It’s a well-known fact that Australians leave one of the muddiest eco-footprints on the planet. Dig deeper and you’ll find that up to sixty per cent of the damage is attributed to the food we buy. Fast fodder, chemically treated produce and factory-farmed animals—whose suffering is plainly tasteless—top the national menu.
And even if we love a leftover, we’re still throwing away more than three million tonnes of edible food a year.
At Dumbo Feather we’re treading lightly: farmers markets, backyard eggs, rooftop beehives and spicy roadside surprises. And, in a few weeks, on Wednesday November 23, together with not-for-profit organisation Sustainable Table, and Melbourne chef Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan) we are co-hosting our first ever Readers’ Feast: an evening of sustainable choices and seasonal food discovery.
Dumbo Feather editors Patrick Pittman and Jessica Friedmann along with Cassie Duncan – writer and editor of the Sustainable Table cookbook – will chair a panel exploring the environmental benefits of seasonal eating, home-grown food and consumer awareness. And then, of course, we’ll eat!
We are inviting our guests to bring a seasonal item that they have either grown, foraged or sourced from a farmers’ market or local grower – heirloom varieties, edible flowers, something they’ve never been brave enough to cook with…nothing is off limits!*
Matt Wilkinson lives and works by his seasonal philosophy, which involves growing, foraging, fishing and hunting to create inspired dishes, so we are putting him to the test. Matt will be conducting a series of short cooking demonstrations creating a range of dishes from the produce provided. Witness the workings of this acclaimed chef as he faces the ultimate culinary ‘mystery box’. The following day guests will be sent the best recipes that were created on the evening.
As well as the aforementioned, the $60 ticket price includes a harvest table to graze from – filled with regionally sourced delights, wine and beer from local producers and the chance to discover various ways to make your eco-footprint lighter. Make your table a sustainable one and purchase a ticket to this incredible event today – we can’t wait to see you there!
When: Wednesday 23 November 6:30pm Where: Dumbo Feather Headquarters: The Whitehouse, 11 Princes St, St Kilda 3182 Buy your ticket here!
Sustainable Table is an environmental not-for-profit organisation that uses food as an entrée to explore sustainability issues, Matt Wilkinson features in Sustainable Table’s self-titled cookbook. Copies will be available for sale on the night. For more information on this incredible organization visit sustainabletable.org.au
*Produce brought by guests must be edible and its origins must be known. Regrettably, due to food safety regulations we ask that you only bring produce that has been grown rather than those which have been caught or hunted.