Summer Fancy Food Show 2011

Local Food Sources

Unbelievably, I will be sitting out this year's Summer Fancy Food Show. My decade-long editorial part-ner-in-crime James Mellgren will be on hand, however, complemented by Justin Simon, a relative newcomer to the business. And when I say relative, I mean it literally. This newly graduated journalist is the son of another longtime colleague of mine -Brad Simon. So I know the show is in good editorial hands.

In the meantime, I'll be working at the source of where all those delicious edibles you'll be tasting come from - on our own edible garden in North Georgia - feeding the folks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's interesting how we've come full circle in our eating habits -personally and as a country - focusing in on what we can produce or what is produced right outside our doors. For those of us both in the specialty food and foodservice industries, it's become even more evident. At our restaurant, we are focused on where every ingredient comes from; just like the specialty retailer, as an independent operator helping our customers understand where their food comes from sets us apart from the big boys. When my partner opened his first restaurant

- The Greenhouse on Captiva Island 25 years ago - he was growing his own herbs and produce before it was a hip thing to do. It was simply how he was raised - so products he served either came from his own gardens or from farmers and fishermen across the country he knew personally.

And now, it would appear, what he's always believed is in style. And lucky for us and for you, it gives us all the opportunity to really focus on quality. Focus on choosing the best products for our customers and being able to showcase and explain why they are worthy of the shelf or menu placement.

Today, it's all about the source, whether it's our 1-acre garden, smokehouse or bees, or the best selection of olive oil that is produced sustainably, with care and by folks who simply love to produce something that's worthy of a meal.

So, cheers to all of you at the show. I look forward to hearing from James and Justin, who will fill me in on all the great new introductions I missed, making me jealous I stayed home to harvest the tomatoes and tend to the chickens.