The Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association's vegetable tasting program, Farm Fresh Forks, starts Monday, January 9th at 4 popular restaurants in the Winter Vegetable Capital of the World, Yuma, AZ. Modeled after the wine tasting experience, customers will have a chance to taste three different vegetables each week prepared in unique ways at each of the following restaurants: The Patio Restaurant & Bar, The Garden Café, Market Grill Steak & Seafood and River City Grill. This program began last year, but is now much bigger thanks to a grant from the USDA.
This 12-week program will highlight a different grower/shipper each week and three locally grown products. Chefs will create tasting plates so their guests will have an opportunity to try local produce in a variety of recipes. Each restaurant is also planning a special Farm Fresh Forks event at their location this month to promote their participation in the program. Thanks to the USDA grant, YFVA has an opportunity to promote Farm Fresh Forks on a national level. Prior to its start next week, the program will be featured in The Arizona Republic this weekend and on AZTV, airing statewide on Thursday, January 12th.
"We are very excited to be kicking off our Farm Fresh Forks season. We believe vegetables have a place in the tasting experience. When the chefs put their unique touches on the different flavors, colors, varieties and textures of our produce, we believe the possibilities are endless. We are grateful to the restaurants and the chefs for highlighting our products," shared Steve Alameda, Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association's President. "It makes perfect sense to taste and experience vegetables in the Winter Vegetable Capital of the World. It doesn't get more authentic that that."
The Patio Restaurant & Bar and Market Grill Steak & Seafood will be offering complimentary tastings every night through the end of March. If you like your tasting, they will offer a full-size plate as an item on their specials menu for that week. The Garden Café will be featuring the produce in a weekly salad. They will offer complimentary tastings every day at lunch for those that want to try the salad of the week. River City Grill will also be offering the local produce in a soup or salad every night of the week and will be offering it complimentary when purchasing a meal.
For more information, please visit www.farmfreshforks.com or call Kristan Sheppeard, 928-246-9108.
Source: The Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association
