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.
We’ll take the lot. | Photo by @swamprabbitcafe
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.
Big, beautiful, beef bulgogi | Photo by @farm_fresh_fast
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 .
Feat. Greenbrier Farms pork carnitas | Photo by @forkandplough
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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.
We’d give this a grade A. | Photo by @roostrestaurant @maxdinataledigital, and @saycurganphoto
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.
Farm-to-table, with a touch of elegance. | Photo by @campgvl
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
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