This year’s fundraiser was delicious. On a magically starlit November night, first tastes came from Buddha Dog’s Hors D’oeuvres. Featuring 100% aged local beef handmade by Aman's Meats, on sweet potato cumin buns by Picton's Pastry House, topped with Black River's razor sharp 5 year old cheddar and Claramount's Lili Sullivan’s pumpkin chutney, it’s no wonder Buddha Dog’s Andrew Mackenzie said “Truly it takes a village!”

Photo by Donna Kearns of Life in the County Magazine
www.lifeinthecounty.ca

Co-Owners Michael and Karin Potters and Master of Ceremonies Rebecca LeHeup-Bucknell of Taste the County hosted. 

“Slow Food is a worldwide volunteer /non profit seeking to promote good, clean and fair food production systems. It stands for culinary traditions and mealtimes as important in any culture’s identity.” explained Petra Cooper, Convivium Leader, during introductions.

Our now full time County resident, Chef Jamie Kennedy, spoke about Slow Food supported in large urban centers through the important “city mouse, country mouse” relationship. “Gathering around a table to share good honest food and conversation is one of life's greatest pleasures.” said Jamie. The 80,000 member strong movement is proof.

To follow, Ed & Sandy Taylor of Honey Wagon Farms and Tim Noxon of Vickie’s Veggie’s described the “noble yet gritty work” of natural growing.

Dinner started with an appetizer of Vicki’s Sweet Peppers with Black River Cheddar and Arugula seedlings elegantly paired with fragrant Rosehall Run 2006 Chardonnay Sul Lie.

The meal was punctuated by fantastic pumpkin/goat whey ricotta soup served in 38 uniform Honey Wagon pumpkins along with a fruity 2006 Gamay Noir courtesy of the Grange.

A palette cleansing Granite of Norman Hardie Pinot Noir with Waupoos preserved pairs staged the eager guests for the main event. The entree consisted of Lynn Leavitt’s Black Angus with wild boar bacon.  The intensely flavoured beef was paired with the same wine it was braised in, Sandbank’s earthy 2005 Foch Reserve.

Chef Michael Potters appropriately closed the evening with thanks and insight into pleasures he derives from his vocation.  

Finally warm Waupoos apple pudding harmonized with Cinnamon Tuiles and sour cream ice cream.  The famous County Cider Company “Ice Cider” melded perfectly with its rich sweetness and crisp apple finish.

After an unforgettable meal, funds were raised by raffling off baskets of County fair, graciously donated by Fifth Town Cheese, Honey Wagon Farms, Vickie’s Veggies, Honey Pie Hives, Quintessential Organics, Buffy Carruthers and Pinch Gourmet.  A ferocious bidding war erupted for Artist Susan Wallace’s beautiful landscape painting.  Eventually, Jamie Kennedy came out on top with a winning bid of $600.00.

Money raised supports local taste education and varietals preservation. Amongst other events, this year, Suzanne Biro will teach bread baking with County wheat for third graders.
 
Like-minded folk built this Convivium into a respected organization in just two short years. The “Capricorn Goat’s Farm Experience” was just one of two featured on Canada’s website. The launch dinner was featured in the international Slow Food magazine. “Not bad for country mice.” said Richard Karlo of Karlo Estates.
 
Slow Food is perfect for the County, as regionally grown, locally sourced and cooked from scratch is the County way.  Michael Potters and his staff reminded us of this through our taste buds and all were tantalized.

The annual general meeting is January 6th at Harvest followed by the Member’s Appreciation Lunch.  All those interested are invited to attend.