The Pleasures of Local Produce: Fantastic Flavor at Harvest Table
Two brightly painted buildings on the tiny town square of Meadowview, Va.,
signal that new life is taking hold in the rural community north of
Abingdon. The renovated buildings house the Meadowview Farmers’ Guild-a
project that includes a country store and restaurant, called the Harvest
Table, featuring food from local farms. Fresh, homegrown and creative best
describe the new establishment as well as the restaurant cuisine.
Meadowview Farmers’ Guild was the culmination of several community members’
efforts to revive the local economy and provide an outlet for local farm
produce. The man behind the venture is Steven Hopp, a farmer and professor
at nearby Emory & Henry College. Having farmed in the community for many
years, Hopp was familiar with the variety of foods being produced in the
area. With many farmers replacing tobacco with produce, “I came upon the
idea to have a restaurant offering local foods with a seasonal menu,” Hopp
says.
The philosophy at Harvest Table reflects some of the thinking that Hopp
brings to light in the recently released book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,
which he co-wrote with his wife, author Barbara Kingsolver, and daughter
Camille Kingsolver.
With the stated goal “to serve the best locally produced foods available,”
the Harvest Table seeks farmers who care about the quality of the food they
produce and sustainability of their land. The restaurant serves meats that
have been raised responsibly without hormones or antibiotics and avoids
serving foods that have been genetically modified, factory packaged or
require long distance transport and excessive fuel consumption.
Ann N. Yungmeyer is a freelance writer who lives in Kingsport, Tenn.
For the complete story please read the Winter issue of Marquee Mountain
South.
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