In a world where the question “where does it come from” is becoming as important as “how much does it cost,” for both diners and restaurants, it’s crucial for local farmers and chefs to connect. That was the goal at Birch & Barley Monday, when Arcardia Food held its third Farmer-Chef Speed Sourcing event. Like old school speed dating (or Match.com), attendees were provided with a cheat sheet of whom they’d benefit from talking to. For example, Hank’s Oyster Bar Chef/Owner Jamie Leeds shared that she's looking to source beef, lamb, goat, rabbit, vegetables, fruit and honey. We snapped her with Willowsford Kitchen’s Bonnie Moore.

Top personnel from Arcadia Food and Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG) were mingling in the packed house, helping to make valuable introductions. We snapped NRG Owner Michael Babin, who is also the founder/chairman of Arcadia. NRG’s Chef Nathan Anda joined him. You’ll find Arcadia Farm on the Woodlawn Estate in Alexandria, VA. It works to build innovative partnerships between local, sustainable farms and consumers, as well as helping more people have access to healthy food and fresh produce. One way it does this is through operating two “mobile markets” that make stops throughout the region.