Local is the theme of this year’s Garden Party hosted by Druid City Garden Project, where Tuscaloosa residents will be given a rare chance to sample meals made with local ingredients from the city’s most renowned restaurants. The event will take place at the Tuscaloosa River Market on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 5-8 p.m.
Guests will be able to try buffet-style, locally-made dishes from different restaurant and farm pairings and beer from Good People Brewing Co. and Druid City Brewing Co.
Lindsay Turner, executive director of Druid City Garden Project, said she believes the Garden Party will be a fun event for everyone.
“It’s an event to celebrate some local food and for us to come and enjoy what has been produced and created locally,” Turner said.
There will be a variety of meals featured, including Jim N’ Nicks’ whole heritage hog, Cypress Inn’s duo tomato plate with tomatoes from Burnett Farms, and Epiphany Cafe’s spiced winter squash soup featuring squash from Snow’s Bend Farm.
Mary’s Cakes and Pastries will try its hand at vegetable and oatmeal cookies with okra, eggplant and squash from Snow’s Bend Farm. Owner Mary Cesar said her store has always bought locally and that it is important for her to support Alabama’s local farmers.
“[Farmers are] the people that care,” Cesar said. “You know you’re supporting someone that lives down the street from you. You actually talk to the people who grow your food. You can find out from them why they grow what they grow and what motivates them. It makes the whole experience more than just eating because you’re hungry.”
Cesar said she looks forward to showing people how fruits and vegetables can be used for desserts.
“It’s fun to be part of that cutting edge of raising awareness of how you can use local things,” Cesar said.
Along with promoting local farmers, the Garden Party is also meant to support Druid City Garden Project. The nonprofit organization is using the event to bring awareness and raise money to eat locally and implement gardens in schools’ backyards.
“Our mission and our work is in Tuscaloosa City Schools,” said Turner. “So we love to have folks come out and learn more about our mission and our program.”
Tickets for the Garden Party cost $40 for general admission and $55 for the All-Star Level. Ticket prices increase by $5 at the door. All proceeds benefit Druid City Garden Project.
