DeLand, FL –Stetson University will host a family-style, five-course dinner to support Hatter Harvest’s mission to promote the benefits of sustainable agriculture both on campus and in the community. Dinner will be prepared by Hari Pulapaka, executive chef and co-owner of Cress Restaurant and associate professor of mathematics at Stetson University; and Patrick Smallen, executive chef, Chartwells Higher Education at Stetson University.
Each of the five courses will be prepared by either Pulapaka or Smallen. The third course, prepared by Pulapaka, will feature herb-crusted sustainable fresh fish, salsa verde, roasted corn salsa, forbidden rice and quinoa, and roasted seasonal vegetables. The fourth course, by Smallen, will include McCoy farms braised short ribs, celery root mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, red wine beef reduction and frizzled fried onions. Special dietary needs should be indicated clearly during the reservation process.
The event includes a screening of the acclaimed documentary Food Chains, which focuses on an intrepid and highly lauded group of tomato pickers in southern Florida – the Coalition of Immokalee Workers or CIW – who are revolutionizing farm labor. Their story is one of hope and promise for the triumph of morality that ensures a dignified life for farm workers and a more humane, transparent food chain. The film premiered at the 2014 Berlin Film Festival and was subsequently screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and Guadalajara Film Festival. The film’s executive producers include Eva Longoria and Eric Schlosser.
Following the documentary will be a panel discussion designed to increase awareness and knowledge of the farming industry and the role local agriculture plays in the health of communities.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Hatter Harvest, a student organization at Stetson University created to promote the benefits of sustainable agriculture both on campus and in the community. To further that goal, the organization works with community groups to take on gardening projects. Hatter Harvest maintains a community garden on campus for student use and works to make local food accessible to students by bringing Farmer’s Markets to campus.
Hatter Harvest benefit dinner is Wednesday, April 5, 6:30-9:30 p.m., in the Stetson Room of the Carlton Union Building, 131 E. Minnesota Ave., DeLand, Florida, 32723. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.cressrestaurant.com.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017
