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Slide up to the table for Harvest WeekDine at Denver eateriesGene Davis, DDN Staff WriterFriday, September 5, 2008 | |
Dozens of independently owned Denver restaurants have banded together to help support local farmers and the local culinary scene.
Harvest Week, which runs Sept. 6-12, will see 39 independent Denver restaurants offering appetizers, entrees and desserts with ingredients that were locally produced or grown. The event is being put on by the Denver Independent Network of Restaurants (DINR), an organization aiming to “support, encourage and promote independent restaurants” in Denver.
“We wanted to hold an event that would celebrate the spirit of DINR while contributing to the local community,” said a statement from David Zahradnik, president of the organization and general manager of Steuben’s, 523 E. 17th Ave. “DINR is excited to embark on a project that will raise awareness about eating locally and directly support local producers.”
Local restaurant owners, managers and chefs expressed hope that the culinary week will be successful. The stakes are high because the economy, culture and community are positively affected when people dine at local independent restaurants, according to Steuben’s chef Matt Selby.
The idea for Harvest Week gained momentum earlier this year. DINR was looking to hold an event that would raise awareness about the organization, local independent restaurants and Colorado farmers. The group decided the celebratory week would be a good way to accomplish this, and set the wheels in motion.
Every restaurant interviewed by the Denver Daily News was enthusiastic about next week and said they expected it to be successful.
“It looks like it’s going to be really busy,” said Andrea Frizzi, chef-owner of Il Posto, 2011 E. 17th Ave.
“We are definitely anticipating a great week,” said Ann-Marie Hart, manager of Washington Park Grill, 1096 S. Gaylord St.
A unique week
While there is already one big weeklong culinary event in Denver — Restaurant Week — Selby said Harvest Week is unique in its own way. Restaurants participating in Harvest Week aren’t required to have a pre-set menu for a set price, and will focus on Colorado products and dishes.
“Each restaurant with its own concept has the liberty to do what ever they feel like,” said Selby.
Local farmers
Colorado farmers and locally produced ingredients are a main focus of Harvest Week.
“Right now, with economy the way it is, it’s nice to support your local farmers,” said Hart. “It’s always better to eat something that only took a couple of miles to get to you.”
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