Chattanooga: TasteBuds guide highlights local food

Chef Daniel Lindley said Americans have detoured from many basic values, including eating habits.

“We’ve strayed at the way we eat,” said Mr. Lindley, who owns St. John’s, The Meeting Place and Alleia restaurants in Chattanooga. “As a chef, I want to work with fresh, safe and quality ingredients, and that starts with using local produce. Professionally, that has been my mission.”

And that’s why he said he’s “thrilled” with TasteBuds, the inaugural Buy Fresh Buy Local food guide unveiled Friday at Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga. TasteBuds is a guide to eating locally grown food within the Chattanooga area.

The booklet offers information on farmers in the area, restaurants that prepare and serve local ingredients, and farmers markets and grocery stores that sell local produce.

Vanessa Mercer, Crabtree Farms executive director, said the guide is a “dream come true.”

“(It) tells us of fresh new food options, where they’re at and how to access them,” she said.

Lupi’s restaurant owner Dorris Shober said she has been buying local ingredients for her restaurant since 2004.

“It’s a little more expensive, but it’s important for the local economy and farmers, as well as for healthy reasons. I’m giving customers the best I can,” she said. “All the ground beef I buy is local, so I don’t have to think about all the food ‘scares.’ I know where the meat comes from.”

Mrs. Shober said that’s why she appreciates the new guide.

“It helps me to know what farms are out there and what’s available,” she said. “It’s important for our community.”

Organic farmers Jay and Les Rivett, owners of Jay’s Garden Variety in Henagar, Ala., said consumers and restaurant owners have become more interested in what they eat and serve to customers.

“People want to know where their food comes from and who’s growing it,” Mr. Rivett said. “They can come to our farm and see how it’s grown and ask questions. We encourage it.”