Local Chefs Converge on Austin’s Urban Springdale Farm

Journey three miles from the Texas Capitol and you will find yourself at an unexpected urban farm. Owners and farmers Glenn and Paula Foore have harvested quite the business venture, brought together by food, surrounded by the bustle of the budding streets of East Austin and cinched by a foundation of nearly 20 local and successful restaurateurs.

Located at 755 Springdale Road, upon 4.83 acres of land, sits Springdale Farm.

Upcoming Festivities at Springdale Farm

On Sunday, September 28, 2014 from 1-5 PM, the Foores will host Springdale Farm Aid. It’s a sip and stroll event that allows guests to experience the beauty and resources this urban farm provides to Austin’s food loving community. A $50 all-inclusive ticket will get you an up close look at the seasonal vegetable crop varieties, farm games and live music.

Stroll across the grounds to sample inspired menus, witness the craft cocktail talent of Tipsy Texan and sip other Texas born libations.

Funds raised from ticket sales and a silent auction will assist Springdale Farm to navigate through city processes, compliance with codes and operational expenses.

A generous outpouring of support comes from dozens of local chefs. With delicious, farm fresh dishes for guests to sample, they’ll be emerging from the kitchens of Odd Duck, Barley Swine, Congress Austin, Second Bar + Kitchen, Parkside, Olive & June, Eden East, Hillside Farmacy, Olamaie, 24 Diner, Easy Tiger, Arro, épicerie, Swift’s Attic, Confituras, Cafe Josie, Salt & Time, Greenhouse Craft Food, The Scarlet Rabbit, The Driskill Grill, Fine Home Dining, The Hightower, Mulberry, Weather Up, Eastside Pies and more.

This is a unique opportunity for Austinites to sample food from many of the most respected restaurants in town, all in one place.

Share your experiences at Springdale Farm by tweeting your photos and using #SpringdaleFarmAid on your social media on the day of the event.

For the Family Farm

In the early nineties, the Foores purchased Springdale’s property through Austin’s Economic Re-Development Program, a city initiative intended to drive small businesses to East Austin. It wasn’t until January 2009 that Springdale Farm was formed. Since then, it has been family owned and operated, employing a small team of long term employees.

Springdale Farm is committed to growing produce for community members who are interested in eating fresh, local food and creating a sustainable future. “Who knew when we started farming that it would become so complicated and political,” comments Paula Foore. “These days, we spend a good majority of our time and resources going to city meetings and filling out city applications for permitting, code compliance and farm ordinances while we try and keep our focus on being the community hub that we’ve always set out to be.”

Each Wednesday and Saturday from 9 AM–1 PM, the foot traffic at the farm drastically increases while locals show up to fill their reusable totes with fresh produce and eggs from the farm stand. Rain or shine, the indoor stand is filled with current crops. You can even check the “currently growing” list to plan your meals, prior to your purchase.

Support the Future of Springdale Farm

“If you know a farmer, you know the reason they farm is because they are passionate about what they do. Because farming, even on a good day, is challenging,” said Paula. “Right now, at Springdale Farm, we have the additional hurdles and expenses of dealing with zoning amendments and new compliance conditions to continue hosting functions on the farm. Bringing awareness to the local food movement and hosting various events is crucial to our success as an urban farm. The support of our local community is extremely heartwarming.”

Be sure to keep the award-winning farm in mind when considering a centrally located, Texas sized venue with a country feel. Springdale Farm relies heavily on booking music and arts events, weddings, corporate affairs, private dinners, concerts, birthday parties and more on property. Stay up to date with their calendar to score an opportunity to participate, when they team up with local organizations to host educational programs involving food, music and arts.

And, of course, don’t forget to get your ticket for the exciting Springdale Farm Aid event on September 28th.

Facebook: SpringdaleFarmATX
Twitter: @springdalefarm
Instagram: @springdalefarm

 

@CrisMueller asks:

What are your favorite urban farms in and around Austin?