Leizerman, Treasurer; Anita Levin: Secretary; Elizabeth Bergman, Lisa Blake, and Amelia Contreras, Board Members Everyone is welcome to join Slow Food Maumee Valley by becoming a member of Slow Food USA . Just choose "Maumee Valley" as your chapter and join us to celebrate food that is good, clean and fair and to help make that food available to everyone.

Annual Meeting

Slow Food Maumee Valley members are invited to attend our annual meeting on Tuesday November 19th, 5 PM, in the Kelly Room of the Main Library, Downtown Toledo. We will review bylaws and elect a leadership team.

Potluck Harvest Supper

Mary and Steve Weiss will host the Potluck Harvest Supper on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 4 PM. (Please note this is a date change from the original schedule!) The cost will be $5 per person and a dish to share per family. Sorry this event is only open to SFMV members. Please RSVP to Mary at 419 842-0005. This event is limited to the first 25 people who RSVP due to space limitations! Looking forward to seeing you then!