Harvest celebration for market friends

Friends of Evanston Farmers Markets held its 5th annual Evanston Harvest Celebration Thursday night at the kitchens of Now We’re Cookin’ with food supplied by local farmers prepared by chefs from Evanston and Chicago restaurants.

It was a sold-out crowd of about 120 local residents who sampled tastings from 13 different stations where the chefs and farmers were paired for their food offerings.

Located on the street outside the main venue was the Hummingbird mobile kitchen.

Typical of the offerings was the bruchetta of winter squash puree, sautéed Tuscan kale with Calabrian chili and Apple Wood smoked bacon that was prepared by Campagnola chef Vince DiBattista, using ingredients from Lake Breeze Organics, and dispensed from the Hummingbird mobile kitchen.

Because the food and labor were donated to the organization, proceeds were earmarked for its many educational and charitable projects, including subsidies to low-income Evanstonians to help them afford the fresh meats, cheese, produce, and pastas sold at the city’s downtown, Ridgeville, West End, and Central Street markets.

Rep. Robyn Gabel shares a table with Judy Iacuzzi.

Among the notables in the audience were State Representative Robyn Gabel and city markets manager Myra Gorman.

Myra Gorman, the city’s markets manager.

The mission of the Friends is to educate the public about the benefits of eating fresh, locally grown foods, and advocates greater access to healthy food for all, regardless of means.

Top: Diners sampled food from 13 stations at Now We’re Cookin’.  Above: Friends chair Vikki Proctor welcomes diners to the event, flanked by board members Nancy Burhop and Sheldon Proctor.