Embrace Your Community

Because I'm such a community junkie, I like to involve myself in as many communities as humanly (or super-humanly) possible. There's so much one can derive from jumping in and getting involved, whether in 'real life' or via the amazing interwebs. I genuinely appreciate when people pull together with a common passion, goal, or desire, and truly amazing things can result from combined efforts you see in these communities.

When I saw a Facebook event called sponsored by the Local First organization being held in Provo at the incredible Underground venue, I RSVP'd as quickly as my little finger-clicking would let me.

Local First is a non-profit organization that doesn't take radical measures to prevent or boycott big business, but simply provides awareness and education about the benefits of thinking about buying local first. Here's a quick look at how your local dollars impact your community.

While mingling at this event with my friends Jill Kaufusi and Jenny Eckton, we were introduced to a bright and warm woman named Kris Dews. Kris sat down at our little table and began telling us about her recent move from the Northwest to Sundance, Utah where she's bringing her passion for cooking, entertaining, and community to our backyard. She filled our minds with lovely ideas about supporting local efforts and how she was recognizing the emerging and amazing culture that Utah County is beginning to shine with. Within a few minutes she invited us to an upcoming dinner she was hosting (and cooking for) being held at La Nay Ferme in Provo. I was enchanted.

Honestly, prior to this conversation with Kris, I hadn't heard of La Nay Ferme, but I was intrigued and flattered to have been considered for an invite. A week or so later a lovely handmade invitation arrived in the mail along with a small embossed necklace which simply read "EYC" and proudly translated to Embrace Your Community.

On the evening of the event, my lovely date Jill picked me up and we made our way up the mountain in northeast Provo where we were soon greeted with the lovely view of a quaint and scenic farm.

Photos courtesy of La Nay Ferme's Blog

As we walked through the aisles (are they called aisles in a farm?) lined with small mason jars and candles, our walkway led to a breathtaking dining table and an even more amazing view.

We soaked in views like this.

We ate delicious things like this...

 and this...

and my very most favorite.... this....

 and the company was great. The food was incredible. The setting ideal.

I'm grateful for people like Kris Dews, her fellow Chef Victor Sandoval from Provo's Old Towne Grill, and La Nay Ferme founder and farmer Clinton Felsted.

I'm thankful for people that have so much passion oozing out of their very being that it rubs off a bit on us and even helps remind us a bit from time to time, what really matters in this life. These people support admirable causes that I respect greatly.

Inspired by these folks? Find out more by visiting the website for what Kris is doing, here. After that, pay a visit to the amazing Old Towne Grill in Provo, and lastly, but definitely not least(ly), take a minute to learn about La Nay Ferme and their mission to bring us better, fresher, and healthier fruits, veggies, and greens. You might be interested to know that they offer a CSA program, some volunteer opportunities, and even offer farm tours - not to mention that they're looking to provide people their amazing venue for future incredible dinners like we experienced.

 I love people with a cause. Don't hesitate to join theirs.

Learn more here:

Local First Utah: Website, on Twitter, and on Facebook

Kris Dews: Website

Old Towne Grill: Website, on Twitter, and on Facebook

La Nay Ferme: Website, on Twitter, and on Facebook

And - don't hesitate to join this cause by supporting this upcoming event:

Fabulous local fare will be provided by:

• Amour Spreads • Avenues Bistro on Third • Beehive Cheese • Black Sheep Cafe • Cafe Trio • Cafe Supernatural • Caffe Molise • Caffe Niche • Castle Creek Winery • Communal • Dolcetti Gelato • Finca • Fresco • Frida Bistro • Hell's Backbone Grill • Harmons • Liberty Heights Fresh • Market Street Grill • Mazza • Meditrina•  Pig & A Jelly Jar • Pizzeria 712• Red Iguana • Salt Lake Roasting Company • Station 22 Cafe • Squatters •Tin Angel Cafe •The Chocolate Conspiracy• Vida Tequila

Buy tickets HERE.