Rampant Kitchen Culinary Creations Highlight of Gather Event

Jeff Green | Sep 19, 2024

Gather, an event showcasing Frontenac County produced meat, produce, and more, was a collaborative effort between Bloom Farm near Harrowsmith, and Elisa Corrigan of Rampant Kitchen in Inverary, took advantage of some sunny, warm September weather last Saturday (September 14)

Stations were set up on the lawn by the farmhouse, where food and beverage producers talked about how they use the land and resources available to them to bring a product to market. They also served up food and drink for people to enjoy.

Elisa Corrrigan was busy all afternoon, buzzing from one station to another overseeing food preparation. She created dishes with products from each of the producers, that was served at the various locations around the field. The producers helped out with final prep and service, as Corrigan kept checking in to make sure all of the sauces and side elements were in place and the presentation was just right.

The food on offer included mixed mushroom tacos featuring Sydenham's Mark's Mushrooms, Jerk Rabbit featuring the Rise Farm from Godfrey, chicken skewers with elderberry sauce featuring Brass Point Farm from the eastern edge of Frontenac County near Seeley's Bay, Beef Kofta on Rampant Kitchen flatbreads featuring Whan Farms, and shortbreads with nasturtiums from Collective Joy Farm, an urban farm in Kingston. Kick and Push Brewery was also on hand, as was Bergeron Estates Winery and Cidery from Prince Edward County, as was Ludwig's Fine Chocolate from Sharbot Lake.

Ian Murdoch and Tarra Willamson, of Bloom Farm, welcomed all of the guests to their farm, and invited everyone to wander the grounds and gardens, including a visit to a cedar forest in the property, by a field of soybeans, that shows the diversity of landscape in the southern part of Frontenac County.

Gather was one of the events making up Open Farms Days in Frontenac County and the City of Kingston this year.

It is the first event of its kind in the rural area, and was designed to feature the variety of flavours that come from this corner of Eastern Ontario,

In his remarks, Ian Murdoch said he is hoping to see the event grow in popularity in the coming years. In addition to the food and drink that was on offer, attendees also took home a swag bag with a charcuterie board, a flight glass and a shot glass, and a $10 gift certificate from the Frontenac market.

More Open Farms events are coming up this week and next, including the 1st annual Octoberfest at Myers Cave Resort on Road 506 between Plevna and Cloyne. Octoberfest will be a 4 day event, over two weekends.

The first day, Sept 21, will host “Good to Go Band” who will be performing some Bavarian music on accordions while walking between tables. The second day, Sept 22, will host the “Seventh Town Band” with their Celtic music. The third, Sept 28, will host The “Marion Dexler Band” with a variety of Classic Country and Blues. The fourth and last, Sept 29, will host “The Reasons Band” with a wide variety of music ranging between 50's-90's.

All food is sourced locally. Beer from Kick & Push Brewery, Pretzels from Grains & Goods, Sausages from Seed to Sausage, Mustard from David & Sons Fine Condiments, Soda from the County Bounty Soda, Chili Sauce from Gin Creek Farms & Pizza from The Red Barn Zone. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available. Walk in welcomed, as well as pre-reservation on www.myerscaveresort.com or by calling 613-336-9900/ 778-384-3381/2