food for a cause
Top Austin chefs focus on local foods at 15th Sustainable Food Center fundraiser
Prepare to indulge in delicious farm-to-table delicacies.
It's not every day you get to indulge in a sumptuous farm-to-table meal prepared by some of the best local chefs in Austin, but one unique opportunity in April will give Austinites a peek at what a fully sustainable meal can look like in their own city.
The Sustainable Food Center will celebrate its 15th annual Farm to Plate event on Thursday, April 18, to raise funds for its programs that work toward creating and maintaining an accessible, affordable local food system in Austin. The event will be held at Springdale Station from 5:30-9:30 pm.
The Sustainable Food Center is an Austin-based nonprofit that was founded in 1993 with the mission to expand Texans' access to locally grown food in Central and West Texas. The organization provides support services for small and mid-sized farms, free cooking and nutrition education classes for communities experiencing food insecurity, and provides nutrition incentives for SNAP and WIC recipients to buy more fruits and vegetables.
In a statement, SFC CEO Mark Bethell said the Farm to Plate fundraiser demonstrates the nonprofit's dedication to sustainable and equitable local food systems, in addition to showcasing Austin's dynamic culinary scene.
"This event highlights the crucial role that local farmers, chefs, and advocates play in ensuring access to fresh, nutritious food for all," said Bethell. "Every ticket sold directly supports Sustainable Food Center's mission to create a thriving, more resilient food system for Texas. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to another successful Farm to Plate event."
The outdoor evening celebration will spotlight a special seven-course dining experience prepared by Austin's top farm-to-table chefs, including CultureMap's 2023 Tastemaker Chef of the Year Amanda Turner, who serves as the chef de cuisine at Olamaie.
Additional featured chefs and restaurants that will be contributing to the experience include:
- Edgar Rico, Nixta Taqueria
- Philip Speer, Comedor
- Kareem El-Ghayesh, KG BBQ
- Eric Silverstein, The Peached Tortilla
- Berty Richter, Ezov
- Laila Bazahm, El Raval
Acclaimed local breweries and distilleries will also be featured at the Farm to Table celebration, such as Independence Brewing Co., Meanwhile Brewing Co., Dulce Vida Spirits, Fierce Whiskers Distillery, and Tito's Handmade Vodka.
Seven wine producers will be pairing their best vintages with the dinner courses: Austin Wine Merchant, Becker Vineyards, Hye Meadow Winery, Pedernales Cellars, Surely Non-Alcoholic Wine, Westcave Cellars, and William Chris Vineyards.
As a sweet bonus for Farm to Plate guests through the end of March, a free wine tasting will be available at Becker Vineyards, Hye Meadow Winery, Pedernales Cellars, Westcave Cellars, and William Chris Vineyards with a show of receipt. Guests will also get a free distillery tour and tasting at Fierce Whiskers with their receipts through the end of March.
Individual tickets for the 15th annual Farm to Plate celebration are $425 per person, and can be purchased via farmtoplate2024.givesmart.com. More information about the event is available on the Sustainable Food Center's website.
Among many other sweet treats, SusieCakes is offering mini cupcake boxes this Valentine's season. Photo courtesy of SusieCakes
Guests can enjoy this romantic rooftop at The Loren Hotel. Photo courtesy of The Loren Hotel. 
Guests can enjoy special events and menus at the Hyatt Lost Pines throughout the weekend.Photo courtesy of Hyatt Lost Pines