photos by Joey Stewart
The 2024 Chefs for Farmers event was a stunning success, bringing together some of the finest culinary talent, dedicated farmers, and passionate food lovers for an unforgettable weekend of celebration, education, and community-building. Held annually, this year’s event continued its mission of championing the relationship between chefs and local farmers, highlighting the importance of sustainability, seasonality, and regional food culture. This event was conceived and run by Iris Midler.
As rain threatened to squelch the event, the chefs and all the vendors necessary for a great day set up and prepared for the worst, but as it neared to opening bell, the clouds cleared, and the sun kissed the grounds as if blessing the event and its goers.
This year, Chefs for Farmers showcased an impressive roster of chefs from across the country, each bringing their own unique style and passion to the table. From James Beard Award winners to local rising stars, the culinary talent on display was second to none. Renowned chefs from Casey Thompson to RJ Yoakum from Georgie, paired with local rising stars, collaborated with area farmers to create inventive, seasonal dishes that celebrated the bounty of the region.
We could list the many chefs we were happy to see, like Jill Bates from Sugar and Sage, to Meaders Ozarow who opened a fresh bakery in Uptown, Rich Rodgers at Scardello who is celebrating a huge store anniversary, Ryan Carbery who is exec at the new Nikki Greek Bistro, star chef Steve McHugh from San Antonio, the list is endless but you can find it here.
The educational component of Chefs for Farmers grew this year, offering more opportunities for guests to engage directly with farmers, chefs, and industry experts. From farm tours attendees had the chance to learn about everything from crops and innovative food preservation techniques to the nuances of flavor profiles and sustainable cooking practices.
As always, Chefs for Farmers remains committed to supporting local communities. A portion of the event’s proceeds went toward various charitable initiatives, including grants for local farmers and organizations dedicated to food security and access to healthy, fresh food for underserved populations.
