2009.08.10
Go. Eat. Learn.
We are just days away from what is probably the biggest and most involved local food event to ever take place in the Roanoke Valley -- the Local Food Expo at Greenfield Education & Training Center in Daleville.
The expo takes place from 2-8 p.m. this Friday. It's a huge, collaborative effort between the Virginia Cooperative Extension offices in Roanoke, Botetourt, Craig and Alleghany counties that seeks to bring together as many local food producers and educators as possible for an afternoon of good food and fun.
What can you expect at the expo? For starters, lots and lots of farmers will be there either selling or sampling their wares. This is different from the typical farmer's market because many vendors there do not offer samples. I think it has something to do with health department regulations. There will also be a Thai cooking demonstration, educational booths, gardening classes, live music and a chef's challenge. For the challenge, three local chefs will have to create a dish using "mystery boxes" filled with surprise ingredients.
It costs just $2 to get in; tickets are available at the door or at your local extension office. Look for more information about the expo in this Thursday's edition of Inside Out. I'll be there -- if you see me, please say hello!
