Signature Dish of Charlotte Contest

 HEY CHARLOTTE!  COMPANY IS COMING AND WE’VE GOT TO BE READY!

 Before we know it, our beloved city will be packed and jumping with the 2012 Democratic National Convention.  Folks from all over the country will be introduced to Charlotte and see all we have to offer and what we are made of. What better way of bringing everyone together than FOOD?

We challenge our fellow Charlotteans to create a Charlotte Signature Dish that you feel best represents Charlotte, NC.  The Charlotte Signature Dish must not only be delicious, it must express the Queen City, who we are, what we are known for, and what Charlotte is all about.   Put it all on the plate.  All ingredients must be local, remember this dish is all about Charlotte

Applications will be accepted until midnight on 01/00/11.   The judges will narrow the field down to three finalists.   The judges will taste, evaluate and announce the winner of the Signature Dish Of Charlotte Contest on 01/01/11.  The judges’ decision will be final.

The Grand Prize Winner will be awarded the Grand Prize of one free night stay at The Historic Dunhill Hotel, dinner for two at the Harvest Moon Grille that evening & breakfast at the Harvest Moon Grille the next morning. The winning dish will win a place on the Harvest Moon Grille menu.

• The 2^nd place winner will be awarded dinner for two at the Harvest Moon Grille.
• The 3^rd place winner will win Weekend brunch for two.

Be sure to include a full description and recipe of your entry along with your contact information including work & home phone numbers, and if possible a photo of the dish to:

 SignaturedishofCharlotte@gmail.com

 You may also mail your entries to

 Harvest Moon Grille | Attn: Signature Dish Of Charlotte

235 N. Tryon St.

Charlotte, NC 28202

“High on the Hog” by Kathleen Purvis with Our State Magazine

Photography by Chris Edwards
When a farmer takes culinary control at a historic, uptown hotel in Charlotte, the food comes a lot closer to the land.

Cassie Parsons: Restaurateur of the Year

In 2004 Cassie Parsons started selling pork from her ten-acre Grateful Growers Farm to high-end Charlotte restaurants, many of which had never before carried locally raised meat. In 2009 she brought the city its first upscale food truck and kick-started the national trend locally.

And in 2010 she opened Harvest Moon Grille, one of the city’s best restaurants, where almost every item on the menu is grown or raised within 100 miles of Charlotte. Despite dealing with the difficulties faced by all trailblazers, Parsons has been thoughtfully improving the city’s culinary scene for years.

In 2011, the petite farmer and chef has undoubtedly risen to the position of the city’s biggest advocate for eating local—and both her restaurant and her cart offer plenty of tasty fare to back up her claims. The cart, which continues to be popular on the streets, was Parsons’ first step in sharing the local food gospel. “I thought it would be good to elevate the quality of the food on the street,” says Parsons of her choice to launch her famed food cart. “And I was good at making pork.”

And of her decision to finally enter the kitchen of her own brick-and-mortar business? “I saw it as a great opportunity to use a different venue to spread the word of local food.”

Preach on, Parsons. Charlotte is finally listening.

What: Harvest Moon Grille Outdoor Thanksgiving Market
Where: Outside in front of the restaurant
Why: Stock up for Thanksgiving
When: Thursday Nov. 17th – Saturday Nov. 19th ~&~ Monday Nov. 21 – Wednesday Nov. 23rd.

Offering for purchase:
Assorted House baked breads made from locally grown and milled wheat.
Locally grown / pesticide free Veggies:
Kale
Collards
Potatoes
Bok Choy
Carrots
Acorn Squash
Lettuce Mix
Plus more

Photo by Sheldon Schreiber

I have a few thoughts on “getting real” about what eating local really means. Everywhere I go, I hear more and more about local restaurants using local farm fresh food from the Charlotte region. Unfortunately, I continue to be a skeptic, considering the fact that local farmers are going home from weekly farmers markets with coolers full of food.

Further, if a chef shows up at the farmers market on a Saturday morning and buys a couple of bags of vegetables, and all of a sudden, the restaurant is in the category of “being local” … Really?  I just spoke to a woman today, who says she is conscious of what she eats and all the restaurants in Davidson are buying local!  I love the thought that she believes this, the problem is that it is not true.

My question is, ”when do we draw the line?” When do we call out what we know is not 100% truthful about eating local?  I struggle with this everyday.  I am a purest I admit it.  But I believe, to the core of my being, that truly eating local food from local farmers is the absolute right way to eat to save ourselves, our planet and promote economic well-being for our local farming community and the Charlotte region.

I have come to the point that it is not ok to lie! We all need to speak up and tell the truth about what percentage we are promoting the local food system and economy! Do you get it?  I’m speaking the truth because I’m committed to seeing a change in our food system.  We have to get wiser and more engaged.  It is as simple as being curious and asking every time you buy food.  Is it coming from Mexico, maybe California or worse overseas?  Or is it coming from one of our very hardworking farmers right here in this region?  You too, have the power to change our food system everyday, at every meal.  My challenge to you is to “get real” about your food choices and eat local.

Love is the answer! ~Cassie

Bag Contents:  This week we have a find of local persimmons. Oh my goodness they’re beautiful.  And, acorn squash, and lots of carrots, turnips and collards and onions.

What: Harvest Moon Grille Outdoor Thanksgiving Market
Where: Outside in front of the restaurant
Why: Stock up for Thanksgiving
When: Thursday Nov. 17th – Saturday Nov. 19th ~&~ Monday Nov. 21 – Wednesday Nov. 23rd.

Offering for purchase:
Assorted House baked breads made from locally grown and milled wheat.
Locally grown / pesticide free Veggies:
Kale
Collards
Potatoes
Bok Choy
Carrots
Acorn Squash
Lettuce Mix
Plus more