Given that March is formally recognized in the U.S. as National Women’s History Month, it’s a perfect time to share stories of resilient, determined women immersed in the life of farm and food today. As spring arrives, we acknowledge the countless contributions and accomplishments of so many inspiring women in our local North Texas community and beyond.
In this issue, we celebrate by highlighting a few local talents— from a flower farmer to a mixologist to a sheep’s milk cheesemaker to a beloved restaurateur who has increased her team with robust talent. The commitment and joy these local women share is evident in what they create and those they influence. Our community is truly fortunate.
As we think about spring blooms, Eve Hill-Agnus writes about Sarah Jo Eversole, whose story highlights a commitment to farming them while honoring the soil. Her example will make you want to snap up and support local blossoms and those who choose to offer them.
Veldhuizen Farm is the only sheep’s milk dairy in Texas. Babs Hogan and Martha Murphy wend their way there to tell us about the Lacaune and Awassi sheep they meet out in Dublin and the women who make and sell wares, from Cheddar to Gouda.
Female mixologist Reid Lewis shakes up a stunning agave cocktail that uses Mijenta Blanco Tequila, made by a female-led and operated company that focuses on sustainability. Master Tequilera Ana María Romero Mena is a force to revere. So is Janice Provost, who brought Joel Orsini on as executive chef at her beloved French bistro Parigi on Oak Lawn. Find gorgeous recipes from Joel, highlighting spring produce and his seasonal flair.
Meanwhile, Daniel Cunningham has put together a map app to help you locate and navigate his list of 11 Pick-Your-Own Produce farms in our area. You can pluck berries in spring, tomatoes in summer and more.
Once again, spring is that time when events begin to bloom—we hope to see you at some fun, annual celebrations of food, drink, and connections. Here’s a link to our online event calendar that features many of our favorites; be sure to mark your calendar! edibledfw.com/events
Nanci Taylor, Publisher
NANCI TAYLOR is a third generation Texan whose family came to the state in the 1800’s to pursue cattle ranching and Texas has remained her home. She was born in San Antonio, but ended up in North Texas where she nurtured her Texas roots while attending college and raising two sons in Dallas. Proudly following in her parent's footsteps, Nanci plants and harvests the bounty of her own backyard garden in Old East Dallas. She keeps a busy calendar attending local food and ecology events, and on weekends she spends her time visiting with growers and food artisans at farms, shops and farmers markets around North Texas.
