Come to the Table

Slow Food USA’s highly anticipated inaugural national gathering to celebrate good, clean and fair food and producers began today in central San Francisco.

The rich program boasts a wide range of activities which intend to encourage the public to develop their perception of taste and quality, and make people more aware of the environmental impact of our food production and to support artisan producers.

With so many activities happening over the three days – from taste workshops to tours in the local vicinity, from film screenings to farmer’s markets – the organizers have proposed seven diverse itineraries, navigating Slow Food Nation according to different interests.

Cheese Lovers will enjoy a wonderful array of artisan produce from across the nation in the Bread, Cheese and Wine Tour of the Taste Pavilion, and in taste workshops on American artisan and raw milk cheese.

Wine Fanatics can learn more in the workshops focusing on biodynamic wines, Slow wine and food pairings, and the Mendocino wine region.

The Policy Wonk can attend numerous speaker sessions on topics ranging from the new Food Bill to the impacts of centralized food system, and a panel discussion on how to create an improved food system. Buzz Seekers, on the other hand, can enjoy two nights of music and an exploration of beer, wine and spirits in the taste pavilion, as well as the Slow Dinner on Sunday evening.

While those on a Date Weekend may like to start with a Slow Breakfast in the local cafés, and then experience the Half Moon Bay Coastal Pleasures journey, the Budget Minded can visit the Marketplace, Victory Garden, Soap Box, Slow Arts exhibitions, and Slow Hikes for free.

For more information on these itineraries, and to see the full program, visit www.slowfoodnation.org