Mayor says idea stemmed from summer ‘Meet and Eat’

A food truck experiment this summer lead to the mayor establishing a council this fall to continue work bringing affordable healthy food options for low-income families.

At the first meeting of his Madison Food Policy Council on Oct. 24, National Food Day, Mayor Paul Soglin made the opening statements explaining its importance.

“In terms of the farmers’ market, we have one of the best known markets in the world,” Soglin said. “When it comes to food policy, there is this enormous gap. I see that as an opportunity to take us to another level.”

The MFPC is an extension of the Dane County board. It joins the Dane County Food Council and Coalition, but aims more to answer the question of accessibility and affordability than connecting producers to buyers, which is the focus of the county’s council and coalition.

Madison’s east side continues to be a depository of chain restaurants. Will it ever be like its crosstown rival and have a Delaney’s? an Otto’s? an Eno Vino?

Joining the fray recently was Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. Since the Madison area hasn’t seen its likes, I thought I’d write a short review.

As part of the Seasonal Chefs Series at Monona Public Library, Chef Steven Buchholz, owner and chef at the east side's popular Crema Cafe, will demonstrate how to make some delightfully diverse salads for sizzling summer days.

The program is Wednesday, July 11, at 6 p.m., at the Monona Public Library, 1000 Nichols Road in Monona.

Free samples will be available.

Buchholz will also share tips on salad making and proper handling of produce. He will also answer questions from the audience.