Changing the World One Local Bite at a Time

That’s the motto of the Chef’s Consortium, a group I’ve officially fallen for.  We joined them to help to “Raise the Barn” last night in Albany.  The Albany Barn has partnered with the Albany Housing Authority and the City of Albany to redevelop St. Joseph’s Academy, a long-vacant former school building in the Arbor Hill neighborhood, into a living, work, and exhibition space for local artists.  Last night’s groundbreaking event featured food by members of the Chef’s Consortium and a photography exhibit of the interior of the school pre-renovation. There’s so much to like here, it’s hard to know where to start.  The enthusiastic young crew trying to keep local artists in the capital region in a way that supports its neighborhood home. And with food! The mushroom risotto cakes were superb last night; as were all of the other tastings by members of the Consortium. The Consortium’s terrific premise is to band together as chefs who use their dedication to sustainable agriculture and local food to support regional events. They’ll be doing their next event on a schooner out of Kingston for an evening ride on the Hudson with fine food and music – I know I’ll be tracking their events closely; suggest you do too. Albany Barn will be participating in the First Friday arts walks in Albany in their North Swan street exhibition space on July 6.