Slow Food Super Stars and Chefs Join Ranks for Upcoming Benefit Picnic

By Meesha Halm

Now that Labor Day weekend is behind us, it’s not too late to start planning for the next big alfresco eat fest. In what’s sure to be a sell-out event, Slow Food Russian River will be hosting Fresh Food Picnic, a blow-out benefit featuring food, wine and music up at Rancho Mark West farm outside Santa Rosa. But unlike you’re garden-variety picnic, this one will include a battery of Slow Food superstar speakers including founder Carlo Petrini, Alice Waters and food justice leader Nikki Henderson of People’s Grocery and the spread will be prepared by chef Dennis Lee (Namu Gaji) along with an-all-star team of emerging talent that includes 30 Under 30 chefs Thomas McNaughton (Central Kitchen) and Chris Kronner (formerly Bar Tartine), along with Ryan Farr (4505 Meats), Liza Hinman (The Spinster Sisters), Christopher Kostow (The Restaurant at Meadowood), Marykate McGoldrick (Namu Gaji) and Christopher Thompson (A16). In addition to the food, Dry Creek wine will be flowing freely while big-name bands such as Con Brio will be playing all day long on the outdoor stage. Get the full menu and line-up of events here.

Tickets range from $40 (for children, activists under 30 and small farmers) to $125 for non-members. Do note, however, while Slow Food will provide the food and wine, this is a zero waste event, which means it’s a BYO everything- plates, flatware, and napkins. Proceeds of the event will benefit four of Slow Food’s non-profit projects: Slow Food's 1000 Gardens in Africa, The People's Grocery, LandPaths and Slow Food California. Tickets can be purchased online. (September 15, 11 AM-6 PM, Rancho Mark West, 7125 St. Helena Rd, Santa Rosa).