Farm-to-table. (adj.) A dish composed of locally grown ingredients. In other words, there’s a small distance between the farm where the food was grown, and the table where you’re eating it.
You’ve probably heard about it — but do you know why the popular trend makes such a positive impact?
- By purchasing local ingredients, you’re supporting local farms and the local economy.
- Food doesn’t have to travel very far, which cuts down on fuel usage, reduces packaging waste + makes Mother Earth happy.
- Because it’s produced nearby, it tends to be fresher — and unlike food shipped from afar — it probably wasn’t frozen before hitting your plate.
There are over 1,000 farms right here in Greenville County, and you can find their goods on the menus of numerous GVL restaurants — so many, in fact, that our city was recently highlighted in EatingWell magazine for its array of award-winning, farm-to-table-style spots.
Here are a few of our favorite farm-to-table eateries for grabbing a locally-sourced dinner:
Oak Hill Café and Farm, 2510 Poinsett Hwy.
Start with the farm salad for local greens + veggies grown on Oak Hill’s own farm, then grab the burger for an entree made with beef from Providence Farm in Anderson.
Bacon Bros Public House, 3620 Pelham Rd.
If you’re overwhelmed by all the options, Bacon Bros also offers a three course, prix fixe menu.
Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane Rd.
Specializing in local goods, you can order a freshly made meal from Swamp Rabbit’s Cafe, or pick up some local ingredients in its grocery store.
Farm Fresh Fast, 860 S. Church St.
From bison bolognese to a beef bulgogi bowl, Farm Fresh Fast has a variety of cuisines on its restaurant menu — and it offers a local subscription kit with weekly boxes of fully-prepped local meals.
Fork and Plough, 1629 E. North St.
To ensure they’re utilizing the freshest and most local ingredients, Fork & Plough’s menu changes daily. View today’s offerings here.
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Kitchen Sync, 1609 Laurens Rd.
Order the local rib pork chop for a dish with flavors as local as its ingredients, and pair it with one of the many local brews on tap.
The Anchorage, 586 Perry Ave.
Located in the heart of the Village of West Greenville, The Anchorage serves up small plates, craft cocktails, and sustainable wine.
Roost, 220 N. Main St.
For local views and local food, be sure to grab a seat outside on Roost’s covered patio.
Soby’s, 207 S. Main St.
Local fried green tomatoes topped with pimento cheese fondue? Yes, please.
Stella’s Southern Brasserie, 340 Rocky Slope Rd.
For local food with a not-so-local twist, check out the French-inspired menu at Stella’s.
CAMP, 2 E. Broad St. (Camperdown Plaza)
While CAMP’s menu is globally inspired, many of its ingredients come from right here in GVL.
Topsoil, 13 S. Main St., Travelers Rest
James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Adam Cooke designs Topsoil’s menu around what’s growing on its own 16-acre farm + at other small, local farms.
Restaurant 17, 10 Road of Vines, Travelers Rest
Restaurant 17 gathers its ingredients from farms + businesses across the Carolinas — take a look at their local partners here.
