Sunday, July 28, 2013

Edible Long Island Debuts – Telling the Story of How Long Island Eats


The first digital edition of Edible Long Island is a celebration of summer in Nassau and Suffolk

There was once a time when I thought the idea of local food and artisanal food products just didn’t apply to where I lived. Born and raised in a place where strip malls, chain restaurants and movie theaters get a lot of attention, I thought you had to travel to discover interesting food trends, and that other people were lucky because they seemed to be blessed with an abundance of fascinating food and agriculture right in their backyard. 

Then, I opened my eyes, and I saw what was happening in my own backyard. Through exploration and the stories of “Culinary Types,” I talked to people and I tasted. I discovered historic farmland, community sponsored agriculture, heritage chickens, a proliferation of farmers markets, goat cheese, craft vodka, pioneering chefs, fresh seafood, and some amazing artisanal bread right in Nassau and Western Suffolk County. Why travel, when the eats are pretty darn good right here at home? 

That’s why I’m thrilled that the newest member of the Edible Communities, Edible Long Island has arrived with its first digital edition, and I’m a contributor helping to tell the story of how Long Island eats.

Long Island native Betsy Davidson is the Editor of Edible Long Island and has gathered a team of local writers and photographers who are passionate about the food of central Long Island. Betsy is a writer and organic gardener who lives in Huntington.
Betsy Davidson is Editor of Edible Long Island
“Nassau and Western Suffolk counties are blessed with a vibrant and diverse population that likes to eat,” says Betsy.  “We shop, cook, drink and dine out, a lot!”

Part of the fun is exploring a food culture that has previously gotten far less attention than the Brooklyn food scene or the farms and vineyards of Long Island’s East End.

“There is so much going on in the kitchens and backyards of our suburban communities along the LIE and LIRR,” says Betsy. “We raise chickens and livestock, grow kale hydroponically in the winter, and brew our own beer and kombucha tea.”

You can read the first digital edition of Edible Long Island by clicking here.   The issue is celebration of summer, and you’ll find two stories penned by me. One is a profile of The Shack (page 50) in Centerport, a venerable “joint” on the North Shore that has been serving up clams and chaos for over 30 years.  

I’ve also authored a piece on how the small business owners of the restaurants, fish markets and bars on Freeport’s Nautical Mile are fighting to come back after the destruction of Hurricane Sandy (pages 16 and 17). Photographer Doug Wynn and I made several visits to the Nautical Mile following the storm to track their progress and chronicle their stories. 

A print edition of Edible Long Island will launch in September.   I hope you enjoy the stories.  I’m proud to be a part of the team serving up our hometown feast.

©2013 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved   

11 comments:

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

Congratulations to all of you who've brought Edible LI to life!

Deana Sidney said...

Congrats to you for the new gig. I can't think of anyone who's a more passionate advocate for your local food culture. Just what one needs in a magazine. Just reading about your farm group has made me feel differently about Long Island.

I look forward to checking it out!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Big congratulations on this new project TW. It sounds really exciting. I am so pleased for you and look forward to reading more.
Sam

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

TW, I just had a thought. Ina Garten promotes farm stands and local vendors near her home in the Hamptons. In her newest shows she is going to Brooklyn and the city, promoting new local eateries and foods. On yesterday's program Jeffrey made cheese. This sounds something right up her alley. The worse you could get is a no, right?
Sam

Colette Burke said...

Hi T.W. I have downloaded the app and am quite impressed with its quality - interesting stories accompanied by beautiful pictures. It is good to see the efforts of local food producers so well showcased. Colette.

Barbara said...

What a marvelous idea, T.W., and congratulations on being a contributor. Can't think of anyone better!
Looking forward to clicking on the links.

laura luciano said...

Bravo! For your contribution on the stories of the Edible Communities on Long Island; it is truly a magical place.

~~louise~~ said...

I'm so excited for you and the wonderful crew of Edible Long Island, T.W. A venue such as this is long over due and I for one am thrilled.

Your stories about The Shack and the Nautical Mile were memory catchers for me. I truly enjoyed them both. I look forward to many more helpings:)

Thank you so much for sharing, T.W...

Catherine said...

Dear T.W., Long Island is the best!
It has been "discovered" and now the downside is all the prices go up!
I do miss all the farms when I was growing up. I guess I wanted LI to stay that way and I am trying to hold on.
Well anyway, Cheers to You! on Edible LI and all the very best.
Blessings, Catherine

Axelle the french cook said...

I'm not surprised to see you in such a project. :)
Congratulations, T.W !
PS : I love the picture with plants growing in the bath :D

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a terrific idea! I'm off to read your contributions. Would it be terribly inelegant to say they are fortunate to have you in their roster. You always bring so much to the table. Have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary