Come grab a sneak peak at the Good Truck at the Fair Share Fiesta!

Sometimes when I have been in Ithaca a few months without much contact to the rest of the world I begin to take for granted the access we have to farm fresh food. I forget that it is not common place to have access to things like bountiful winter CSA shares, a vibrant farmers market, and an growing abundance of local meat and dairy producers, right at your fingertips.As a consumer in the Finger Lakes one can, should she choose, eat with a conscience- locally, organically, seasonally- for much of the year.
I am always brought back to reality when I travel outside this little town, talk with a friend or a class mate living in a community either closer by or thousands of miles away, who actually or literally hits me upside the head with: "dang, you're lucky". Sure, my California comrades enjoy their share of food security when it comes to organic produce and amazing regional cheeses,great restaurants and forward thinking chefs, but beyond the Bay Area, and the other scattered liberal communities I have been exposed to, many folks look at me goofy when I talk about CSA's or "farm driven menus". In these moments I am offered gentle reminders of my fortune, for being born and bred in a place where great food is grown and raised with care, and shucks do we benefit from this consideration!
I am grateful all over again for Stick and Stone Spinach, Sabol's eggs, the Piggery Pate, blueberry picking in August and Finger Lakes Fresh lettuces all year long. I am reminded that while thankfully Community Supported Agriculture, organic farm practices and humanly raised meat production is on the rise world wide, we here in Ithaca are already provided copious options to make conscious food choices.
I think about the CSA I have been part of since I moved back, The Full Plate Farm Collective. Full Plate is a multi farm CSA that provides locals with a generous and bountiful weekly vegetable share. In addition the Collective helps raise money for Healthy Food For All, an organization that provides CSA's to families in the area who want a share of the harvest but do not find it financially feasible.
This in mind, when my friend Katie Church, coordinator of the Full Plate, asked me a few months ago if I might like to chef up a taco dinner for the annual Healthy Food For All Fundraiser, my first reaction was "but of course"-a good cause, a fun experience,a chance to try out my Good Truck taco recipes on the community. My Second reaction? "yikes, can I do it?"
In typical human form, I question my abilities. Can I cook for all these people? Will everyone like it" What if no one comes???Genius that she is, my friend Sam fashioned the posters for the "Fair Share Fiesta" and noted the menu to be "brought to you by Good Truck". Suddenly I was offered an opportunity to give back to the community while simultaneously getting a plug for my taco truck! I am dually appreciative.
Well here we are two months later and as the details work them selves out my own personal fears have dissipated. We have awesome veggies donated from multiple local farms, amazing local meat, dairy, beans, and Ithaca Tofu also donated. I have a handful of generous folks that are going to help me in the kitchen and Fuzz to work his magic with the BBQ. The night is "Latin themed" with our menu offering Latin flavors with my own little twist, Latin music and dance lessons offered by Palante, including DJ Michel Luis spinning sweet Latin jams. This "Fair Share Fiesta" takes place next week, Tuesday June 15th, with dinner from 7-9 and dancing all night long afterwords. Word on the street is that Oasis makes a mean margarita. Tickets are 15$ per person with all proceeds going to benefit Healthy Food For all. I invite all of you to please come check it out! The Oasis Dance Club has a great outdoor patio where we hope (cross your fingers) for good weather so all can enjoy dinner outside. Overall it sounds like its going to be a really fun night and a great opportunity to show support for local farms, local families, and The Good Truck. Join us!!