As I mentioned on Friday, this past weekend, thirty-three wonderfully talented people within the food world got together at Anvil Vineyard & Ranch in Sonoma County for the first year of Eat Retreat, a creative workshop for people within the food industry.
It was an event and dining experience that was both educational and inspiring. In the 48 hours we spent together, we learned some interesting things like yogurt making and butchering, but beyond that, in the process of creative collaboration, we explored just exactly how community is built. Thanks to all of you in the Foodspotting community, I think I know a thing or two about the notion of community. So much of what we do here at Foodspotting relies heavily on togetherness, and similarly, many aspects of the food world count on this bond we all feel. This said, a good question was raised: Why were we here?
Fact is, with more people, we simply get more - more of everything, more ideas, more content, more learning, more fun. Yes, more complexity too, but something amazing always comes out of it. In the case of Eat Retreat, I'm certain that we took away not only new recipes, new ideas but also new friendships that will definitely grow into great collaborations, projects, partnerships as we cultivate them - much like the yogurt we brought home with us :)
The night we arrived, we were asked around a bonfire to announce one sentence that best describes our food philosophy. I stated, "Food is always better when you share it." This theme resonated strongly throughout the weekend because we did nothing but share - stories, rooms, meals, secret tips, marketing know-how and too many others to list.
It all boils down to two words: sharing and more. The best part of the weekend was that it marked only the beginning of both ideas within the group, because we were successful in forming a community. While there always needs to be a start of any community - I don't see an end to this particular one any time in the future. I'm excited and honoured to be a part of what's to come, some of it already brewing!
Very special thanks to the delightful founders of Eat Retreat for making it all happen, Kathryn Tomajan, Laura Brunow Miner and Emily Morgan - and to the 29 other participants for making it memorable including but not limited to grapefruits in the face, an impressive Overheard Wall, and kazoos accompanying wah-wah's by the fire.
INNAjam's exclusive and incredibly delicious kiwi jam
Ah-mazing halibut crudo made by Mike Lee of Studio Feast
Gastronaut's handmade yogurt, which comes from Harold McGee's starter.
Gift from my camp buddy Laura, co-founder of Eat Retreat and one of my fave sites, Pictory.
