Lately I've been getting some of resistance to the whole "Slow Food" scene.  It seems that somewhere along the way, the love of food, wine and communal good times has become dominated by politics with more talk about Gulf Oil than Olive Oil. 

Now, I'm not one to back away from a good debate (and if you dig down deep enough it's impossible to separate food from politics)... but the thing that drew me to this movement was the very nature of it's vision:  Leave behind the fast food culture and get back to taking the time to prepare foods from scratch; dig out old recipes and try your hand at growing vegetables instead of opening a can.  Educate ourselves and our youth about nourishment and food traditions.  As a school club, we are hoping to attract all students and Staff that hold those things dear and to be inclusive and enjoy the company of others over food, drink and convivial good times...

I sense the same thing aboout environmental conservation... the very mention of going "green" seems to turn-off some folks because it smells too strongly of political associations.  Since when is conserving water, electricity and natural gas a Right/Left issue?  When it comes to these issues at the school, at the risk of oversimplifying, reducing wastefulness can save money.  For now, let's leave it at that.

So with that said, we have launched a forum from the Slow Food Club website that is intended to be a springboard for new ideas and insights.... There you will find categories of ATL Dining, Club Events, Greening LCB-ATL, and more.  But... we'd like to keep the political posturing and dagger throwing to a minimum.

Please come check it out at:  http://greenforum.slowfoodlcb.com/user/categories.aspx
Yours in Slow...

Heirloom

        

The whole weekend started off with a bang!  With an 8AM workshop by Jules Dervaes and family about "Urban Homesteading and Living Off the Grid".  Fantastic!  You've got to check out this website: www.pathtofreedom.com
Mr. Dervaes covered everything from growing a yearly crop of 6,000 lbs of organic vegetables in his tiny back yard, to soil enrichment, water harvesting and reducing the use of grid electricity... biodiesel production, the keeping of livestock in an urban homestead, seed preservation, strategic garden planning, everything!

This workshop had a profound effect on myself and my companions, and set the tone for a weekend full of amazing information and insights.

There was a quick and tasty lunch surrounded by a trade show, then onto the busses to our "Farm Tours". 
I attended the "School Gardens" Tour and was able to visit Decatur High School's new garden, and the indefatigable student effort to gain the rights to the plots.  
Next was Emory University and a tour of their cafeteria, which has pledged to go 75% sustainable/local in the next 5 years.  Hugely ambitious, but I believe they'll do it! 

Then we drove to Arbor Montessori and a few inspiring young lads who tend the gardens there.  While at Arbor, there was a serendipitous moment when the boys were telling a great tale of the generosity of their community, and how one day a truck with about a hundred pounds of compost drove up and just donated it to them on an impromptu whim.  Turns out the guy driving the truck was none other than Farmer D of Farmer D's Organics (www.farmerd.com) and was there that day on the school tour as well.  He took a moment, introduced himself and pledged more and continued support of the school's gardening efforts.
There was fresh baked bread and refreshments at The Waldorf School, and a series of student run projects and gardens as well.

Back to Agnes Scott for a quick change then off to the Oakhurst Community Garden for Slow Food Atlanta's "Cocktails in the Garden".
Great cocktails courtesy of Leon's Full Service in Downtown Decatur.   These guys actually infuse their bourbon with smoked bacon, then skim the residual fat from the top, creating a crazy amazing liquor beneath.  I don't know if it's Kosher, but I will drink that any day of the week!

Then the Slow Sustainable Supper put on by every chef in Atlanta worth mentioning, the list was huge and the food was over the top.  It was so good I forgot to take notes... but trust me, WOW.

I could go on, but you get the point... and that was just Friday!!

An incredible event by Georgia Organics, very organized and well thought out.... an inspiration!  Kudos!!

Heirloom

        

Welcome Friends!

This is the first of many entries to our new blog-spot, with news about club activities, upcoming events, and all things good and slow!!

Check in often for news, updates, and ideas...