Global Food Collaborative

There has been a global paradigm shift this year.  If you don't feel it - don't read on.  

One of those paradigm shifts has occurred in local food sourcing.   The value proposition of going local has been made to commercial buyers like Whole Foods and Walmart who quantified the savings and changed out their entire supply chain.    In 2009, the local food movement has gotten more traction then ever with its  demonstrated energy and carbon emissions savings, as well as the direct connection to its value in creating sustainable communities.    The USDA has created programs and policies to support the efforts.  Local food sourcing has become mainstream.   In fact, The National Restaurant Association has just recently published results from its Top List of Hottest Menu Trends for 2010  That survey of more than 1,800 American Culinary Federation member chefs shows locally produced food and beverages in the top five of menu trends.

I've always felt that the link to local was, however, missing something.     I couldn't put my finger on it, until late last summer.  

I guess you could say I wanted more help and knowledge in navigating this paradigm shift.    I'm old school - go to the store or restaurant - go home.   Changing my personal supply chain was a bit more complex.   I wanted my hand held a bit to get started.  Dave Thorne does exactly that!

Dave offers up unique local foods catering skills for parties and cooking classes.     While he may not yet be a Food Network Star, he has all the skills to do so.   He is charming and gives the host or hostess a comfort level that the orchestration of an event can be entirely off of their shoulders if they choose.     The link to local is solidly and sustainably made with Dave's ability to not only provide education, but a hands on experiences of raising your local Food IQ all while you are having fun.    If you are seeking a family lesson on how to source and cooking tips - Dave can offer up an informal class capped with a meal of your class lessons.

Dave Thorne of Alaska Rootsellers has an existing year round, distribution business within Alaska's Southcentral Region to provide commercial buyers, local produce and meats.      Local restaurants have been thrilled to have a distributor that could not only deliver local product, but get them the best intelligence on what was available for their future fare and events.       Dave's expanded service of taking this to private homes or special events makes the ultimate connection.

Providing the comprehensive "missing link" to local, Dave Thorne is an encyclopedia of local foods, the farmers or fishermen that provide the sustenance.  His parties often demonstrate and engage the partygoers on healthy/creative ways to utilize local foods.  While recipes may work for many, having the synergy of a group and all of your senses engaged in an applied learning environment - captures your fullest attention.  While a lifelong Alaskan and resident, Dave is a professional Chef by training and also regularly works for such famous clients as Neil Young, Justin Timberlake and Cirque Du Soleil.

For those who want to positively engage in the paradigm shift, recruiting Dave for a cooking class, party or special event is a great step forward.  If you are inclined to continue dining out for your local fare - Dave can keep you up to date with the restaurants featuring local fare.      Either way he takes the complex out of year-round sourcing and cooking of local foods.

Dave Thorne has created a value added to the local movement and Alaska is fortunate to have him return from his celebrity tours to support our businesses and consumers.   

Chef Dave Thorne

907.230 7687