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When most people think about food production along the Peninsula, images of artichokes from Pescadero and Dungeness crab from Half Moon Bay likely come to mind. But there are a lot more Peninsula farms, ranches and fisheries than people may expect, said Maggie Lang, CMO of The San Francisco Peninsula DMO, an organization that promotes attractions and events in the area.
Connecting residents and chefs with Peninsula growers and producers is the aim of a debut conference that will be held Monday, May 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Skyline College in San Bruno – and it’s free and open to the public. Attendees can expect three panels by acclaimed chefs and industry experts on agri-tourism and sustainability, complimentary lunch by Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and a farm stand showcase.
Not only will the event foster greater awareness of the various farms on the Peninsula, but it will also inform those in the agriculture industry as to what kinds of produce those in the culinary industry would like to see grown on the Peninsula.
“For example, there are restaurants I was talking to in Burlingame that import a lot of Asian ingredients, which now is becoming even more expensive with the economy, and they’re really concerned about their cost of goods going up,” Lang said. “We can actually grow a lot of it on the Peninsula, as opposed to importing it.”
She said strengthening the bonds between the growers and restaurant owners could boost the Peninsula’s economy, reduce its carbon footprint and promote healthy eating habits.
“There’s a lot of turmoil everywhere right now, and I think businesses are worried, people are worried,” Lang said. “So really, coming together around food is something that always helps ground and connect everybody.”
Peninsula Fresh panelists include Scott Clark, chef-owner of Dad’s Luncheonette in Half Moon Bay; Aaron Keefer, former French Laundry culinary farmer; Ajay Walia, chef-owner of Amara, Rasa and Saffron; Virginia Miller, journalist and World’s 50Best West Coast Chair; Erin Tormey, director of Coastside Farmers Markets; and Aomboon Deasy, co-owner of K&J Orchards and chef behind Michelin Green Star-awarded Pomet in Oakland.
Lang expects about 150 attendees, and anybody in the local community is welcome. The event will be of particular interest to those in the culinary, agri-tourism, agriculture or horticulture fields, she said.
The hosts of Peninsula Fresh are The San Francisco Peninsula DMO and As Fresh As It Gets, a program that connects residents and visitors to San Mateo County’s farmers and fishermen.
“I’m really excited to raise awareness for what the Peninsula offers, because we’re known for a lot of things, but I don’t think that we’re as well known for our bounty as that of, say, Napa or Sonoma,” Lang said.
Register for a free ticket here. Peninsula Fresh will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Farallon Room at Skyline College: 3300 College Drive, San Bruno.
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Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect a change among the panelists attending Peninsula Fresh.
