Common Table

Yesterday the kids and I picked almost the entire row of radishes (and a bunch of lettuce), boxed them up, and took them to a restaurant downtown.  We delivered them to the chef in the kitchen.  She will be using them in a featured dish on Friday night.

I know it's not that big a deal.  We didn't even get paid for the radishes.  We dontated them.  But I just love the idea that people - the general population - might walk into the restaurant on Friday night (maybe on their date night), order a salad, and eat MY radishes.  They will be eating things that I planted by hand.  They will be savoring the flavor that I thinned in my yard.  They will be experiencing the crunch that I weeded on my hands and knees.  They will be enjoying my hard work - the work of a farmer.  It is a very satisfying feeling to "feed the people."

I have sold produce before.  Bags of lettuce, spinach, radishes.  People have come out to the farm and bought eggs or milk or meat.  And I feel a sense of accomplishment from that.  But this is different.  Maybe because when you go to a restaurant, you expect a level of excellence.  It would be like having my produce featured at the local grocery store...accessable to the whole community - even those people who don't take the initiative to find a local farmer and buy directly.

So, on Friday night, my radishes will be in the spotlight.  On someone's plate.  At Common Table.  Enjoy.