Here at yay-today, we’re pretty geeky about our food. We love to eat it, make it and grow it (well, I try at least). But we also love to learn about it and where it came from. That’s why we do our duty as Seattle-ites and try to frequent the farmer’s market as often as possible, are humungous fans of local producers like Blue Valley Meats (seriously, try their new Pine Street Sausage, it’s delicious) and take advantage of the ridiculously awesome food scene. I mean, where else do we get opportunities to hear national food experts and local superstar chefs teach us all about the stuff we’re stuffing in our mouths? Thanks to Whole Foods and their Consumer’s Conflict Speaker Series, we’ve got another chance to do just that next week. I’m going and I think you should go too.2
Next Tuesday, September 27th, Whole Foods is bringing together a really fantastic panel of speakers to talk about your favorite fruits and veggies at The Consumer’s Conflict: The Price of Produce in the 21st Century. Moderated by Bellamy Pailthorp, environmental reporter for KPLU, the panel stars Barry Estabrook, the author of the best-selling Tomatoland, an amazing book that chronicles the surprisingly sordid truth behind my favorite nightshade. Joining him in the discussion is local superstar chef Lisa Nakamura, the genius behind Allium on Orcas Island, Jeff Miller of Willie’s Organic Farm (and producer of the best lettuce in Seattle) and Edmund LaMacchia, Global Vice President of Procurement-Perishables for Whole Foods Market (try fitting that on a business card). These experts will be discussing (and debating, to be sure) the complex issues facing growing, selling and buying the produce that makes up so much of our diet. And even though this event is hosted by Whole Foods, don’t assume that this is going to be a giant commercial for your local national health food emporium. What I’ve really loved about the previous installations of The Consumer’s Conflict Speaker Series is the fact that they really get down to the dirt of the topic. The last session, which focused on Sustainable Seafood, featured some distinctly tense discussions that absolutely made the night.
Tickets to the event, which is taking place at the UW’s Center for Urban Horticulture, are $20, so this doesn’t qualify as a freebie. But it is an amazing value because besides learning to look at your veggies in a whole new way, the price includes appetizers and 2 drinks. Wine, snacks and a new found respect for what goes inside your apple pie? That’s what I call a rockin’ Tuesday night. Go get tickets now!
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