Tasting Columbia’s Bounty

The food festivals are popping up all over. Here is a great way to explore our region by dining on the bounty of Columbia County all in one place -- from 20+ local restaurants, caterers and chefs, 30+ local farms, plus local beer and wines. Meet the chefs and farmers! Columbia County Bounty’s first “Taste of Columbia County Bounty” takes place on Monday, July 28, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham. This first-ever fundraiser brings together the finest chefs, growers, farmers, producers and processors from Columbia County and the Hudson Valley for a summer’s evening of great food featuring the finest local products.

This event is an outgrowth of the all-volunteer Columbia County Bounty’s phenomenally successful “Bounty of the County” suppers, which started as harvest dinners to allow chefs and restaurateurs to cook and create dishes using local ingredients from the bounty of local farmers and producers. This year the group is opening the event to the general public to raise funds for the non-profit advocacy, educational and networking programs of Columbia County Bounty.

Here is more info from the organizers. Some great food names are included in here:

Imagine enjoying ice cream from the cream from Gumaer Farms, south-of-the-border delights from Mexican Radio, artisan garlic from Scarecrow Farm, delicious preserves and chutneys from Beth’s Farm Kitchen, regional delicacies from Chef Jeff Loshinsky, gorgeous, expertly prepared farm produce from Braeburn Farm and the Farm at Miller’s Crossing, creative dishes from Bezalel Gables Fine Catering & Events, tasty Tuscan-inspired food from Vico Restaurant, Black Angus beef from Grazin’ Angus Acres, plus sample fare from some of our newest restaurants and chefs. For special treats, don’t forget the popcorn with local butter, fresh-spun cotton candy, a 3 1⁄2 foot fountain of chocolate featuring local berries for dipping, free balloons, and much more!

Enjoy live music, including the jazz stylings of the Peg Delaney Trio. Floral designs using locally grown flowers and plants from Stem Life by Stephen Bruce Design – floral designer for this year’s Lincoln Center Film Society Tribute to Meryl Streep and floral designer for Vera Wang.

Come and taste the best of the county, featuring locally grown and produced products paired to some of our local star chefs. It’s a “must” for foodies, passionate cooks, and home gardeners!

Tickets are $75, which includes a $25 one-year membership in Columbia County Bounty. Tickets are $50 for folks who are already Columbia County Bounty members. Tickets for children 1 to 6 years old are free and for children 7 to 12 years old are $25. Call Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at 518-828-4417 for tickets, or purchase tickets at the door (cash or credit cards only at the door).

Columbia County Bounty sponsors are: Columbia County Chamber of Commerce; Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation; Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia County; Columbia County Tourism Department; Columbia County Board of Supervisors.