A Slow Food Afternoon

When the email arrived last weekend, I knew I had to go! It was in invitation to the the Slow Food Pot Luck Dinner from the lovely Christine Barbour, food writer, photographer, blogger, and foodie extraordinaire (My Plate or Yours?). For those who don't know, the Slow Food movement embraces all things slow about food: fresh, locally grown ingredients, seasonal dishes, and slow leisurely meals shared with friends. From a recent article by Christine:

[Slow food is ...] a movement designed to promote eating the old fashioned way: locally, seasonally, sustainably, companionably and leisurely. Its mission is symbolized by its logo: a stylized sketch of that humble, unhurried, gastronomic delicacy, the snail.

As more chefs each week embrace local ingredients from greens and duck to cheese and hickory syrup, patrons are learning to appreciate that fresh, tasty, seasonal ingredients can make even the simplist of dishes shine.

At first, I was nervous about cooking a dish for so many chefs, but the more I learn about slow food, the more I realize that pressure doesn't factor into the movement. With fresh ingredients and good wine, all will be well. Yesterday, the Broad Ripple Farmer's Market had so many great fruits and vegetables that I may take two dishes: A Spanish pisto (a thick, chunky sauce served as tapas) of zucchini, red pepper and onion jam served with crusty bread and a warm summer salad of corn, green beans, shiso and a miso-apricot dressing.

I'll report back with more information on upcoming events including the Slow Fest currently scheduled for October 15. For more information on Slow Food, check out events from these local groups:

Slow Food Indy
Slow Food Bloomington
Slow Food International