Story & photos by Priya Hutner
Slow Food Lake Tahoe wants everyone to slow down and enjoy the Slow Sips series.
Slow Sips
Nov. 12 | Truckee Tavern | 5-7 p.m.
Dec. 10 | Café Spice | 5-7 p.m.
[blockquote3]
“The idea came about as a way to create an event for people to hang out and get to know the food community better.” Andrea Schaffer
[/blockquote3]
Slow Food Lake Tahoe wants to help reconnect the community to local, seasonal and sustainable food in the Tahoe area while educating people about their vital role as participants in the food system.
The organization is offering a new series called the Slow Sip series. On select Thursdays this fall, Slow Food Lake Tahoe along with a local slow food and beverage establishments around the area will host a fun gathering featuring a slow sip and slow nosh for $10.
“The idea came about as a way to create an event for people to hang out and get to know the food community better. We live in such a fast-paced society, people have forgotten how to cook real food. We have such a strong food community here in Tahoe, we hope this series will educate, bring awareness and connect people that are interested in culinary arts, sustainability, and farming,” says Andrea Schaffer, event coordinator and Slow Food Lake Tahoe board member.
Jessie Phillips, president of Slow Food Lake Tahoe, spearheaded the Slow Food Sunday Farmers’ Market this past summer in Truckee and has organized the Truckee Tahoe Food Swap, which provided a simple way to get back to basics by making, sharing and enjoying food that is wholesome and homemade.
Jessie Philips and Mellow Fellow bartenders serving beers to Sips participants
“The Sip Series is a way for us to connect like-minded people who care about our food system,” said Phillips.
Mellow Fellow in Truckee hosted the first Slow Sips Series happy hour. With an abundance of local beers to sample and delicious sausage provided by Mountain Valley Meats, members from the Slow Food community gathered to share information and educational opportunities such as the Skill Shares Workshops, which offers classes for participants to learn how to can and preserve, grow produce and how to ferment.
“The Sip Series is about connecting people. We hope to help get the message out about issues surrounding our food. It is important to be aware of policy and legislation being enacted that impacts the quality of our food,” noted Schaffer.
Slow Food Lake Tahoe supports policy that helps to bring organic, sustainable foods to the community. Schaffer spoke about the upcoming Dark Act that will ban GMO labeling that is of concern to her.
The next Slow Sips will be on Nov. 12 at the Truckee Tavern. Enjoy handcrafted, themed cocktails complete with a crafting demonstration and appetizing Slow Food noshes. Ryan Dierks, co-owner and bartender extraordinaire, will be on hand mixing unique and delicious cocktails. The Slow Sip Series returns on Dec. 10 at Cafe Spice. Enjoy slow but spicey tastes and a well-matched wine or beer. The Sip Series events are hosted from 5 to 7 p.m.
For more information, visit slowfoodlaketahoe.org.
