|
|||||||
|
Got Local?
Sara's Tipsy Pies
Sara Hayden has put a lot into her pie business over her now 8-year journey. She's partnered with local makers of craft beer and spirits, and brought her personal-sized pies to crowds at the Minnesota State Fair as well as many weddings. She donates to the Down Syndrome Association of MN and Valley Friendship Club through her "Pies with a Purpose" program, and has worked to increase the number of grocery stores that stock her best-sellers in their frozen cases (Boozy Blueberry Lemon tops that list).
So what's next? A new facility, currently under renovation, will allow them to have their savory pies in stores by fall (like the popular Brown Ale and Onion & Gouda).
Though just 3 minutes from their current spot in Stillwater, it's much easier to find, and will have room for tastings, retail, and inclusive community events, with a viewing window to watch production. Sara's happy that it's accessible, so that people with disabilities will be able to work there.
"The new space encompasses what we're moving towards," says Sara.
Happy Pi Day!
Sara is optimistic: "We think this new location will be a really big boost for the business."
To make it over this hurdle—moving to a new production facility is no small feat—Sara's Tipsy Pies has launched a Kickstarter Campaign.
Want to help this local business that has always given back? Be part of their "crowd!"
Psst - in case you're wondering, Sara's Tipsy Pies are family friendly! With under 2% alcohol, it's like simmering a bit of wine in your marinara.
Follow on Facebook
Read more:
FEAST! Blog: "Extra-ordinary Pies"
Sara's Tipsy Pies website
Eateries
Artisan Plaza does local on many levels
Just an easy drive on Rt. 52, about halfway between Rochester and the Twin Cities, "The Plaza" opened in July 2018, as Cannon Falls' new place to show off the bounty of regional farmers, brewers, and makers.
General Manager Jimmy Layer explains it was the vision of Dave Olson (shown here at The Plaza's deli counter), who was inspired by the Burnett Co-op Dairy in Alpha, WI.
Layer, who previously served as General Manager of the Birchwood Cafe for a decade, describes Artisan Plaza as a "multi-use food hall" — come for brick-oven pizza and a local brew, order a fresh-made sandwich, or pick up sliced meats to go— any way you slice it, you'll be enjoying fare from local growers and makers.
On top of that, there's an event hall for up to 100 people, and two patios.
"We're also a couple months from opening our full service restaurant and butcher shop, with J.D. Fratzke as Culinary Director overseeing everything. JD and I really share a vision for food and hospitality, and we are excited to bring that to Cannon Falls!"
Fratzke's culinary fame includes being named 2016 Charlie Award "Outstanding Chef" and heading up a series of successful Minneapolis eateries.
Layer adds, "We've got the farmers' market starting again in June, and live music when the weather warms up. We're really excited to build a community destination for Cannon Falls and all of Minnesota."
GET THERE:
1223 4th St South, Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Artisan Plaza website
Follow on Facebook
Fresh & Tasty
Hidden Stream Farm
In the culinary world, Lisa Klein is kind of famous. A pig raised on her farm helped Minneapolis chef Karyn Tomlinson become “Queen of Pork” [last] fall at the prestigious Cochon555 national contest. But it’s not the first honor bestowed on Hidden Stream Farm in Elgin. Their all-natural bacon debuted in the Birchwood BLT at the Minnesota State Fair [in 2018], receiving rave reviews.
The secret to their success? Maybe it’s the way Lisa and her family care for their livestock. “We raise our animals using grass-based and deep bedded systems,” she explains. “This allows us to farm in an environmentally friendly way and ensures our animals have a good quality of life. It also means we don’t use antibiotics or hormones.”
Lisa’s commitment to the health of her land is also apparent. “We want to take care of our corner of the world, to maintain it, and make it better,” she says about the property her grandmother purchased in the 1950s. To that end, the Kleins implemented conservation practices to build their soil and prevent erosion, including using cover crops and farming on the contour.
They also started Dover Processing in 2017, a state-of-the-art meat processing facility and retail shop in Dover, Minn. The new facility increased their own sales and provided another processing option to fellow farmers. Come sample their award-winning products at FEAST!, or find them at Dover Processing, the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market or online at hiddenstreamfarm.com.
Excerpt from "Outstanding in Her Field," FEAST! Local Foods Magazine, Vol.1, p.30.
Winnings at FEAST! 2018
Look what Natalie won at FEAST!
Natalie was the third gift basket winner at the FEAST! festival on Dec. 1, 2018. We'd like to take a moment to thank all of the FEAST! vendors who generously donated free goodies for these gift baskets.
Winners of these baskets were chosen from among those who voted for the People's Choice Award at the festival, and we awarded these throughout the day. If you'd like a shot at winning one, plan to attend the 6th Annual FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace on Dec. 7, 2019.
If you have a suggestion for a contest, drop us a line...
[email protected]
Who's Fueling FEAST!?
Experience Rochester
Experience Rochester has helped promote FEAST! in many ways, including making introductions to community members and sharing event info on their website, social media, video clips and more. Communications Manager Megan Malugani says, "FEAST! is a wonderful and worthwhile community event that we are happy to support."
Experience Rochester is also very interested in and supportive of FEAST’s efforts to develop a Restaurant Week—in fact, one of their primary missions is to be the organizational focal point of the city’s hospitality industry (including restaurants).
Malugani says, "Our city has been experiencing a 'restaurant renaissance' recently and is becoming a regional dining hub. Developing a successful Restaurant Week will further enhance our destination’s reputation for good, locally-sourced food.We want foodies to think of Rochester as a go-to destination for amazing food."
Pictured: Cameo at the Castle is a new addition to Rochester's
The FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace is a production of the FEAST! Local Foods Network, which is always open to new members. Founded by Renewing the Countryside (RTC) and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), both the Network and the Marketplace depend on collaboration with partner organizations and individuals.
The Network supports local food growers and makers by boosting access to financing, peer networking, and sales opportunities. We welcome you to share this newsletter with the buttons below.
Be the first to comment
Sign in with