Beyond the Plate

A first-ever gathering for local food lovers, “Beyond the Plate: A Symposium of Food, Writing and Community” will be hosted by the Truro Castle Hill Center for the Arts on Saturday June 9th, 2018. The program features three of Gourmet magazine’s best: former editor-in-chief Ruth Reichl; travel editor William Sertl; and executive editor John “Doc” Willoughby. Joining this trio are nine of the Cape and Islands’ many food activists, all devoted to nourishing us from forest, farm and sea. The program will explore the intricacies of food practices, politics, advocacy, access and sustainability, while simultaneously highlighting the creativity and involvement of area chefs, writers, photographers, bloggers, farmers, and commercial fishermen.

Opening the day is a 90-minute panel discussion showcasing the Gourmet trios’ involvement at that publication and their careers since. Following a short break, Cape and Islands food leaders will focus more locally. A conversation titled Our Food Choices, led by Elspeth Hay, will feature Ali Berlow, writer, WCAI co-host and founder of Martha Vineyard’s Island Grown Initiative; Michael Ceraldi, chef of the restaurant bearing his name; Drew Locke, poultry farmer; and writer and recipe developer Sarah Waldman. Nicole Cormier, nutritionist and co-owner of The Local Juice Bar + Pantry, will prep locally-sourced creations for the luncheon.

Afternoon breakout sessions follow with local restaurateur Raina Stefani, diver Paul Tasha, cookbook author Sarah Leah Chase, aquaculturist and chef Meave McAuliffe, and director for the Marine Animal Entanglement Response program at the Center for Coastal Studies, Scott Landry. Attendees will chose three sessions to attend from among ten talks, workshops and demos, including a screening of the film Organic Farms are Everywhere and a chat with its co-director, Nicole Cormier. A celebratory cocktail hour and book sale conclude the afternoon’s events at 5 p.m.

A visit to Edgewood Farm, the historic venue that once housed the town of Truro’s doctor, is an added perk of attendance. The homestead includes the main home, as well as its period greenhouse, a gorgeously restored barn and several outbuildings, all clustered on land that once hosted an orchard of heirloom apple trees.

Capping off the conference is an optional evening meal at Ceraldi in Wellfleet, prepared by the acclaimed forager, fisherman and chef-owner, Michael Ceraldi. Seating for the feast, with a set dinner and wine pairings, begins at 8 p.m. for those who have paid a separate fee. Each dinner guest has the option of inviting one guest to join them at an additional cost, until occupancy capacity has been met.

The complete agenda and purchasing options for Beyond The Plate are found at castlehill.org.