Submitted photo.
The West Nipissing Chamber of Commerce Feast on the Farm was a smashing success Sunday, August 9th with 300 attendees and a sold out event.
“We all benefit from eating locally, local foods are fresher, they taste better and purchasing local food helps support our local economy” said Chamber President Kathleen Thorne Rochon.
The Feast on the Farm event consisted of six locally sourced food booths, one wine sampling station, wagon rides, as well as, local entertainment and a licensed bar. The event was organized by the West Nipissing Agricultural Task Force committee in conjunction with local food producers and chefs to increase awareness for the meats, produce and value added food products that are available locally.
Several chefs participated in this event, all with a passion for working with local food.
The event highlighted Chef Chris Gibb of Pasta Kitchen and Bar, Chefs René and Laura Dubois of the White Owl Bistro, Chef Nic Gignac of the Miner’s Son and Chef Daniel Esposito of Canadore College and Food Reflections.
“Everyone kept telling me how phenomenal the food was, and how great of an initiative this event was for the Chamber and our community” said Patrick Keough Chair of the West Nipissing Agricultural Task Force Committee.
Mitch Deschatelets and his team did a great job not only supplying food for the event but cooking as well. “The venue for this event was perfectly well equipped for what we were aiming for, thanks to the Deschatelets family and staff at Leisure farms for being so accommodating and helpful. We could not have asked for better” said Keough.
Chefs sourced food locally for this event including from Leisure Farms, Field Good Farms, Somewood Farms, Boreal Berry Farm and Winery, Bella Hill Maple Syrup, Poschaven Farms, and Joyful Soil. “We wanted to showcase the local food that is available in our region and assist in creating awareness for what customers can be sourcing locally” said Keough.
