Back in October 2009 I took my crew on a trip to vist local sustainable farms, brewery and cheesemaking operation.  This video is a snapshot of our weekend and we had such a great time!  I have more trips planned for my staff this summer, its great to get out and see where your food really comes from.  Thanks Michael Mason for putting this video together.

October was one busy month for me, as soon as octobeer fest was over some of the kitchen crew, front of the house, sales & marketing crew packed our bags and hit the road to go visit some farms in southwest Michigan.  Its no secret that I have pushed the restaurant this year into using more local products then ever before, the weekly shopping at Chicago’s Green City Market, living water farm who grows our hydroponich lettuce greens and spinach year round, all of our oats and cornmeal comes from 3 sisters farms and the list goes on & on.  The crew has loved all of the wonderful product but I thought it was even more important for them to go and see what it takes to get us these great products in hopes that they will take even more care of them.

 We also ate and toured New Holland Brewery, Fred and the crew as always gave us the royal treatment.  Since I’m such a homebrewer and the crew has been so involved with my beer making it was great for them to see a larger scale operation. 

The following day was a bit rough in the early hours for some who had a little too much brew the night before, I guess closing the parrot bar didn’t  exactly help but we finally made it to Grassfields Farm to make cheese with Jesse Merman.  The following is a collection of pictures from our trip, we had an amazing time and this trip changed all of our lives for the better.  I’m already being asked to plan another trip, its great to see my crew take such pride and love in my vision.