Pop-up restaurants - temporary dining establishments that sprout in shops, factories, private homes and other unlikely or underutilized spaces - are a worldwide culinary phenomenon, and now Ranch Foods Direct is playing host to one of its own. Chef Kevin Campbell will be "popping in" to transform the Ranch Foods Direct store into an intimate dining spot starting in mid-January.
"It will be something totally new to Colorado Springs," the chef says. "I want it to be thought-provoking, an opportunity to really consider where food comes from, and how we handle it and prepare it."
"Think of it like this," he adds, "the chef will be in the dining room with you. I'll answer questions and participate in the conversation. This is all about building relationships and establishing a sense of community."
Groups or businesses can book parties of up to 20 at a time. Individual diners, couples or families are also encouraged to sign up.
Typical dinners will include three courses with lots of food served family style. Kevin plans to provide complimentary Colorado wines. "Come hungry - I like to feed people," he adds.
Kevin is taking reservations by phone or e-mail and plans to serve his first Ranch Foods Direct dinner on January 18. For the inaugural harvest table menu,
CLICK HERE.
Serving up food for thought
Pop-up restaurants have caught on due to the financial benefits of repurposing a space and the fun experiential nature of eating out in an unusual or unexpected atmosphere. One source of inspiration behind Kevin's new venure is Talula's Table, a gourmet food market and cheese shop in Pennsylvania that also hosts farm-to-table dinners.
Kevin plans a "rustic" casual vibe with prices in the affordable $40 to $60 per person range, which should draw a wide-ranging clientele to experience his inventive cuisine. (For example, his take on steak-and-eggs is a deep-fried "hush puppy"-like soft-boiled egg served over a slice of decadent prime rib.)
Dinners will feature many Ranch Foods Direct items, and diners will have the chance to purchase the ingredients before heading home. Like Ranch Foods Direct founder Mike Callicrate, this chef possesses what is sometimes described as a "radical" commitment to locally sourced, minimally processed food.
"This is something I believe in and am passionate about," he says.
CONTACT Kevin Campbell to make a reservation or for more details about dining at Ranch Foods Direct, by phone: 719-482-8082, or email: [email protected]
to visit the gorgeous Full Circle Cuisine website and learn all about this exciting new local food experience.
Also new in 2012...
Ranch Foods Direct "pay forward" cards allow you to contribute a donation to local charitable organizations every time you shop or dine at participating partner restaurants. Click on the card below for full details.
"Breaking through the barriers" was the conference theme; gaining access to the marketplace was the food panel's topic.
