Bounty From Hamptons-Based Farmers Market Inspiring Benefit Mid-Summer Lunch

The Ecological Culture Initiative (ECI) will host a Farmers’ Market Lunch on Saturday, August, 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Breezeway of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

“ECI is an environmental non-profit based out of Hampton Bays. Its focus is on building an ecologically responsible community through environmental advocacy and education,” Mia Fasanella, Director of Cultural Affairs, ECI, Hampton Bays Farmers’ Market Partner/Operator, explained. “ECI is hosting a Farmers’ Market lunch because the best way to know the quality of what you are eating is to shop for locally sourced produce. Farmers’ markets build healthy communities by connecting people with the the sources for fresh locally grown and produced food in their neighborhood.”

The mid-summer lunch will feature farm to table produce from the Hampton Bays Farmers’ Market vendors.

On the menu, local, organic, vegetarian and vegan options will be prepared by Manhattan’s Ritz Tower chef Robert Curreri. “The wonderful thing about the farmers’ market, aside from all the friendly people, is the endless menu ideas you are presented every week. For a cook, chef, or anyone who cooks at home, the market offers varietals and freshness that cannot be duplicated even by the biggest food distributor,” noted Chef Curreri. “The Market Caponata in the photo used four different eggplant, one of which I had never used in my thirty five years of cooking. Just this morning I called a very prominent and reliable vendor for local peaches and the closest they have is New Jersey, via the Bronx, while I can go to the market and get them just picked on the east end last night.”

After ten years in the city and with over 30 years in the industry, Chef Curreri now lives on the East End permanently running Robert’s Bakestand, baking his fruit pies and delicious chocolate truffle bars, which will also be served at the lunch.

“ECI’s hope is that the Farmers’ Market Lunch on August 25th will inspire people to eat and shop more locally by showcasing a meal made from produce grown on the East End,” Fasanella added.

Proceeds support the St. Rosalie’s Food Pantry and ECI’s Farmers’ Market Initiative.

Tickets are $30 per person and seating is limited to 25.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is located at 165 Ponquogue Avenue in the Hampton Bays. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eciny.org/lunch.