SEA to TABLE... a dinner celebrating Oregon fisheries!

Boasting the most in number and the most in varied styles in all of Oregon, Albany's historic homes and buildings bring visitors from all over the world. And now... Albany is beginning to attract a whole new breed of visitors interested in tasting the best food in the state and it's all found right here where we live, the Willamette Valley!

It's no secret that Oregon as a whole is well known all over the world for producing the best of many things that are enjoyed and consumed in one form or another.  More importantly here in the Willamette Valley, we are quick to state and are proud to acknowledge that we are becoming noticed as the best place in Oregon to find the best restaurants and "foodie" experiences.  Places like Vault 244 putting the swank in small town Oregon, Calapooia Brewing Company putting us on the big map by making some of the most awesome beer in Oregon and of course our very own Sybaris Bistro owned by James Beard Foundation award winning chef Matt Bennett and his wife Janel.  Using local, buying from our nearby farmers and helping support our communities, our restaurateurs and chefs have found the bounties here at home and they know how to use them.

Speaking of community support, the Bennett's have and continue to host a handful of fund raisers in Albany, Linn County and Portland.  They have single handedly provided the "it" spot for foodies wanting that "special" Oregon food experience and by combining their efforts, expertise and talent, Chef Matt and his wife Janel at Sybaris Bistro in downtown Albany, have taken locavore and giving to a whole new level.  Shopping close to home for the best of the best before the chefs in Portland even get a whiff of what's growing, Matt has already planned and prepped his way in to many hearts and bellies with his mouthwatering dishes.  So, to say that the Bennetts and Sybaris are involved in another awesome fund raising "food event" is not surprising at all.

Sea to Table is presented by the Ten Rivers Food Web and you find out exactly what that is all about below!  Please join us as we celebrate the amazing BOUNTY found right here in the heart of the valley and beyond and all grown and made with love right here from Albany, Oregon!

"Ten Rivers Food Web invites you to join us for Sea to Table, a dinner celebrating Oregon’s sustainable fisheries on February 26^th from 5pm to 8pm at Linn-Benton Community College. Highlighting the magnificent sustainable seafood and produce available during Oregon’s winter months, Chefs Matt Bennettof Sybaris Bistro in Albany and Rob Pounding of Blackfish Café in Lincoln City (both featured chefs at the prestigious James Beard House in New York) are teaming up to support low-income access to healthy, locally grown food in Linn and Lincoln counties.

Guests will learn about sustainable seafood and local farms directly from the fishermen and farmers who supply ingredients for the meal. Seafood will be provided by the Oregon Crab Commission, the Oregon Trawl Commission, Ocean Bleu at Gino’s, and theOregon Albacore Commission. Springhill Farm andPersephone Farm will supply the fresh winter produce. Vegetarian entrées will also be available, but please email katy@tenriversfoodweb with your request. The event will feature live music from Sweet Papa Lowdown.  Reserve a table for 8 to dine with friends, family, or co-workers by calling Katy Giombolini at 541-602-7278.

This benefit dinner will support the That’s My Farmer SNAP Incentive Program, an initiative that aims to make local, nutritious food more affordable for low-income consumers while also supporting Oregon’s small farms.  When customers use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at participating farmers’ markets, with a minimum purchase of $6 they receive an additional $6 in That’s My Farmer tokens.

This incentive helps the almost 35,000 people receiving SNAP benefits in Linn and Lincoln counties put more fresh fruits and vegetables on their tables.  In 2011, customers spent $6,878 in SNAP dollars at participating Linn County farmers’ markets. Lincoln County customers spent $4,973 in SNAP dollars at participating markets.  With the addition of the incentive, That’s My Farmer recipients spent over $15,000 to support local farmers last season.

With your help, we will build on last year’s success and expand the program to markets in Lebanon, Lincoln City, Toledo and Yachats for the 2012 market season. Please join us Feb. 26th for Sea to Table. Tickets are $49 and can be purchased at Sybaris Bistro, Clemenza’s, First Burger, First Alternative Co-op, Oregon Coast Community College and online here."