The Dinner

On November 10, 2013, SEAM hosted its first participatory-grant dinner. This cycle focused on emerging High Country farmers and food producers. The call for proposals prompted 14 diverse project submissions, ranging from agroforestry equipment to website development. From these outstanding submissions, a panel of area food systems experts chose three projects based upon the creativity, feasibility, readiness, and sustainability of the projects. 

On the night of the dinner, over 50 people gathered at CoBo Sushi Bar & Bistro to support Boone Barr, High Country CSA, and Homestead Mushrooms, Inc. The event raised $1,163.10 in ticket sales. From this and additional donations, the total amount awarded was $1,506.90, which will support Homestead Mushrooms purchase of a large HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter for performing sterile mushroom cultivation, Boone Barr's purchase of a vending machine, and High Country CSA's website development. However, as Rusty Kuhfeld and Matt Webb of Homestead Mushrooms stated, "Here, at the end of the first dinner, we look at ourselves and both realize the monetary benefit from this event is not by any means the greatest reward we received from this SEAM organized event. The experience from marketing ourselves and witnessing the positive reception of our ideas by fellow community members has been priceless."

Opened in May 2013, CoBo Sushi Bistro and Bar is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that not only includes the Japanese art of sushi, but also has plenty of non-traditional and contemporary menu items. We have a fun-loving, casual, yet elegant atmosphere that welcomes all.

The Menu

Green Pippin-Crown Pumpkin Potage
Cracked Coriander, Julienne Baby Carrot Salad
Homemade Biscuits  or  Flourless Flatbread from Nosh
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Brown Sugar Berkshire Rib Chops  or  Sunchoke Confit 
Pickled Allium Medley Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Chestnuts Barbecued Braising Greens Medley
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Fresh Custard-jam Pie  or  Baked Rome Apples with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

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