Event Celebrates Chefs, the Region’s Bounty
COOPERSTOWN—Otsego 2000 will showcase the bounty of the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market and the talent of area chefs at the Local Foods Local Spirits party on Sunday, October 18 from 5-7 p.m. This popular fundraiser for the market features local chefs who will be creating savory and sweet tapas-style tasting bites made with local produce, meat, cheese, honey, and maple syrup from CFM vendors. The event will be held at the farmers’ market, 101 Main Street, in Pioneer Alley.
Restaurants and chefs participating include: Alexandra Gunther and Brian Wrubleski from Mel’s at 22; Anthony Leberto from Brimstone Bakery; Gordon Delpit from Danny’s Market; Isaac Senchyshyn from Local Affairs Café; Tim Searles from Doubleday Café; Chris Rajkaran from the Busy Bee Mobile Café; Dana Leonard Sanders and Kristen Leonard from Origins Café; and Antoine Vasse from The Lakehouse. In addition, four chefs are also CFM vendors: Antoinette King from King’s Rustic; Chrissy Chiacchia from Gaia’s Breath Farm; Richard Lercari from Culinary Hive; and Jesse Pascale from Rock Hill Farm.
“In October, we can choose from a wonderful array of produce available at the market, as well as meat, poultry and cheese,” said Madeleine Zenir, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market manager at Otsego 2000. “We are very grateful to the chefs for volunteering their time and talent to celebrate and support the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market.”
Zenir noted that the event often sells out in advance, so getting tickets early is recommended.
“This year is a great mix with chefs who have participated for years, chefs from new restaurants, and market vendors who are also professional chefs,” said Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000, which founded the CFM in 1991. “We want to highlight both local farmers and local businesses.”
Pope noted that in the past, dishes created for Local Foods Local Spirits have been so popular that chefs add them to their regular menus.
Fast Friends will perform and at the event, and there will be a raffle of artisan-made crafts, home goods, skincare, art, and other items you can find at the market.
Tickets are $50.00 each and available at www.otsego2000.org, by calling (607) 547-8881, or at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the year-round market.
