Farmer-Chef Teams Return for Indiana Farm Bureau Event

year 2 for Zest n Zing

One year ago a first time event was held in downtown Indianapolis that brought together chefs, consumers and farmers. Zest ‘n Zing: A Foodie Event for the At-Home Chef returns May 7th to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center. Last year American Farm Bureau worked with Indiana Farm Bureau to create the event, according to Isabella Chism, 2nd vice president at IFB.

“It was the Women’s Leadership Committee that thought we needed to make a greater connection with our consumers, people just like us who shop in the grocery store. That’s where the idea was birthed and then during the event, planning the event, and after the event we got nothing but positive feedback on how much they enjoyed having that time, having some fun, learn some information about their food and some of the people that may grow some of their food and take home some ideas and some freebies too.”

She told HAT Zest ‘n Zing was successful at connecting consumers and farmers with what naturally ties them together, food.

“Sharing the food together, having fun with it, learning how to cook it, food safety tips, food cooking techniques. I think that’s the big thing because if we can make that connection with everyone then it’s a little bit easier to understand farmers themselves and why they do the things they do to produce the food that we eat.”

After last year’s event it was obvious it was successful when people told Chism, “This is great. I wish I had known about it sooner and if you have it again next year let me know because I want to bring my friends.”

With limited tickets available that means get yours soon. Ticket sales benefit Gleaners Food Bank and tickets at $20 are now available at www.infarmbureau.org. Doors open at 5 PM and the cooking competition begins at 7 PM. Cattle farmer Ginny Tauer and hog farmer Nick Sommers will both team up with a chef to create dishes that consumers can easily make themselves at home.

Judges include Heather Tallman, known for her blog basilmomma.com and host of Around the Kitchen Sink Radio and an attendee selected from the crowd.

The event begins with a reception where attendees will have a chance to visit with Indiana food companies, including N.K. Hurst and Clabber Girl, and Indiana farmers while enjoying food and Indiana wines and beers.

The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center is located at 450 West Ohio St., Indianapolis. Parking is free but limited at the history center.

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