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Blogs / On the Table / June 2009 / Celebrate Independence Day by eating local

Celebrate Independence Day by eating local

You're all planning how you're going to celebrate our nation's birthday this Saturday—fireworks, beer, barbecue, baseball, they're all highly appropriate. But one of the most patriotic things you can do on Independence Day is act independent: support local businesses. With that in mind, Local First Utah announces  that Independents' Week has already begun; it runs from June 27 hrough July 4. 

That's right—the party has already sarted! Have a beer! But make it a local beer.       

Here's the deal: research shows that locally owned, independent businesses contribute over three times as much to the local economy as do chains. In addition, the owners of local businesses live in the community, use local resources and hire local vendors, participate in local events, and employ our friends and neighbors. To find locally owned businesses, visit www.localfirst.org and check out the directory of more than 2100 locally owned and operated businesses throughout Utah. You can also pick up a brand new 2009 Local First print directory at your favorite local business.

(And, self-promoting plug here: remember, Salt Lake magazine is a local business.)      

Anyway, there are a number of events planned to celebrate Independents' Week and Independence Day.  One (again, it's all about me and the mag) is to visit the Downtown Farmers Market  in Pioneer Park on Saturday, July 4. Besides picking up melons, cherries, chicken, shrimp, cheese and all kinds of locally grown goodies for your Fourth feast, you can watch local chefs compete in the Local First Chef Challenge.

This year, competitors are from Utah's hottest new restaurants. Adam Kreisel of Tipica faces Adam Findlay and Michael Richey of Pago, to battle it out on the burners. All these guys have cooked together at one time or another, so the competition will be especially fierce and that means fun.

The catch is, dishes must be made with local ingredients, sourced that morning at the market. Competition is from 8 am, when chefs start shopping. And I'll be one of the lucky judges.     There are lots of other Local First events going on all week.  Go to www.localfirst.org for a complete schedule.