Food is universal. It bridges all cultures, languages, and generations. When food is good – fresh, real, and prepared with care – it has the power to transform the mundane to extraordinary, and turn strangers into fast friends.
Steve Harris and Steve Puckett, owners of downtown Brownwood’s popular Steves’ Market and Deli, are strong believers in the power of good food. They believe food should be fresh, seasonal and when possible locally grown. Their menu reflects that belief.
The Steves, as they are known to friends and fans, have long been supporters of the Brownwood Area Community Garden for the same reason. This Friday evening, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., they combine their support of the Garden and their dedication to fine food as hosts of a gourmet ‘Gathering in the Garden’ dinner. Featuring locally sourced foods from the Community Garden, Brown County Farmers Market, and Raindrop Farm (formerly Bangs Greenhouse), the Gathering is the Steves’ second fundraiser dinner for the non-profit Community Garden.
“The Garden is an amazing asset to our community,” Steve Harris said. “Everyone should have access to fresh, quality food, regardless of economics or physical ability or locale. That’s what the Garden is all about, and we want to support that.”
Guests to the Gathering will enjoy a unique menu by the Steves, as well as an array of handmade desserts by area baker Amanda Leija, and Kohler chocolates. Area musician Debra Mathis brings live music to the event. A Silent Auction of donated goods and services rounds out the evening’s offerings, including handcrafted wind chimes, cedar bird house, gift certificates, and more.
New participants in this year’s Gathering are Jen and Shaun McBroom, of Raindrop Farm, formerly Bangs Greenhouse. Originally from Houston, the McBrooms grow tomatoes, herbs, and other vegetables in their hydroponic greenhouses for restaurants and green grocers, including Steves’ Market and Deli. Jen McBroom said their specialty tomatoes, including an Indigo Blueberry hybrid cherry tomato, will grace the menu, topped with their fresh lime basil.
“Growing quality produce is a passion for us,” she said. “When we moved to Bangs from Houston last January, we really didn’t know what to expect from the area. So, we were delighted to meet kindred spirits like the Steves, and to discover the Community Garden. That’s a garden that any community would be proud of, and we’re happy to have the chance to help support it.”
According to Susan Parsons, president-elect of the Brownwood Area Community Garden board of directors, the gourmet event “brings the best of our community together for a good cause: celebrating our fifth anniversary, and raising money to keep the Garden growing.
“In our first five years, we’ve raised and donated almost 10,000 pounds of produce to area food pantries, and given dozens of residents the chance to raise their own food,” she said. “We’re delighted to have the Steves lend their support to our cause. They’re the kind of people who really make a difference in their community.”
Ticket price is $50 per person and attendance is limited. Tickets can be purchased at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce or by calling 325-641-9029.
The Community Garden was built in 2010 on an unused sports field on property managed by Brownwood Housing Authority, behind the Central Texas Opportunities offices at 1500 Dublin St., in Brownwood. Its primary mission is to provide fresh produce year-round for area food pantries.
The 125-foot by 175-foot fenced garden consists of 67 raised beds filled with sandy loam and organic amendments, each 4 feet wide and 20 feet long. Most of the beds are 18 inches high, but five were built higher to accommodate wheelchair gardeners.
Most of the 67 beds are dedicated to growing produce for area food pantries, specifically the Salvation Army Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen. But 30 beds are leased for a nominal fee to individuals, families, and organizations. The fee includes irrigation water, a selection of seeds, and educational opportunities. Garden coordinator Daniel Graham said a few beds are still available for lease. For further information, call 325-641-9029.
Pictured – Shaun and Jennifer McBroom of Raindrop Farm explain the finer points of growing basil to Steve Harris and Steve Puckett at their hydroponic greenhouse in Bangs. The McBrooms will participate in a gourmet dining event at the Brownwood Area Community Garden this Friday, May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m., hosted by Steves’ Market and Deli of downtown Brownwood.
