Deer Creek Organics

We are excited to add a new farmer to our Chicago roster of local producers. Deer Creek Organics, located along the Kankakee River in nearby St. Anne, has been in the Franklin family for over 100 years. Read their story and blog and check out their organic produce at all the Chicago and suburban locations. This week Jeff Franklin has sent us beautiful green savoy spinach, red veined Bordeaux spinach, romaine lettuce, and a gorgeous summer crimson lettuce. Crisp and sweet, Kohlrabi, also know as German Turnip; can be found on our stir fry bar. All organically raised, Jeff harvests on Tuesday and has it sent to us for use on Wednesday. This Tuesday we visit Jeff and his family for a firsthand look at the week’s harvest. Check out the Right Stuff Board when you arrive at any Big Bowl for the latest local offerings.

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 06/12/2010 - 10:26.

It is great that Big Bowl is using local growers. I am always amazed by all of the California labels that I see in grocery stores. Why doesn't everone buy local? Support local growers, and frankly things just taste better when they ripen on the vine as opposed to ripening on a cross country truck ride.

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Chef's Farm

Rustic Road Farm: Our First Year

And what a year it’s been.

We have harvested 11,000 pounds of organic vegetables, successfully raised three Berkshire hogs, as well as flocks of turkeys and chickens. We are currently collecting eggs from 50 heritage breed hens, raising four Lincoln Long Hair ewes, and playing host to four mischievous goats in the hopes of producing milk products of some sort.

All this in less than 10 months.

Eggnog nostalgia and a holiday recipe to remember

December marks my 14th anniversary with Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. Before jumping into Asian cuisine with Chinese food pioneer Bruce Cost, I spent five years as executive chef of foodlife in Chicago's Water Tower.

What makes you weak at the knees?

Everyone has a weakness. For some people, it might be shoes. For animal lovers, it's usually adopting one more pet. Me? Adding more animals to Rustic Road Farm.

You see, before we bought this 5-acre property in Elburn, about 30 miles west of Chicago, I used to dream about owning a farm. I would imagine this very bucolic image of looking out the front window and seeing farm animals grazing on the property.

So no one should be surpised that it's hard saying no when it comes to your weakness.

"You bought what?" asked my partner, Luiz.

Deer Creek Organics

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Chef's Farm

Rustic Road Farm: Our First Year

Eggnog nostalgia and a holiday recipe to remember

What makes you weak at the knees?

What's Happening

Earth Day Celebration April 22

Patricia Yeo of Top Chef Masters joins the Big Bowl Team

Expect the Unexpected during the holiday season