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Read Berkshire Living's review of the event

“This has really been great for us,” said Kim Bach, owner of Verdigris in Hudson, of the Taste of Columbia County Bounty dinner. “Lots of people didn’t know we offer food now, so they were thrilled to find a new restaurant in town.”

She brought along her chef,  Regina Simmons, two multi-tiered wedding cakes, lavender lemonade, and an assortment of pastries. They got three orders for wedding cakes on the spot, and several farmers came over and introduced themselves. 

“We now have some new resources for local organic vegetables and fruits and we will definitely work with these people to include their produce in our daily menu,” said Bach.

And that is what the Taste of…. is all about. The annual fund-raiser dinner for Columbia County Bounty paired local chefs with local farmers and allowed the public to sample some terrific recipes prepared with the freshest local ingredients. 

In all, 450 people came to the Fairhouse to sample about 50 dishes, sip several local wines, beer, organic coffee, herbal tea and even yogurt drinks. No one left hungry.

But the event was more than just a dinner. It was an opportunity to let consumers know what products are grown or created here in the county – with an eye towards getting these farms and chefs more business. 

“Columbia County Bounty is all about keeping agriculture and culinary businesses in our area strong,” said Bounty Executive Director Vicki Simons. “If someone learns about a product from our dinner, then seeks out the farm or restaurant to buy more on their own, then we’ve succeeded in our mission of supporting the local food system.”

“This has been extremely beneficial for a new business like mine,” said Chef Marianna Vadukul, owner of the new Saffron at Hudson. “So many farmers have stopped by and given me their names. I can now use local organic ingredients instead of buying them elsewhere. Plus several people have said good things about my offerings (a chicken curry and cool grated, cucumber riata). I think I will get more business at the restaurant, too.  I am very happy.”
Even those who have participated before seemed pleased. Ronny Osofsky of Ronnybrook Farm Dairy said he picked up a couple of new restaurants for his distribution list.
And Chris Cashen from The Farm at Miller’s Crossing said he regularly uses the Bounty directory that lists all the Bounty member restaurants to push for new business. “By using the directory,” he explained, “we have a contact and can provide samples of our produce. Plus, by saying we’re members of Columbia County Bounty, it gets the ball rolling. Restaurants have heard of the organization and have good things to say about it.”
“Everybody works together,” added Terri Holmes of Holmquest Farms. "There is tremendous bounty in Columbia County, but this organization has brought us all together and made it more personal. We know each other now. Restaurants have a stake in not only our survival, but our flourishing.”

That stake was evident by the increase in participation this year.  Forty-two farms contributed food for twenty-nine chefs to serve, well more than last year.
“This is the one time during the year when we have a chance to show what’s available in this county,” said Lori Selden, president of Bounty and co-owner of Mexican Radio.  “From fruits and vegetables to wines and beers, grains, meats and poultry, even cut flowers, this is a showcase for great foods and exquisite preparation. And it’s all right in our own backyard.”

The Taste of…  event was funded in part by a grant from The Green Pastures Fund and supported by sponsors Margaret Roach’s AWaytoGarden.com, Chatham Wine & Liquor, Valley Table, Stewart’s Shops, Bardwil Linens, DinnerWhere? and Kinderhook Bank.

Year-long Bounty sponsors are: Ginsberg’s, The Lofgren/Brad Peck/Hermon T. Huntley agencies, Hudson-Catskill Newspapers, Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, Mexican Radio, First Niagara Bank, CDPHP, Bank of Greene County, Rip Van Winkle Tobacco-Free Coalition, the Health Care Consortium, Metz Wood Harder, Old Chatham Sheepherding and Almstead Nursery and Mulch.

Columbia County Bounty works in partnership with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corp., Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia County, Columbia County Tourism Department and the Columbia Land Conservancy.